We are currently living through a very difficult time in this nation. Most non essential business’ are closed, including our own photography studio. Our children have almost finished their first week of remote learning from home, and the numbers of new cases of coronavirus continues to rise on a daily basis.
However, about a month and a half ago, before the coronavirus had even really surfaced on our radar, we had been hired to photograph a surprise proposal on Saturday March 14th at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas.
The week of the proposal, things started to change in our world. Groups over 10 were not allowed to meet, all of our photography sessions had called to cancel (even outdoor sessions of less than four!), and we were starting to worry that things were really changing in our world.
The only person who did not want to cancel his session was a young man set to propose to his girlfriend. His surprise engagement party after the proposal had been canceled, family and friends scheduled to come in to town had to cancel their travel plans, and with each day that passed our government put more and more regulations in place for our safety. By the time Saturday March 14th came in to view, restaurants and bars were closed (except for drive-thru or pick up) and everyone was unsure what might happen next.
Aaron’s heart was set on the proposal date, and since it was an outdoor proposal, and we would be photographing from a safe distance, we knew we could safely still do our job for this couple and their families.
The first image below tells a great story. Imagine your boyfriend insisting you two go downtown on a Saturday morning during the start of a quarantine? Literally everything is closed! I had planned to do a romantic photo of them walking to the square together, hand in hand, but Aaron’s finance Kelsey was understandably upset when they arrived, unsure of why they just had to be out during a time like this.
My husband and I had shared a laugh while we were waiting for them to arrive because he couldn’t imagine trying to get me out of the house during a time like this.
The streets were empty, all of the stores and restaurants were closed and a security was on guard the entire time. Luckily we had the required permit to be photographing in Sundance Square, as this was a day of all day to follow all the rules.
You will notice however that once Aaron takes her to the middle of the deserted Sundance Square (and how romantic and rare is that!? Sundance is never this empty!) and starts to profess his love, her smile lit up his world and the rest as they say… is history.
Xavier and I felt truly blessed to be able to be a part of this very special proposal during these very uncertain times. We hope you enjoy!
If you would like to see more from this session, please enjoy this youtube video which showcases more images from this day.
XanZo Gallery is a Fort Worth photography studio! We would love to work with you on any type of photography project, even during a virus crisis. 🙂
The studio and meeting area for XanZo Gallery is operated out of Photos On The Vine in historic Handley Fort Worth. Xavier and Patrice teach and host photography classes throughout the year at Photos On The Vine.