Abby said YES!

The stars aligned and I was able to document Patrick proposing to Abby Saturday night! He told her he was taking her to dinner, as it was actually her 26th birthday! I happened to run into our friends at the location who were able to serve as a decoy in front of me AND Shannon so sweetly recorded it for them!

She thought the bag was her bday gift. Nope. Sure was holding a tiny box instead! 😍

Naturally, the crowd cheered for them! Even on the restaurant patio!

Basically for the next few hours all the words Abby could get out were, “What’s happening? I’m so confused! Is this real?” So ya, I’d say she was surprised!

Patrick was filled with equal parts excitement and relief. 🤣

He turned her and was like, Melanie over there was here for us! She was so damn cute!

“I’m just so confused!!”

Gawking over the ring while the right hand continues to be in a shaking state of confusion. 😆

  😍😍😍

The crowd parted for us to get a few shots of the future bride and groom!

Her first time showing off the ring as one of the bystanders pulled over like, “show me the ring, girl!!!” 😍

She still thought she was there for a birthday dinner at Prima Vista, which they were already way “late” for, so I told her I’d snap a few portraits and let them get on their way!

“Is this really happening???”

But really I was leaving to skirt downtown to the surprise engagement party!! To add to the confusion was the amount of lies she was consistently being fed by all of us to redirect her. 😆 She was told she was eating dinner at like 3 different places all within one hour.😳

She just kept seeing each new face in shock and awe of them showing up for her! Causing more and more tears.

Total tears. 😍

You know you’re good people when you have a tribe this ecstatic for you!!

How are you so pretty while sobbing?!?!!

The moment she saw me. “WAIT MELANIE IS EVEN HERE TOO??!” 🙌🏼

Sisters! (And brother!) Hard to see, but all 3 of them had tears running.

Love this.

Freshly engaged sisters! How sweet! Good luck Joanie and Dr. Rob!

I was just snapping reactions and Mama happened to look right at me so gorgeously!!!

Those Engelhardt genes, man!! Mary, you’re as beautiful as ever!

You did it, Patrick! (And Joanie!) Well done! I’m sure breathing is much easier today. 😭 She was genuinely the most shocked I’ve ever seen while shooting a proposal! I’m glad I was there for it, what fun memories! CONGRATS and what a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And happy wedding planning!!! (But first enjoy Europe!!) Thanks again, Shannon, for being my wingman and accepting the responsibility of recording for them!

Heart, Melanie