I’ve know Rich for about five years now. Last fall, when I saw on Facebook that he had a girlfriend, and they kept posting photos…and new profile photos… and another one…I had a feeling that she was a keeper! ;) So, much to my surprise and delight, I got a text message from Rich a few weeks back, asking about my availability to photograph his proposal of marriage to Julia!!! Of course, I had to say yes. Not to mention his plan was to propose at the famous High Trestle Trail Bridge (just outside of Madrid, Iowa). I’d driven past it many times with friends, but never had made my way over to the actual bridge. It was so fun for me to go out there for my first time, just days before the proposal, to scout out the area.

Julia and Rich's story is one of my favorites! They actually met because Julia moved to teach in Atlantic, Rich’s hometown. Meanwhile, Rich (who lives in Nebraska) had been set up on a blind double-date during a trip home. It was fine, but sparks didn’t fly. The group headed back to the other couples’ home—where Rich briefly met his date’s roommate (JULIA!!!!). He definitely thought she was cute! But nothing happened that night.

After months of not talking, Rich called (called!! men, take notes!) Julia out of the blue and asked her out to dinner. She accepted, and they had a fun -but slightly awkward- first date. Neither one really knew the other, but they hit it off enough to keep talking. And dating. And falling in love. 

That brings us to last weekend. Early on in dating, Rich knew that Julia was the woman for him. So he dropped the idea of going on a picnic date at the High Trestle Trail sometime when it was warmer. Julia agreed to the idea, and not long ago, he suggested this weekend. Although Julia is getting over mono and dealing with lower energy than normal, they made it to the picnic spot. Ate a late lunch. And continued walking to the bridge, hand in hand. After walking a ways down the bridge, the headed back towards the trail and town. But they turned around one last time to check out the view. And in that moment, Rich got down on one knee...

The next two photos turned out to be my favorites from the whole day! The one below is Rich shouting, "SHE SAID YES!!!" and the next one is classic , excited "them." :)