She stirred the risotto, quietly contemplative, feeling herself starting to get a bit irritated. Around her feet, Jaeger, their baby, a french bulldog, circles, wanting attention. Almost absentmindedly, she procures a treat and he laps it up enthusiastically. Irritation forms to annoyance and then frustration. Why had he not done it yet?!

He had been gone all day, playing golf. He called at various times of the day and she asks him the prerequisite billion questions, as women do. How was the game? What did you have for lunch? Was it good? Why did you guys go there? Who paid for lunch? Who drove?

He was prepared. He knew her. He knew that in order to surprise her, he had to have all bases covered fully. His story had to be straight and he had to answer every question without pause. He also knew that if he didn’t show her exactly what he had been doing all day, she would notice that money was gone from the account (as she keeps the books).

Still fuming, she sets dinner out on the table.

He sets out a ring box.

“Are you freaking kidding me??!!” she exclaims as he goes down to one knee.

He surprised her after all.

Elise, I LOVE that your type A personality saw a kindred spirit in me when researching wedding photographers and called me before you were “officially” engaged – a mere formality. (That’s sooo something I would’ve done!) Eric, it’s so awesome to see your looks of endearment when Elise is on a “mission.”  I can’t wait for your wedding next year. (I’m pretty sure it’s almost all planned knowing Elise)

P.S. Eric owns a marketing and consulting group that does a lot of stuff I don’t get. If you need SEO help, web design, branding, marketing, etc, you totally should check out Nordyke Consulting.

I made this mission out of Styrofoam and cardboard in the fourth grade:

Headed back down to Ventura to catch the incredible sunset.

Yes. ALL my couples are fabulously gorgeous. Don’t be jealous.

Just call me the “Doggie Whisperer.” I shot this single handedly – literally

Upcoming Forecast: SoCal Photog Shootout – Trash the Dress edition!