Damien & Marifel’s Surprise Proposal at Mt Naomi Farms & Vineyards
Congrats to Damien & Marifel. I documented Damien as he proposed to Marifel at Mt Naomi Farms & Vineyards on March 7, 2025. Damien moved here to Utah from France 1 year ago and wanted to propose where there was a wine vineyard. Damien chose Mt Naomi farms. Good choice!
Together, Damien and I executed a plan. The plan started with analyzing the sunset time. I wanted to create magic for Damien and Marifel as the sun started to set (golden hour). Having photographed several weddings at Mt Naomi Farms & Vineyards I knew the venue gets amazing sunset views. Damien told Marifel that he wanted to look at the venue for a future wedding. Damien arrived at 5:30pm. I arrived at 5:50pm. I used the HoldFast Gear camera straps with my cameras anchored to my hip and a large western riders jacket over my cameras to disguise them. This enabled me to have 2 cameras on my person ready to go when the moment arises. If you know me you know I am extremely meticulous and prepared. It is very important to be prepared pre proposal as there is no way to communicate with the person proposing leading up to it. It is also important to be prepared equipment wise. Two cameras on person is vital! I also always bring a third backup camera as well.
There was some construction on site and the plan was for me to be there as if I was working on the grounds. I brought a shovel with me, made a "phone call" to a foreman asking him where the backhoe key was as Damien and Marifel walked by from a distance. The shovel allowed for me to be there early and prepared until the time of proposal was just right. I needed something to be doing otherwise I would just be standing there twiddling my thumbs. This was my cover.
I ended up going to the east side of the barn that Damien and Marifel ended up walking inside to look at. As I was on the east side of the barn I did some shoveling to better hide my cover. I was at the corner of the barn which allowed for me to hide and at the same time see when Damien was approaching the proposal spot down the hill. The plan for the perfect lighting and moment was for Damien to propose at 6:10pm. Damien proposed at 6:10pm right on the dot! Well executed Damien.
We had so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed documenting this important life event. This is how I get gratification from my Photography job.
If you know of anyone proposing soon please send them my way. Please keep me in mind for future proposals (your brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor etc.) I photograph each proposal as if it were my own. I take it very seriously. It is an important moment to me.
Here is a toast to Damien and Marifel. What a beautiful evening at Mt Naomi Farms & Vineyards.
