A Windy, Wild, and Totally Unforgettable Proposal Near Lake Chelan
Some days don't go according to plan, and those end up being the ones I remember most.
Wine Tasting in Chelan, Then On to Earthlight Villas
Keon had been planning this for months. With help from KT's best friend Ryann, who reached out to get everything set up (Ryann, you're an absolute gem), the day started with wine tasting in downtown Chelan. From there, the plan was to head to Earthlight Villas, a stunning Airbnb tucked into the hills above the Columbia River near Orondo, for the big moment.
An Unexpected Detour
My GPS had other plans.
What was supposed to be a quick drive turned into miles of dirt backroads through wheat fields: potholes, blind hills, the kind of drops that give you butterflies, usually from nerves, not Google Maps. I started wondering if I'd accidentally turned onto someone's private farm.
Then the road crested a hill, and there it was: golden fields rolling down toward the river, mountains stacked along the horizon, not another building in sight. Worth every pothole.
The Proposal
The wind had ideas of its own too. It was raging the second I stepped out of the car, and the sun was high and bright, which isn't usually the soft light I chase. But Keon got down on one knee anyway, and KT's hands flew straight to her face. In that moment, none of that mattered.
Close up of the engagement ring just after the proposal
Golden Hour at Earthlight Villas
After the "yes" (obviously), we spent the rest of the late afternoon wandering the property: through the wheat, along the ridge, and of course, the iconic swing that looks like it belongs in a painting. The wind kept tangling KT's hair into every shot, and honestly? It made the photos better. Movement, energy, real life. That's what I want people to feel when they look back at these.
By the time our session ended, we were all a little windburned, a little dusty from the drive, and completely floored by how perfect the whole thing turned out anyway.
Couple pushing together on a swing overlooking the river valley
Keon, KT, thank you for trusting me with this one. And Ryann, thank you for making it all happen behind the scenes. Here's to many more wine tasting days in Chelan together.
Planning Your Own Proposal or Engagement Session?
If you're planning a proposal, an anniversary session, or just want photos that feel like you (windy hair, big skies, dirt roads and all), I'd love to be part of the story. Take a look at my portrait photography services for session details and pricing, or read more real client stories on the journal. Want to know more about who's behind the camera? Check out my story.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's talk about your session.