A Surprise Proposal at Fat Ox | Scottsdale, AZ
Chris and Johanna got engaged surrounded by loved ones in Paradise Valley, Arizona—
This is one of my favorite proposals I’ve ever had the honor of photographing, largely because I really just got to play fly on the wall while excitement and emotion and sweet human connection flowed all around me! Chris invited me to be part of this moment a few months back, and as the day approached, shared his plans with me— he’d reserved the back patio at Fat Ox, a local favorite restaurant for him and Johanna here in Scottsdale! He’d invited all her closest friends to join, and as we discussed the options they had for the actual proposal, it became so clear that the most special way for this moment to go down would be in front of all their people.
I arrived to the restaurant a few minutes ahead of Chris and Johanna to meet their friends, all anxiously awaiting the couple’s arrival. I blended in with the servers (I am so glad I felt compelled to dress in all black on this particular evening 😂) as the two arrived. Johanna turned the corner and saw everyone there excitedly waiting, as well as a few bottles of bubbly and candles on the floor, marking the perfect spot. She quickly realized all that was happening, and turned to Chris in absolute awe, finding him down on one knee, asking her to be his forever. Champagne was popped and hugs were shared and happy tears were cried! As Chris and I were hammering out the logistics of the proposal, he did make a point to mention how much he and Johanna would value more candid, documentary photos of them getting engaged (of course), and then celebrating with their loved ones after, as opposed to the moment turning into a big photo production. I love his vision ;)
And so, this is what I got to do— take a step back as these two got engaged on a warm February evening in Scottsdale! I got to capture the genuine surprise on Johanna’s face, the loving glances of their friends, the tears, and the sweet candlelit dinner that followed. I think the coolest thing about all this was Johanna realizing all these people showed up to celebrate her and Chris, some coming from out of town to partake in the evening. I am so happy with how these all turned out!
I do also have to shout out the incredible team at Fat Ox. I’ve had the honor of photographing dozens of proposals at this point, each of them looking a little different. Many of these happen at local businesses, hotels, restaurants, etc. that require some extra logistical fine tuning. I’ve had some really incredible experiences, and some sub par ones too. This was maybe my best. I, as well as the couple, were so well taken care of by the staff of this restaurant. My job was made so completely seamless because of the preparation and professionalism shown by the Fat Ox team! If you are looking to get engaged in Scottsdale, and this type of cozy dinner vibe matches your vision, I highly recommend considering Fat Ox. That, and maybe consider hiring me to document it all ;)
LOOKING FOR A SCOTTSDALE PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER? EXPLORE OUR PACKAGES AND INQUIRE WITH US!
Hello! We’re Katie & Joseph, a husband and wife team, and Scottsdale wedding photographers.
We love our job because we get a unique, intimate, deep dive into a couple’s life that not many others get to see. We make close friendships with our couples, and these days, often end up working with them from their proposal, to their wedding, and in all the milestones that come after.
We are big fans of documenting wedding days in an unposed, raw, genuine, and honest way that allows our couples to maximize their experience on their day while also receiving a gallery full of stunning images that communicate how it felt to be there.
When we’re not photographing weddings, we take on a limited number of other sessions, our favorite being proposals. We love to work with our couples to plan every detail and capture the moment with a documentary flair!
Though we’re based in Arizona, we’ll travel anywhere for a good love story (and dance party). We invite you to follow the links below to learn more about us and our services, and to get in contact with us!
