Jack Proposed to Jill

When Jack met her for the first time, he asked her to repeat her name. “It’s Jill,” she said. He couldn’t believe it. Jack and Jill. Nine months after meeting her, he knew he had to marry her. He started planning the perfect proposal six months ago, even sending back the engagement ring he had custom-made, because it wasn’t just right.

They were planning a trip to Victoria from their home in Dallas, Texas. Jack was researching places to propose in Victoria and came across a blog post I wrote about photographing your marriage proposal. He contacted me about capturing THE moment for them, and together we worked out a plan.

I stopped at their hotel on my way to Beacon Hill Park to pick up a copy of “Jack & Jill” magazine, a popular children’s publication in the USA. Jack often leaves copies of it with Jill’s morning coffee to let her know he’s thinking of her. He spent hours designing one of his own, with them in wedding attire on the cover. And with Jill’s little dog Jackson too.

I staked out a bench by the big stone bridge that Jack and I had prearranged I would set out the magazine for Jill to find. At 10:30am, I left the magazine and by chance, I crossed paths with them on the bridge. I pretended to ignore them. I ducked into the gardens across the pond from the bench to capture the action. Jack used his video camera to be sure the magazine was in place, then walked toward the bench. I could hear her squeal of surprise from across the water when she saw it.  Then came THE moment.

After they had some time to themselves, we met on the bridge. I admit I nearly started to cry when I finally met them in person for the first time and Jack gave me a hug. Of course, I had to hug Jill too. Such a wonderful moment! We spent the next hour taking some engagement portraits around the park.

We had to get some shots by the giant watering can in the park … you know, in keeping with the whole Jack and Jill theme.

Jill was completely surprised by the proposal. While she hoped he would propose, she was convinced Jack would not ask her on this trip. How could he get the ring across the border? How could he keep it hidden from her in their suitcase? She thought it would come another way. In the end, it was a perfect proposal. And a perfect ending to the nursery rhyme.

Thank you, Jack, for this incredible opportunity. And congratulations again to you both. You two were truly the happiest couple in Victoria that day, and one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. All the best!