Surprise Engagement Proposal at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

When Ashford reached out to us about his proposal plans, we were so excited! He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Olivia. So to not make Olivia suspicious, Ashford told Olivia that we were his friends from work. He told her that we needed some photos to build our website. So cute clothes and taking their pup Charlie to Shaker Village wouldn’t seem too unusual.

Olivia and Ashford first met while their church was planning a mission’s trip to Liberia. They were going there to share Jesus’ word in Monrovia for Christmas. Ashford was given Olivia’s number to connect over the trip and to discuss any fears Olivia may have since Ashford was familiar with the culture. Though Ashford had never been to Africa, his family is from Liberia. Together they talked and talked about the trip, and secretly both never wanted the phone conversation to end. They continued to stay in touch and wanted to talk to each other every day. For their first date, they went to dinner at Pasta Garage and then Crank and Boom afterward. Then they sat and played multiple games of connect four outside the Summit Plaza, laughing and talking the night away. Together Ashford and Olivia had the best time, and their first date could not have been more perfect. They love trying new restaurants, going to art festivals, cooking together, and doing bible devotionals together…just life.

When Ashford and Olivia arrived at Shaker Village, we met them in the parking lot with their sweet dog Charlie. We decided the best way to start the session was with a few fun games to make sure she wasn’t on to us. The first game we played was for Ashford to run up behind Olivia and attack her with love. This gave Ashford an opportunity to slip the ring box from his shoe to his pocket. Then we had Ashford and Olivia turn and face each other and say what they loved most about each other. This was Ashford’s cue. Though they had imagined their lives together for a while now, Olivia had no idea that the moment was now! As Ashford shared the last words of what he loved about Olivia, he knelt and asked for Olivia’s hand in marriage. At that moment, everything else faded away for Olivia, and she saw Ashford for his whole heart, and she said YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The following day, the two hiked up Red River Gorge and had a chance to share the views from Natural Bridge to celebrate. It was such an honor to be a part of this special moment and tell your proposal love story! Congratulations, you two! We are so excited for you as you start your forever love story!!!