Jesse and Larisa

I'd photographed weddings before but never a proposal. This last weekend I got a chance to change that when my friend Jesse brought me in on his plan to ask his girlfriend Larisa to marry him, and asked if I'd be up for bringing my camera along to capture the event.

Jesse had a venue picked out for the occasion: a pier behind the Ferry Building Farmers' Market. Right by the water, with the Bay Bridge in the background, was his chosen spot:

The idea was that we would wander round the market together, magically end up in this location, and then I would suggest that Jesse and Larisa pose for a photo against the lovely backdrop. It happened just as planned, and here's that photo:

Then a split-second later Jesse was down on one knee and bringing Larisa to breathless joyful tears with his proposal:

They exchanged rings (a very modern couple)

and, bless them, were engaged:

After that we wandered round the corner to Hog Island Oysters for a sparkling seafood celebration.

I'm so happy for Larisa and Jesse. I've known them many years, going back to when I lived in Colorado. They're super people.