It was easy for him to talk about her, his words rolling off his lips like the beat of a rich cadence. John couldn't slow the stream of respect, love, and admiration for his girlfriend, Sherri. Besides being beautiful and kind, John described the role she played in his life. Sherri was the leader of his supporting cast, which mostly meant she believed in his dreams and aspirations as if they were her own.

A couple years ago, they met for their first date at Golden Gardens in Seattle. Over Chinese take-out and a gorgeous water view, they spoke about what they wanted. From life, from careers, and–mostly–from love. Their candor drew them together from day one and they have remained each others' staunchest supporters ever since.

It seemed befitting for John to return to Golden Gardens to meet Sherri where it all began for them. With a diamond ring tucked in his jacket pocket, John held Sherri's hand as they walked on the water's edge and he pledged his undying love. When John got down on one knee for his marriage proposal, she immediately said YES.

It's always an honor to document love, but there's something incredible about that moment when two lives become forever changed. Being in Seattle to document this proposal was incredibly moving and this couple deserves nothing but a lifetime (and then some) of happiness…

John planned a day full of surprises for Sherri. It started off with breakfast together to celebrate her belated birthday, but he planted various notes around Seattle (with her hair stylist, with a sales associate at Nordstrom, at their home), which eventually led her to the place of their first date. Single men, if you're looking for awesome proposal ideas, John's full of them!

Sherri, of course, said YES!

When John contacted me regarding plans for his marriage proposal, I was beyond honored. John and I first met when he worked at creativeLIVE, an amazing online education hub where I was an instructor. Always smiling and willing to help, John and I quietly connected. He mentioned his girlfriend watched while I taught online (even though she's an interior designer, and not a photographer) and she liked my approach to branding small businesses. Over the years Sherri followed my work, so when it came time to ask for her hand in marriage, John asked me to document it. In addition to surprising her with a engagement ring, he admitted I was hiding in an nearby thicket…then pointed to me…this was her reaction…

After John's marriage proposal on the beach, we ventured into nearby brush for a few photos together…the first photos of them being able to call each other their fiancé.

The best thing about beaches in Seattle is that they're filled with brush and trees…just a few feet from the water, we ventured onto a small thicket of trees (literally popping out of the sand)…and found amazing light.

John, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your proposal…it was an honor. Really.

Just a short walk from the beach sat an empty pier, so we enjoyed the beautiful views. Well, I enjoyed the views…the couple enjoyed each other.

I'll end on this photo because this is how they ended their day together. At sunset. Along the water. And in love.

Happy Monday!