Erik and Macy - the proposal

There are quite a few things you could do to start off 2011 well. You can throw a big party for your friends, eat well, start losing weight, go on an amazing vacation. Last week I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to witness and photograph one of the very best ways to kick off a new year—a proposal.

I received a phone call last Wednesday morning from a friend at the Hyatt who said she had a customer who needed a photographer that afternoon. Something about how he was proposing to his girlfriend on the beach. Of course I was in, I told her. Ultimate photojournalist challenge.

At 4:30 I headed down to the Lone Eagle Grille and proceeded to pretend I was just taking pictures of the sunset while lingering nearby. Erik and Macy sat on a picnic table quietly, talking and cuddling in the chilly air, watching the sun set over Tahoe.

When they got up to walk around, he threw a snowball, they stood next to this funny half-melted snowman, etc. (I could tell he was nervous from my spot 20 yards away! Adorable.) Then he knelt down.

He pulled out a little box; at first she was in shock—then she said yes.

We did a mini-engagement session after the shock wore off a little. Both are originally from Florida; this was Macy's first time in Tahoe, a Christmas gift from Erik.

What an amazing first couples' session of 2011. I had never witnessed a proposal—personally or professionally—and the emotions were overwhelming. The love just flowed from these two, sweet, deep and strong. They are incredibly lucky, and so am I for having witnessed their moment.

Here's to Macy and Erik: best of luck, you two; happy new year to all. 2011 is going to be a good one.