A Nautical Engagement Session

 

Allyson & Cortlen

How They Met

friends and family proposal nautical engagement session

We both worked part time at a store called Hollister Co while we both went to CSU Monterey Bay. One day, I went into the store to take some time off for the upcoming holidays, and I literally picked a random number off the employee call list – the number just happened to be Cortlen’s. He was a sweetie, and he took a few shifts off my hands; when I returned from Christmas break, I did the same for him. Since we continued to trade back and forth – we never worked together! We just kept texting each other back and forth for at least a solid 4 months, and eventually we just decided to meet in person! When we met for lunch, I was so nervous because I never expected him to be so handsome. As we talked, we clicked pretty instantaneously…best date ever.

The Proposal

friends and family proposal nautical engagement session

I wanted to propose to her in front of her friends and family so they could be included in the moment.  This was a big deal for me, since public displays of affection were not something I was known for, and she enjoyed my moments of spontaneous displays of affection. Her birthday weekend was the perfect way to celebrate, as well as hide any anxiety about popping the question.  Also, I was afraid that if I held onto the ring any longer, she would find it.   The restaurant is a local favorite in Carmel.  It was known for being a great place to socialize with friends, which accommodated my idea perfectly.

friends and family proposal nautical engagement session

On the way there, she noticed something was up, I was driving slow and killing time (which I was). When we finally got to the restaurant, we walked in and “SURPRISE!!”  All of her friends and her parents were there waiting for us.  She was in shock since she had never been thrown a surprise anything.  The lunch went on and everyone was having a good time.  Then it was present time.  After she had opened all of her gifts from her friends, it was time for mine.  I stood behind her chair while she opened it.  As she pulled the little wooden box out of the bag, she turned around and there I was, on one knee in front of everyone.  I took her hand with the box in them, and asked her if she would marry me.  She was so taken aback that she asked, “Are you sure?”.  Obviously, I was.  She said yes and everyone cheered!  Her parents, who were very excited, bought champagne to celebrate and the afternoon went on; her friends blowing up social media with videos and photos of the moment. All the while I kept thinking, “Best birthday ever.”

The Engagement Session

friends and family proposal nautical engagement session

It was a great way to explore new hidden areas within our own city.

The Engagement Ring

All I knew is that she loved pear shaped diamonds.  When I walked into Ramanoos Fine Jewelers, a small local jewelry store, they said that I could design a ring if they did not have a style I was looking for.  Since pear shaped diamonds are few and far between, I took him up on his offer.  After several emails explaining what I had in mind, Ramanoos herself sent me a picture of a band she had just received.  To me it was perfect.  She said she they could create a custom setting to accommodate a pear-shaped diamond with a halo and several weeks later, it was ready.

friends and family proposal nautical engagement session

Photographer: Susanne Ashby
Instagram @susanneashby

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Comments (1)

 

  1. Carrie Russell says:

    These two are hands-down the sweetest couple ever! The love they have for each other, their friends and life is contagious and I look forward to witnessing a lifetime full of happiness from them!

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