Jeff contacted me about shooting a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Taylor.  When we spoke he was very surprised and seemed to be very prepared.  He had seen the beautiful Mayfield Park in Austin, TX and knew that’s where he wanted to pop the question.  He did all of his homework by getting all of the proper paperwork and permits taken care of so he could enjoy the park without issue.  I have a hard time even typing that last sentence, because, there were some unexpected issues.  It started when I showed up to take a quick look around.  All of the entry ponds, where we had decided he’d propose, were all drained and under some sort of repair.  It would have been fine and workable, if it weren’t for the cool plastic neon orange temporary fence they had around almost everything.  What didn’t have a fence had yellow caution tape.  So, yeah, not going to work.  To make things a little bit more sticky, there were swarms of photographers there around the periphery also trying to do photo sessions without orange fencing and yellow caution tape in the background.  I quickly decided to text Jeff to look for a side gate with a lonely trail.  I checked the lighting and I had safely planted myself among the tall grass and waited for them to arrive.  At the exact moment of their arrival, one of the other photographers (permitted, I’m sure) walked to the lonely gate and started to set up his client and light stands.  I burst out of hiding, as if I were on fire, yelling and swinging my arms to get the other photographer to move.  I’m not even sure if I used words or if it was the crazy redheaded lady running from out of the bushes that scared everyone away, but they moved just as Jeff and Taylor were approaching.    I somehow ran back down the trail just ahead of them to somewhat of a crouch before I heard the gate open.  Thank you Jesus, this all worked out.  Taylor was surprised and said YES!  We did a quick engagement session before the two went to a romantic rooftop dinner to celebrate with family.  And if you’re wondering, yes, I apologized to said photographer about my “rough” approach to having him move.  He laughed and we made nice.  All is good in the hood.