This was one of the few rare occasions where I was hired to photograph an engagement proposal. I was so happy and felt very honored to be a part of this important milestone in their relationship.
Eddie had planned this event months ahead with the ring and everything. After everything were in it’s right place including the restaurant, he then booked me. It was just a few days before the event, but luckily I was available. 🙂
The event took place at Restaurant Michel, which was in Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Tysons Corner, Virginia. Eddie booked the whole restaurant that evening for just the two of them. Awesome! 🙂
So this was how the story of the day unfold…
Eddie and Elaine was at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to meet the venue coordinator and to check out the ballroom for their upcoming wedding.
On that level upstair, there was someone who was playing the grand piano.
Eddie came up to him and saw this violin that was on top of the piano.
Eddie checked it out and then asked the piano man if he could play one particular piece.
So Eddie played the violin for Elaine accompanied by the piano.
Then afterward Eddie brought brought Elaine to the restaurant.
There was red rose flower petals from the entrance door all the way to the bar table.
Elaine began to be suspicious with the flower petals, and that there was no one else in there except them. Well.. and the photographer of course. :p
After putting on some music for the background, Eddie poured some champagne for them.
Then they walked around the restaurant to feel the atmosphere, accompanied by the music.
Then they came to this table that was already prepared for both of them.
After they sat down, Eddie sung along with the song that he played on the stereo system.
Then suddenly Eddie presented this crystal stem of rose. Voilà !
“Thank you, Eddie.”
But wait… there’s more… 😀
So Eddie went down on his knees…
and popped out the ring.
“Elaine, will you marry me?”
She said “Yes” of course! 🙂
Elaine admiring her engagement ring. 🙂
Elaine can’t stop looking at her engagement ring.
So anyway, it was then time for the dinner.
The appetizer was sushi rolls!
The rose flower petals also lead to their table.
The ring was one of the most beautiful engagement ring I have ever seen. Eddie explained the carat, clarity and everything. I don’t know what the numbers means, but I know it looks super gorgeous!
Next course was lobster risotto. Very delicious!
In the kitchen, Chef Johnny was preparing the next course. Steak for Eddie, and…
Turkey club sandwich for Elaine. 😀
You may ask why turkey club sandwich in a fancy restaurant. Well it’s Elaine’s favorite food, so Eddie ordered it for her! 😀
Anyway, let’s see some behind the scene of the preparation and the actors behind them!
Before Eddie and Elaine went up stairs, Eddie gave the song list to the piano guy for him to play. Yes, the piano guy was hired by Eddie to do the background music while they were up there and to accompany Eddie playing the violin. 😀
The violin on top of the piano was actually Eddie’s. So it was put there on purpose. 😀
This was Chef Johnny who prepared all of the meals except the sushi.
Here were the two guys who helped to make sure that everything happened accordingly, Vincent (left) and Emanuele (right). Emanuele, as Eddie said was the mastermind behind everything, the coordinator.
Here was the sushi chef.
Congratulations Eddie and Elaine!
Leo Dj