It's pretty rare for me to get a request for a family session in mid-summer. Richmond swelters in July, and there aren't many families with the desire to brave the humidity. 

However, when Dave contacted me with a scheme up his sleeve, I was more than willing to help him. His plan was to use an evening family session as a cover for a surprise marriage proposal. 

I managed not to spill the beans to Melissa, even through constant communication with her, and met Dave, Melissa, and Joshua at Brown's Island on Thursday evening. I love Brown's Island in the afternoon/evening and we found lots of lush spots that contrasted with the old iron train trestles and bridges.

We wandered around the island getting family shots, then decided to go out on the old train trestle over the river, where Dave and Melissa have some history. Dave worked up the courage to put his plan in motion and I got a few more family shots.

The trestle is a gorgeous spot, and absolutely perfect for a proposal. Dave pulled Joshua aside to tell him what he intended to do, and to ask him to be part of it. Joshua was clearly excited about the prospect of having Melissa join their family on a permanent basis, and was definitely interested in participating.

Even though Dave and Joshua's conversation was less than 10 feet away, and even though Joshua yelled "DID YOU HEAR THAT, MISSY??" Melissa had no idea that Dave was about to propose. It probably helped that the James River was roaring right under our feet.

To say Melissa was surprised would be a major understatement, but she immediately said yes to both of them, and put on the ring without dropping it through the planks of the platform.

We wandered a little bit more around the island while the shock and adrenaline wore off, and got some more photos of this fun, happy family, and even got a friendly horn blast from a passing CSX train conductor.

I was so thrilled and honored to be part of such an awesome evening, and to be able to capture the next step for this family. Congratulations to some of my very favorite people! I love you guys!