As I sit here and try to do this earth shattering story justice, I can’t help but worry I am incapable of doing so. Here goes nothing:
This is a proposal story of two very loved individuals.
Meet Claire and Jason.
Let’s back it up.
Claire is one of my sorority sisters. The first time I ever met her was 2008, and I could instantly tell that I liked her. She has a sweet calmness about her that words can’t describe. She’s loving, beautiful, Godly, creative, and as adorable as adorable gets. Six years later, I still consider Claire a great friend, role model, and just a down right great example of a Christian woman. About a year ago, I noticed via Instagram that Claire was becoming friendly with a boy named Jason.
On October 15th, 2013, I got an email from a boy named Jason. After reading it I realized “Oh, this is ‘Claire’s Jason.’ I had never met him, but had ‘double tapped’ several pictures of him and sweet Claire on Instagram. His message said this:
“Hey Kelly! This is Jason Baker, Claire Greene’s boyfriend! Love your work, and I know Claire admires who you are as an artist! Question, are you open February 1? I’m gonna propose to Claire that night and would love to hire you to be there to snap some photos! It’s gonna be at the Jack Robinson gallery downtown. Let me know your thoughts and we can go from there. Thanks a ton!”
I was smitten to be involved in such a special day, and agreed to document it. I proceeded to tell Jason that he was making a great decision on marrying Claire, and “she was the coolest girl I know.” And do you know what he said?
“Best decision I’ve ever made, that and asking her to coffee.“
I was HOOKED, right then and there.
(P.S. You may want to go ahead and grab some tissues, Jason’s thoughtfulness will bring you to tears, guaranteed.)
After MANY emails back and fourth, Jason’s plan started to unravel in the best way possible. Let me tell you, I have shot a TON of events, many of which are coordinated by professional event planners, and I’ve never seen such a well executed plan. It was seamless, absolutely perfect.
On February 1st, Jason and Claire’s one year anniversary, Jason deceivingly told Claire to meet him at Republic coffee, where it all began. When Claire arrived, she was met by Jessica.
Jessica then called Claire over to her to say hi. She then informed Claire that Jason was not there, and that she was going on a scavenger hunt instead. Our job was to follow Claire on each portion of the scavenger hunt. I felt a little bit like Harriet the Spy, and John joked that we were Mr. and Mrs. Smith (because that was my maiden name), but we definitely had a rush of adrenaline the entire time, as we tried so hard not to be spotted. Jason had each of Claire’s friends write her a note on a specific topic. Since that was the first spot Claire and Jason had ever hung out, Jessica’s topic was “What was the first thing you noticed about our relationship?” Jessica then took a photo with Claire, and sent her on her way to the next spot on the scavenger hunt WITH a mixed c.d. compliments of Jason himself.
Stop #2 was to meet Claire’s friend Gretchen at Brother Juniper’s, since that was the second date Claire and Jason ever went on. Gretchen’s topic for her note to Claire was “How has this relationship shaped your character?” Gretchen and Claire took a photo together, and then Claire was off to spot #3.
Stop #3 was where Claire met Loye.
(Side note: Claire and Loye are kind of like a two for one deal. When I think of Claire, I think of Loye. Two lovely souls.)
This spot was extremely significant. This is the very spot where Jason told Claire he was in love with her at 3am one morning. Crying yet?
Loye’s note’s topic was “When you look at this relationship, how do you know true love is present?” These cuties took a picture and Loye sent Claire on her way to stop #4.
Spot #4 was where Claire met her sister, Susan.
Spot #4 was the spot I was worried the most about. I had gone all three spots without being noticed, and I was terrified Claire would spot me on the 4th. Susan did a beautiful job of keeping Claire focused so I was not spotted. Spot #4 was Jason and Claire’s secret picnic spot, where they celebrated their 6 month anniversary, and talked about the promise of the future. Susan’s topic for her note to Claire was “How has this relationship cultivated joy in your life?” They took a photo together and Susan directed Claire to follow her to the last and final spot.
Spot #5 was where Claire would finally meet the protagonist, Jason, at the Jack Robinson Art Gallery. To her surprise, both of Claire’s parents were also standing there with Jason. After Claire greeted everyone with a hug, it was her dad’s turn to read his note to Claire. Claire’s parent’s topic was “How does this relationship embody what we’ve hoped and prayed for?”
(I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two as Claire’s sweet father said some of the most precious words I’ve ever heard.)
After Claire’s dad finished reading his note, they joined each other in prayer, and then Claire’s family headed upstairs.
Jason hired a band to play Ben Rector’s song “Forever Like That” as he and Claire danced.
And then, the band left….
And then..
John was upstairs waiting for their big entrance, along with about 100 friends and family!
Please note Jason’s adorable perfect hand gesture!
Then Jason explained to all of the guest exactly what event went on during the day.
Fun save the dates!
#JandCmakeawesome
And WE even got lucky enough to get a picture with these sweet kids!
I talked C+J into taking a few fun pics together in the Robinson
Words can’t describe how happy we were to take part in this proposal. We absolutely cannot wait to document your special day in November. #JandCmakeawesome
Happy and full hearts,
