Spring has sprung here in Charleston and in perfect timing for Andrew’s sweet southern proposal at Magnolia Plantation!  It was so great to be back to this gorgeous property with Propose Charleston.  Jena is an insanely talented Proposal Planner here in Charleston.  Andrew shared a vision for his bended knee moment and Jena coordinated all the behind the scenes details.

Location scouting to floral design to furniture selecting, Jena does it all!

With each proposal of Jen’s that I photograph, I see more and more clearly the value she brings to the big bended knee moment.  Andrew shared his vision and location ideas and together came up with the perfect location.  Jena even had Andrew send over Marla’s Pinterest profile so that she could get a sense of Marla’s style!  Jena scouted the Summer Lawn for the bended knee moment and champagne toast to follow.  The funniest part is that I’ve been to Magnolia so many times and don’t even know if I’ve ever walked by the Summer Lawn!  It’s framed with Azaleas in full bloom with the most beautiful Live Oak tree in the middle of it all!

It’s all in the details!

Jena chose two gorgeous blush and gold chairs from Adorn Charleston with beautiful nesting tables for their champagne toast.  Fast forward to after the proposal, the chairs were perfect, giving Marla a moment to take in the huge surprise … and call her sweet parents!  The chairs were styled with two statement floral installations created by the ever talented floral designer, Stephanie Gibbs Events!  The chairs, champagne table, and florals created the perfect proposal setting!!

She said YES!

When Andrew arrived to Magnolia Plantation, he received a special map with the exact proposal location marked.  As they turned the corner to walk across the lawn, I began photographing … and oh my heavens, Marla’s reaction was THE BEST EVER!  I will never forget her smile as she realized Andrew was pulling out a ring and dropping to one knee!  After she said Yes! she immediately hugged Andrew and it wasn’t until then that she took a closer look at the ring … and THAT was the best reaction!  You’ll see photos below of her stunning emerald engagement ring that made her scream for joy!

There’s nothing like that just engaged smile!

Marla was seriously surprised and didn’t see this proposal coming!  And that just engaged smile made photographing these two a breeze!  After each proposal I love taking my couples for a quick mini-engagement session.  We had so much fun walking through the gardens where I styled them with some of the prettiest Azaleas I’ve seen in Charleston to date!

Getting to know Marla and Andrew during  this  time was so sweet, too!  Marla is also an NC State Grad AND they are both from Eastern North Carolina!  (I spent my childhood years growing up outside of Greenville, NC and went to school in Kinston, NC!)  It’s such a small world and those little connections (like realizing we have the exact same Alumnae ring!) that made their proposal so special!

Marla + Andrew: Cheers to this season of planning forever together!  What an absolute honor to photograph your stunning (and perfect!) proposal during your getaway to Charleston!

xo,
Jen

CREATIVE TEAM:

Proposal Location: Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC || Planning + Design: Propose Charleston || Florals: Stephanie Gibbs Events || Rentals: Adorn Charleston || Photographer: Jen Keys Photography || Engagement Ring: Diamonds Direct