Portraits • Headshots • Plymouth, New Hampshire

Castle in the Clouds Surprise Proposal

Kirk brought Gretchen from Michigan to Castle in the Clouds in New Hampshire. He had a secret agenda. I was hired in advance. I had to be ready, but I was also under cover. So I pretended I was photographing gardens and statues while I hovered nearby them. Until he proposed.
Trolley at Castle in the Clouds, NH
Garden doors and interior at Castle in the Clouds
Exterior and gardens at Castle in the Clouds
Garden statue and flowers at Castle in the Clouds
His plan began long ago, because from the moment he met her, he knew she was the one.
On this day, he led her out past the round garden, where he began to read a poem he had written for her.
Round garden at Castle in the Clouds, NH
A poem before the surprise proposal
Statue and poetry reading
After they met, Kirk began a tradition of presenting Gretchen with a box. Inside each box, a gift. The last box contained a heart-shaped key on a necklace. She wore it every day. Little did she know, this key would open this very special box…
Opening the box
Marriage proposal at Castle in the Clouds, NH
By this time, a small crowd had gathered behind us. Gretchen said yes, and the crowd cheered.
Receiving the ring
The kiss
Newly-engaged couple black-and-white
Kirk designed the ring. The center stone is Alexandrite, surrounded by diamonds. Its color changes with the light.
Engagement ring Alexandrite diamonds
Necklace with lock and key
Engaged couple by garden at Castle in the Clouds, NH
Engaged couple on grounds of Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH
Engaged couple on balcony at Castle in the Clouds
Antique ring boxes
Alexandrite and Diamond Engagement Ring
Black and White Portrait of Engaged Couple
NH engagement photos
Sunset view at Castle in the Clouds
Engaged couple at Castle in the Clouds in October
Engagement ring Alexandrite diamonds
Black and White Portrait of Bride-to-Be
Engagement photos in NH
Black and White Portrait of Couple at Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds Trolley Engagement