Tommy & Marlayna | A Surprise Engagement on the Golf Course
There are some moments in life that feel almost impossible to put into words. This is one of them.
A few months ago, two of my favorite people in the world got engaged. Tommy and Marlayna have been part of my life since college. Marlayna was my roommate for two years, Tommy lived right next door, and somewhere between classes, late-night conversations, and countless memories, they became two of my best friends.
When Tommy reached out and asked if I would photograph the proposal, I don't think he even finished the question before I knew my answer. Of course. There was absolutely no way I was missing it.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of watching their relationship grow from the very beginning. I've seen them support each other through major life changes, celebrate milestones together, and build a relationship that has always felt incredibly genuine. They're the kind of couple that makes sense. The kind of couple you never have to wonder about because you can see how much they care for each other in every interaction.
Honestly, they make me believe in true love. Because of that, getting to document this moment felt incredibly special. Not just as a photographer, but as a good friend.
The Perfect Proposal for Them
The proposal took place at Mountain View Country Club, and honestly, I can't imagine a more fitting location.
Golf is a big part of Tommy and Marlayna's relationship. It's something they genuinely enjoy doing together, so Tommy planned what appeared to be a completely normal round of golf. To Marlayna, it was just another Saturday tee time and another day on their go-to course.
What she didn't know was that Tommy had hidden the engagement ring inside a small bag tucked into one of the holes. When they arrived, she reached down and picked up the bag very confused. A few moments later, Tommy took it and unwrapped the ring from the bag in his hand and was down on one knee.
The best part? She had absolutely no idea it was coming.
More Than One Surprise
As emotional as the proposal itself was, it wasn't the only surprise waiting for her that day.
While Tommy and Marlayna were focused on their round of golf, friends and family had quietly gathered nearby. Hidden up on the hill overlooking the course, everyone waited patiently for the moment they could finally celebrate with them.
Marlayna didn't know they were there. She didn't know everyone was watching.
And she definitely didn't know I was there with a camera.
Trying to photograph the proposal while also being emotionally invested in it was harder than I expected. These weren't clients I had just met. These were two people I genuinely love and care about. Every reaction, every laugh, every tear felt personal because it was.
There were multiple moments throughout the day where I found myself switching between photographer mode and friend mode, trying to focus on getting the photos while sobbing behind the camera.
Spending the Weekend Celebrating
One of my favorite parts of the entire experience happened after the proposal.
I spent the weekend celebrating with Tommy, Marlayna, their friends, and their family. There was so much joy surrounding the engagement that it felt impossible not to get caught up in it. Every conversation seemed to circle back to the proposal, the excitement, and what comes next for them as a couple.
It was one of those weekends where you could genuinely feel how loved someone is. Everyone was excited for them, not just because they got engaged, but because anyone who knows them knows how right they are for each other.
Being able to witness that and spend time with everyone afterward made the entire experience even more meaningful.
Why This One Meant So Much
As emotional as the proposal itself was, it wasn't the only surprise waiting for her that day.
I've photographed proposals before. I've photographed weddings, engagements, and countless important milestones. Every one of them is meaningful in its own way.
But this one will always be different.
Maybe it's because I know their story. Maybe it's because I watched their relationship grow from the beginning. Maybe it's because these aren't just people in front of my camera; they're two of my closest friends.
Whatever the reason, I still get emotional looking through these photos.
The images remind me of the surprise, the excitement, and the overwhelming happiness of the day. But they also remind me how lucky I am to have friendships like this.
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love most about photography is the ability to preserve moments that pass by far too quickly.
Years from now, Tommy and Marlayna will be able to look back at these photos and remember exactly how this day felt. They'll remember the surprise, the hidden ring, the family waiting on the hill, and the beginning of the next chapter of their story.
And I'll remember how lucky I was to be there. Not just as the photographer, but as their friend.
Tommy and Marlayna, if you happen to see this, I am so incredibly happy for you both. Thank you again for trusting me with this moment. Thank you again for letting me celebrate alongside you. And thank you again and again for continuing to show everyone around you what genuine love looks like.
I couldn't be happier for you. ❤️