These guys… A simple phone call from Joey started it all. He was going to be kinda close to where I live for a few days and wondered if we could maybe capture some sweet pictures of asking Julianna to marry him. Of course I was instantly in, especially since there’s a connection between Joey and I. We grew up in the same place. My wife actually taught him Karate as a young fella before he went off and started his pro tennis career.
I unknowingly had early stages of my first ever dose of Covid during this session but it didn’t deter me at all (don’t worry, these guys didn’t get it… Phew). I had no idea this was the start of one of the hardest stretches of my professional life. Everything I had worked so hard for leading up to this day was about to be decimated by a humongous Covid inspired downturn in the wedding industry – but that’s a story for another time. I do remember feeling like I had the best job in the world up there with these guys in the warm glow of the sunset. I had never felt a level of confidence in my work before like that day.
Sometimes you just know what you’re doing is special and nothing gets in the way. This was one of those times. I often think about my work and the value people get from the moments that find their way into my camera. I’m constantly thinking about making meaningful work, not just pretty stuff. I love the way this reflects the actual day. Julianna had no idea this was happening. As far as she knew it was just a few chill couples photos up on the hill at Kimo. When I look back through the images, I get goosebumps. It was truly surreal just standing there as the sun set in exactly the right place while Joey got down on one knee…
