An Intimate Surprise Proposal in Lake Worth, Florida
Some stories feel especially sacred to tell. This was one of them.
Bethia is my cousin, which means I’ve known her my entire life. I’ve watched her grow, evolve, and build a life filled with intention and love. Over the past few years, Oliver has become a beautiful extension of that — not just her partner, but truly part of our family. He shows up to our dinners, takes part in our annual field day with just the right amount of competitiveness, and fits so naturally into our rhythm.
So when Oliver reached out to tell me he was ready to propose, it felt deeply full-circle.
A Conversation That Quietly Started It All
A few years ago, Bethia and Oliver began talking about marriage — the kind of conversation that happens when two people are building something real. When Bethia shared that with my sister and me, we took her ring shopping. At the time, she assumed Oliver would choose the ring himself, but we encouraged her otherwise. If you want the ring you truly love, you choose it — and trust the timing.
She did just that, never knowing how thoughtfully Oliver was already planning the moment.
An Evening Designed with Intention
Oliver, a poet and fellow photographer, had a clear vision from the beginning. He planned an intimate private dinner curated by Off the Clock Editions, known for their beautifully crafted monthly dining experiences. To maintain the surprise, the event was even posted on Instagram as if it were one of their regular gatherings — a small but intentional detail that kept the façade intact.
While the original plan was to host the dinner outdoors beneath bistro lights, the rain had other ideas. Instead of forcing the moment, the evening transitioned indoors — creating an atmosphere that felt even more intimate, calm, and cozy.
The guest list was intentionally small and meaningful: Oliver’s close friend and his partner, along with the home's owners, all participating in the evening. It felt less like an event and more like a shared experience — warm, personal, and grounded.
Horace from Off the Clock Editions guided the evening just as he would one of his official dinners, thoughtfully introducing each course and its drink pairing. Oliver’s brother provided live music, filling the home with warmth and rhythm. Every detail felt intentional — not staged, not performative — just deeply considered.
And then came the moment Oliver had been preparing for.
Oliver shared a poem he had written for Bethia — words filled with love, reflection, and quiet certainty. At the end of it, he proposed.
Bethia was completely shocked.
The kind of shock that turns into disbelief, then joy, then tears. Watching her reaction — her presence, her happiness — had me emotional behind the camera. Not just as a photographer, but as family. I wasn’t documenting strangers. I was witnessing someone I love step into a new chapter with someone who loves her intentionally and wholeheartedly.
A Celebration Rooted in Connection
The rest of the evening unfolded naturally — shared smiles, conversation, laughter, and moments that didn’t need direction. It wasn’t about spectacle. It was about connection. About love layered with creativity, community, and care.
Photographing this proposal was an honor — and a reminder of why documenting real moments will always matter to me.
Oliver and Bethia, I couldn’t be happier for you both.
Proposal Team
Photo | @nineonefourpf
Private Dinner Curator | @offtheclockeditions
Chef | @chefdaphney_
Musician | @jmandthesweets, @matthewjstewart
Video | @kemar.anthony
