At the beginning of September we’d planned a 6-day hiking trip into some of the more remote and scenic parts of Central PA. The plan was to backpack in and simply spend days relaxing and exploring the wilderness at our leisure. I knew this would be a perfect and memorable time to propose so I spoke to my family about it. Everyone loved the idea! My mother gave me an antique ring that had been in the family for a while, which was a pleasant surprise.

My plan was simple; carry the ring in with me, wait for a perfect sunrise/sunset or scenic view and then do it. (Propose I mean)

Well, tropical storm Ernesto sort of caused a change of plans. It was going to rain around 4 inches in the area we were heading into on the first day or two of the planned trip. We decided to delay and spent the two days basically “hiding out” in Pittsburgh. It was really great; we went for walks, shopped, visited art galleries and dined out. No one knew we were home so we didn’t have to be anywhere or meet anyone. Ahh… no schedule!

Eventually the weather broke and off we went. Now we were just going to “car camp” and ramble around PA randomly. Eventually we ended up in a very secluded part of the Allegheny National Forest, a place I know very well. The camping was perfect as we had a very private spot that was surrounded by wildlife and not ONE manmade sound or light to be heard or seen. Perfect…

At one point we were hiking along, exploring these gigantic rock formations. It’s almost like a lost, abandoned city, very scenic and mysterious. We made our way almost 4 stories up to the top of some of the larger boulders. It’s a special spot for me as I have been going there for years. I have found to be very peaceful and a place where I can “recharge” my soul and mind.

I suddenly knew this was the place, this was the time.

Of course, being a photographer I wanted to capture the moment. I set up the tripod, saying I wanted to take some images of the two of us together. Not an unusual request considering what I do…

I then went up to her, went to one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me. I promised to be a good husband and told her how much I loved her.

She said…

“YES!!!”