how they asked: As a photographer myself, I have discovered many fellow photographers that I have come to admire. At the top of my list is the fabulous Janelle Sutton. This past Valentine’s day I was scrolling through instagram and saw she was having a giveaway for one lucky couple to win a free photo shoot. I screamed a lot and instantly texted Andy saying “We are entering this NOW”. Of course he gave me a hard time because I have dragged him on God knows how many photo shoots. We ended up spending our Friday night on the couch writing our letter to Janelle explaining how we met and how far we have come together since we first started dating years ago. Our odds to win were slim because so many people liked the post, but I thought it would be worth a try. One week later on our 5 year anniversary, it happened. I got an email from Janelle titled “I choose YOU!” Andy said that I almost made him crash his car because I screamed so loud. Fast forward a few months of searching for outfits and making plans for the big day. Before we know it July 26th shows up; we pick up Janelle from the airport and have an AMAZING chat at Starbucks. I was completely starstruck with the opportunity to meet Janelle that I didn’t even consider the possibility that something else could be going on. The photoshoot begins and I couldn’t be more excited. I am in my favorite city with my favorite person and my favorite photographer is taking photos of us. DREAM COME TRUE!
The first half of the photoshoot flew by and we headed to the Milwaukee Art Museum to meet a few of Janelle’s videographers to make a promotional video. She asked us to write love letters to each other to read during the video in order to capture our reactions.
We were back to back reading our letters when I began tearing up reading what my sweet boyfriend had to say to me. As I read more my heart and mind began to race, the camera stopped clicking, and I finish reading Andy’s letter.
I look over at Janelle and she tells me to turn around and in that moment my whole world stops when I find Andy on one knee.
I have been waiting to say “yes” to this man for quite some time and the moment was finally here!
I instantly broke down.
As I am taking this all in, Janelle and my new fiance explain to me that the whole giveaway was meant for us to win. Andy contacted Janelle a year and a half ago with this grand scheme.
The contest and every little detail of our special day was planned by Andy. Perhaps the most clever aspect of this proposal was that I felt like I was planning this whole adventure: the day we would meet with Janelle, the photoshoot locations, and he even convinced me to wear a some white. I had no idea that I was actually “planning” my own engagement photos. Each time I tell the story to family and friends I get more surprised that he was able to pull this all off. Leave it to Andy to surround this important day with photography. Still trying to wrap my head around the best day of my life and I couldn’t be more thankful! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him!
Photos by Janelle Elise Photography