Deanna & Lucas | The Nunda Ranch Proposal
A beautiful sunset trail ride taking in every piece of breathtaking scenery The Nunda Ranch has to offer, but there’s a twist. There is a “branding photographer” waiting at the end to capture every moment of this adorable proposal.
When you receive a message from your past client about photographing a surprise proposal on the ranch she works for, is there really any other response aside from yes? Well, that is exactly what happened when Nicole reached out to grab coffee and chat about a gentleman looking to propose to his girlfriend during their trail ride at The Nunda Ranch in, you guessed it, Nunda, New York.
We sat down and Nicole began to share this beautiful concept with me. They weren’t local to the area, but Lucas knew this was the place he wanted to ask his girlfriend Deanna to spend the rest of her life with him. When Nicole reached out and shared that the original photographer was unable to make it that day, I understood that it was a sign I would have to make it work.
I mean come on, a beautiful horse farm, rolling hills, golden hour, horses and a couple in absolute love with one another? How could I refuse? Lucas and I had not shared a single exchange prior to my arrival and yet it felt like I was catching up with old friends. So how did we make having a professional photographer on the property during a romantic sunset trail ride seem completely normal?
The story was that I was a promotional photographer creating updated content for The Nunda Ranch website and social accounts. Honestly, it was foolproof as I love working with business owners on marketing photography projects. The entire team at the ranch pulled out all the stops from making a call to Lucas and Deanna mentioning that they had a photographer coming out the weekend of their trail ride and asked if they would mind me taking a few candid photos to advertise their sunset rides. They were more than happy to partake in a few photos, little did Deanna know that she would have images to look back on for many years to come.
The Nunda Ranch team cleared out a gorgeous spot in the meadows of the ranch overlooking a truly jaw dropping scene of trees, sun rays and rolling hills. As Nicole guided the couple towards their final destination, we began shooting as though it were a true candid branding session. Their horses came to a halt when they reached the opening and I took the lead from there introducing myself, asking if they minded a quick photo with the horses before they went back to the barn, and letting Lucas ask the big question.
So what was her response?
She said, yes!
The reaction Deanna had as Lucas began dropping down on one knee was comical and emotional at the same time. She jumped for joy as their ranch horses quietly observed, and just about tackled him to the ground before sharing an embrace that left the peanut gallery (the ranch team and myself), a little teary eyed.
After pulling away long enough to place the beautiful engagement ring on her left hand, Deanna went in for another embrace and Lucas had what I like to call, that classic 80’s rom com ending. He threw his arms up and celebrated the fact that he would in fact spend the rest of his life with a woman who had him smiling from the moment they came into my camera’s view.
As they took in this milestone, I couldn’t help but snap a few more photos and finally introduce myself officially to the newly engaged couple. Lucas had mentioned that he and I had never spoke prior and I don’t think I could count on one hand how many times he said thank you. But to share an honest secret, I absolutely adore photographing a proposal and actually do not typically charge someone to have their big moment documented.
I have sat on the side of a rainy snowboarding hill, dressed in camouflage in the middle of the woods, did my thing a mountain in Montana, faked model call sessions, and even decorated a barn in double digit negative degree weather all for the sake of love.
Without fail, I always walk away from proposals with a huge smile on my face and excitement to see what the world has in store for each couple. Please enjoy a few additional portraits of Lucas & Deanna celebrating in the meadows of The Nunda Ranch.
"Engagement marks the end of a whirlwind romance and beginning of an eternal love story." — Rajeev Ranjan
Did you know The Nunda Ranch offers guided trail rides through the countryside, vacation rentals as well as weddings & events?
Click HERE to learn more about scheduling your trip out to the ranch and experience what this stunning region has to offer!