Courtney and Jamie, where do I start with these two… I’ve known them both for a while now. I remember early last year we were sitting around a table at a bar one night. Somehow the conversation shifted to us joking about when they were going to get engaged. I remember making an offhanded cheeky remark like “When you two get engaged please let me take your photos!” because I’ve always thought they were such a gorgeous couple with the coolest genuine connection. Turns out Jamie took note of what I said, and a few months ago I get an email from him detailing his secret plans of proposing to Courtney and how he wanted me along to document the whole thing.
Now I have to take my hat off to Jamie – he really is a true romantic. I think the lengths he went to in carefully and thoughtfully planning and executing his proposal really showcases the kind of love they share.
Fast forward to the day of the event. Jamie has told Courtney they are going out to a nice lunch in Taupo. On the way he turns off to Whakaipo Bay – a place that holds a special part in their story together. Fairy lights mark the path to a beautifully laid picnic on the shores of Lake Taupo. Everything is in place and I am hiding in the bushes waiting for them both to arrive. I’m kneeling in the mud trying to stay hidden behind branches and bush – my heart is beating loud in my chest. I hear them approaching and see Courtney’s face light up as she sees the picnic Jamie has laid out for her. They are both grinning from ear to ear and Courtney wipes a tear from her eye. Everything unfolds beautifully from there on and (of course!) Courtney says yes.
Courtney and Jamie, thank you both for having me along to witness and document such a special chapter in your lives, it was truely an honour.
