Two of my closest friends got engaged to each other this past month.  We’ve known each other for just a few years, but have gone through volumes and volumes of personal struggles, failures, and triumphs together.  I was there in the beginning of their relationship, completely oblivious of their courtship.  Now I had the honor of being the only witness of their beautiful and intimate proposal.

It started when Tony called me a few weeks ago to tell me his plans of surprising Trinh with a lifestyle session where she goes to Optometry school in Philly.  A week later, he called again to reveal that he was actually going to propose in the middle of their session and enlisted my help to set it up.  How thoughtful is that?  Little did Trinh know, their lifestyle session was Tony’s ingenious idea to coverup the proposal, and have it documented at the same time.

To say that their love is passionate is an understatement.  Simply put, they love hard.  No matter the tribulations, they continue to make it work to be with each other.  Sometimes their moments are full of laughter, sometimes their moments are subtle and quiet.  It’s obvious that Tony adores Trinh for everything she is.  One bat of the eyes and he’s happily smitten all over again.  They count on each other for total support even when they don’t always agree.  Two completely different halves, one perfect whole.

I love surprising people and can come up with so many scenarios to execute a surprise.  I’m not a very good liar, but I have very tight lips.  After an emergency change of flight, I left for the airport to Philly with two hours notice.  At that moment, I thought to myself, this is the exact lifestyle I want — to pack my bags and leave for some destination whenever, to wherever.  And yes, I do work for good food and company!  Mmmm… I’m still thinking about Pat’s cheesesteaks, Korean food, and board games every night.  Catan rematch, guys?

We started at the park to get them warmed up and mushy.  Some of my favorite relaxed moments…

We had to bust out the wine to loosen them up.  Relaxation straight out of a glass bottle.

Right before he proposed, Tony read Trinh a poem he wrote…

I do…

An emotional Tony and Trinh…

This has to be my favorite picture.  It’s SO them.  Happy, giddy, goofy, and totally into each other.

Click to view the slideshow.  Music by Francesca Battistelli.