Joe Batir asked for Ali Gatewood's hand in Marriage on 09-19-2014

This my friends, was an adventure of a Friday for sure! Not only was traffic nuts, but having car trouble, finding an ideal spot and communicating it to Joe in txt, being hidden lawn gnome(Im tall) behind a hedge and a shrub, and not being spotted by this glass:

Why on earth right?  ...Well..since you asked... :D This 400mm 2.8 lens allowed me these close up shots, while keeping the light, without being spotted by Ali(ruining the moment), 60 ft away. I shot between 3.5-4.5 to be sure I had both more in focus. As the sun dipped, I could go to 3.2 or 2.8 if i had to. 

 I cant say enough good things about Joe and how he is with Ali. I have met Joe several times and seen the way he cherrishes Ali. 

It was wonderful to photograph these two, not just because I was familiar with both of them, but because Joe and Ali were so fun to shoot!

70-200 @3.5

400mm @2.8

This is one of my favorites!

Joe was explaining that Ali's ring is more than just a trip to the jeweler. Joe is a Geologist and actually dug and found the the Topez himself! He had them cut, and put into the ring that he designed. Isn't it beautiful?

I left Joe and Ali as they called the family to share the good news "Yeah....She said no.." Ha! Oh Joe!