A year in the making, this Seattle, Washington, proposal included an outdoor engagement photoshoot at a historic park and a surprise engagement party 

Like so many modern love stories, Simone (she/her) and Tiffany (she/her) met during the pandemic on a dating app. At the time, Tiffany was living in New York, while Simone was living in the Pacific Northwest. After talking for a bit, they decided it was time to meet in person, so Simone flew out to meet Tiffany in New York for what turned out to be two amazing weeks together.

They both knew they were in love and discussed what it might look like for them to continue their long-distance relationship. Luckily, Tiffany was already interested in relocating, and she felt that her newfound relationship with Simone was the green light she was looking for to make the move. Every decision they made together about moving forward with their relationship and living together in Seattle, Washington, was intentional.

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About a year later, Simone contacted a local photographer, Candace Connor, of Captured By Candace Photography, and relayed her plans to ask Tiffany to marry her. Candace says, “I was floored when she told me that she was planning the proposal 9 months in advance! However, with good reason. She was determined to keep it a total surprise for Tiffany, and she knew that planning things in advance was the best way to keep things under wraps.” Simone finally decided that they would capture the proposal under the guise of a couple’s photoshoot in the Gas Works Park in honor of Tiffany’s upcoming birthday.

We caught up with Candace, their engagement photographer, to get the inside scoop.

Tell us about the proposal!

Simone and Tiffany came to the photo session dressed in complementary black-and-white ensembles, with Tiffany in an off-the-shoulder black mini dress and Simone sporting wide-leg black trousers and suspenders over a crisp white button-down. As they started to take photos around the historic park, the couple were laughing in their candids and giggling when their photographer prompted them to whisper to each other. Tiffany took this opportunity to whisper in Simone’s ear that “she hasn’t bought the cow because she’s getting the milk for free.” Little did she know what was about to happen!

Simone came to the shoot with an oval-cut diamond ring and a custom-printed T-shirt that read, “Will you marry me?” When they reached the waterfront, Simone pulled both out and popped the question. Tiffany, who had just made that joke about marriage, was beyond shocked and actually screamed before a flood of happy tears came over her. A few kayakers passed by cheering as Tiffany said yes.

We heard there was a surprise engagement party?

“Remember how I mentioned that Simone approached this proposal with so much intention?” Candace says. “She also planned a surprise engagement and early birthday celebration which was waiting for Tiffany at Aerlume restaurant.” Their family and close friends flew in from the east coast to be there with them to celebrate this special moment in their lives. Thinking that they were just going to grab a post-engagement meal as a couple, Tiffany was shocked and overjoyed to see all of their loved ones there, cheering for them.

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