Mt. Hood Engagement Session
Why have one proposal when you can have two?
Cassi: “ Greta, Ziggy (our dog) and I hiked Mitchell Point in the Gorge in early October. The weather was perfect, very few other people on the trail, ideal conditions. I was really enjoying the day yet feeling challenged by the incline I was a bit whiny. Greta showed no signs of struggle and encouraged me to continue, promising me snacks and a spectacular view at the end of the trail. The end was a cliff with unobstructed 360 degree views of the Gorge, and it was all ours to marvel at. She asked me to sit and close my eyes, and remembering her promise of snacks, I obliged. When I opened my eyes, her eyes were glistening and her smile wide. Ziggy was sandwiched between us now donning a red bandana around her neck. "Awe, she's got a bandana on" I said. Greta motioned for me to look closer at the bandana. She had hand-stitched Will You Marry Me among the Paisley design and when it sank in, she presented me with a gold ring in an open black box. We were both laugh-crying, words escaping us. She asked and I said YES. The moment was magical, full of excitement and connection between us. I am grateful she discreetly propped her phone on a boulder and recorded her mission, which we love to watch and relive. She told me of all our friends and her family with whom she shared her plans of proposing, and about the date she planned for us after the hike- dinner at our favorite Bollywood Theater and tickets to see my favorite Portland band, The Shook Twins, who were playing an intimate Witchy Full Moon show with limited tickets she had scored. Bollywood is our special spot, and after the show we got to chat and take photos with Laurie and Katelyn Shook. Katelyn, also recently engaged, and I laughed about how we both were whiny and kinda grumpy on our hikes while our partners were sweet and planning the biggest surprise for us.”
Greta: “A few weeks later my whole family was in town visiting us and we were at my friend and old roommate's house for a friends and family brunch. My friends that were hosting made us a 'Happy Engagement" cake so it turned into a mini engagement party. When Cass saw the cake she realized she wanted to propose to me that morning. She snuck out and ran back to our house to get the ring. Later, when she was back, she told me to go into the backyard with her so she could show me a lemon tree in the greenhouse. When I got there I found my ring sitting under the tree. This proposal was extra special because it was where our love story began. The night we confessed our feelings to each other was a little over a year ago at a party at this same house. When we got back inside we announced to our friends and family that we were both officially engaged!”
What was one of your favorite moments during the engagement shoot?
Greta: “My favorite moment during the shoot was getting to the gorgeous lookout point at sunset. It was fun to scout elopement spots during this shoot and once we got to this spot Cassi and I both looked at each other and knew this was the one. We were both awe struck and so excited as we envisioned committing ourselves to each other in such a beautiful place. It was even more amazing that we were able to spot the comet as we were leaving and Kai captured an incredible photo with the comet in between us. Otherall the day was pretty magic.”
What are you most excited about for your elopement?
Cassi: “We celebrate and share gratitude for our love every day. I mostly look forward to locking eyes with my captivatingly beautiful bride and sharing our vows of commitment and love, in the heart of nature, with an intimate support group witnessing our transformation into marriage. I'm thrilled to have opportunity to reserve my energy purely for celebration and meaningful moments during the day, which I fear gets lost when trying to visit with a large group. I also really look forward to feeding my wife cake, if she will let me.”
