Why do my shoots fall on crazy blizzard days instead of the crazy tropical days that precede them? Whatever the reason, the chilly weather gets my couples to snuggle a little tighter and laugh with the right amount of shiver in their smiles. This was the certainly the case last Friday when I got to be sneaky and photograph Lake’s proposal to Skyler at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
With the cold weather and having checked off so much already that day, Lake’s mom texted me to move the shoot up. I was already driving around the area and got myself ready.
As planned, Lake and Skyler came down the steps when Lake stopped and pulled out a ring. Lake’s mother and sister were standing behind me. I love Skyler’s huge grin to them when she sees what’s happening.
Lake had the weekend off from his Coast Guard station in AC. His mother, sister, and Skyler drove up from Florida to visit him in Philadelphia. The plan was to check out classic Philly – they had gotten a cheesesteak earlier in the day and were seeing the Liberty Bell later.
Skyler models in Florida and was clearly a natural in front of the camera. Since she’s a Florida native, she didn’t have any gloves. She was freezing the whole time but at least we had access to that stunning ring!
Lake had given her a promise ring a few years ago. It was a mini version of the stunner she now has on her left hand. She checked out the ring a million times and showed it off to a friend who called during the shoot.
They are high school sweethearts. The two met three years ago when her brother transferred to Lake’s school to play baseball. Lake was also on the team. They hit it off at a Chik-Fil-A date and bowling and have been together since. He loves how supportive she is.
Since Lake isn’t from the area, we worked together to come up with the plan. He originally suggested the Magic Gardens or the Liberty Observation Deck. I think he made the right decision with the Magic Gardens. “Magic” is the perfect word for this place of wonderful nooks and crannies and so much that glitters and glistens (though nothing so much as that ring!). She was proud for him for hiring a photographer for the proposal. What a man! 
She plans to move up to the area after she graduates in May. They hadn’t seen each other since December. We got to play around inside the Magic Gardens and winding our way through the neighborhood around South Street.
I am sure this week has been crazy for them both! Congratulations again!
“Home is wherever you leave everything you love and never question it will be there when you return.”
~ Leo Christopher
