Pulling off a surprise proposal in Sonoma, CA? Challenge accepted.

Kenzie and I go way back—college days, wine nights, and “just because” photo sessions with her and Dusty. So when Dustin slid into my DMs with a secret mission to plan a proposal in Sonoma, CA, I was all in. He told me they were headed to Ledson Winery for a belated anniversary date, and I knew this was about to be one for the books. I packed up, made the trip down to wine country, and got ready to play full-on proposal ninja.

The plan? A belated anniversary date at Ledson Winery in Sonoma, California. The execution? A little chaotic. I was literally belly-down behind the world’s shortest hedge, trying not to be spotted while Kenz sipped her way through an extended wine tasting. Shoutout to the MVP waitress inside who kept bringing out wine flights while Dustin stalled like a champ.

Eventually, he got her outside, heart pounding, and popped the question. Kenzie was stunned—and then even more stunned when she realized I was there, camera in hand, catching every second of it.

The ring? Oh, it’s a good one. They flew to New York City to work with Ashley Zhang and design it around her mom’s diamond. It’s this modern-meets-vintage art deco dream, and even though they played around with different settings, Dustin got the final call on the setting, surprising Kenzie with his choice. Spoiler alert: He nailed it.

We ran with that just-engaged high and did a mini engagement session right on the winery grounds. Laughing, crying, kissing—pure magic.

And now? I get to photograph their wedding this summer and I’m not ready. I am, but like… emotionally? Gonna be a mess. Let’s go.

If you’re planning a proposal in Sonoma, CA or anywhere else in wine country (or out of it), I’m your go-to. I’ll help with the logistics, the timeline, the secret-keeping. I will literally hide in a bush to make it perfect. Whatever you need, I’m in.