Haley + Grace | Baker Beach, San Francisco Proposal
Let me just say that Haley and Grace are wonderful people individually. They are both so fun to be around and are very caring to their core. I’ve known Haley for years before we moved to separate parts of the country. She is one of my best friends and we’ve pretty much always been in constant contact since Freshman year of high school. When she told me about Grace, she had this confidence in her voice when she talked about her that I knew Grace was the one for her. Since being together, they have helped me through so much but have also made me laugh ‘til I cried.
When Haley told me she wanted me to come photograph her proposal while they were on vacation, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind I was going to be there. The thing was that her dates of being on vacation were extremely close to mine. She was headed to California for their anniversary and the day after her plan to propose, I had a ticket for Australia. We still decided to make it happen because well - I wasn’t going to miss this. Time came closer and Haley started browsing for my flight from Denver to San Francisco. We started checking weather and realized there was a huge storm in the west. Flights were canceled and we started considering all options. I had a few photographer friends in San Francisco that I reached out to. Haley had backup photographers but still wanted me over everyone else. I felt extremely special but also a little terrified of even having everything fall into place. At this point there was only one flight left heading out from Denver. Nothing else was available after all the cancellations. I thought okay - this is still happening no matter what. WE ARE DETERMINED. Can I drive to Utah and fly out from there? It was decided that I was going to take the remaining flight from Denver and we’d see what would happen. It actually never got canceled, wow.
The evening came, and to no surprise, the plane was very empty. I’m keeping an eye on the weather, expectations low. Then the flight takes off and lands successfully! In the meantime, Haley and Grace’s flight from back east had been majorly delayed. Haley had been texting me the whole time. Grace adjusted comfortably while Haley freaked out trying not to show it. In the end we were all in San Fran at the same time just very ready for the proposal to happen at this point. We had decided on a location that I had photographed at before. Haley had seen photos of my previous work there and knew this is what she wanted. After spending the night in the beautiful city and having peaceful hikes to myself, UBER picked me up and took me to Baker Beach where I was to photograph them. I even drew a route on a map for Haley to follow to the exact spot.
As I wait on the beach in my black hoodie, I’m not noticing how creepy I really look. I’m just hanging out watching the waves crash waiting for Haley and Grace to arrive. When they do - I have my spot and camera ready. What was really funny was that when they finally walked by, Grace pointed out a creepy person over there. Yep. It was me. But she didn’t know it. Finally, they climb up some rocks and get to a bridge view. Grace is on her phone taking pictures of Haley who is posing it up. I’m down below laughing so hard with the waves drowning out my laughter. I have enough distance to where it looks like I’m a stranger photographing the bridge. Haley finally gets down on one knee and pulls out the ring. Grace was fully surprised not having any idea what was going on. SUCCESS!
They enjoyed their moments together while I am jumping with joy. Grace eventually looks over and throws her hands up at me. She could have easily found out and this whole trip had plenty of chances of getting screwed up. It ended up being so perfect. We enjoyed the rest of Baker Beach by the water and laughed about all the things unnoticed by Grace.
They have the cutes matching tattoos on their wrist. Haley with the bee and Grace with a flower.
We’re just having fun and giggling while I’m not even really posing them. I mentioned to Haley to be careful of her shoes getting wet since she didn’t want to get her feet sandy. She said she didn’t care if they did. La-dee-da-de-dah, still walking along. Just letting ‘em appreciate the day and then..LOL
I’ll forever remember this trip. Such happiness and thrill. I think it was a great way to start their journey of marriage together and another adventure to add to our friendship.
