Catalyst Wedding Co. Blog

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Make Your Own Wedding Rings and Propose on the Washington Shoreline // With These Rings

With These Rings is a sweet studio in Port Townsend, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula where you and your special someone can make your own wedding rings and fall in love all over again. The studio tagline is “You Can’t Buy Love, But You Can Make It.” The owner and artist behind the studio and concept is Stephanie Selle, a kind and gentle soul who will ensure you have a pleasant and creative afternoon melting metals and crafting one-of-a-kind rings.

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Real Families // Surprise Proposal in the Park: Holly + Kandie

Kandie asked me to help plan and photograph a surprise proposal for the love of her life, Holly. We had to keep the secret for weeks — even when Holly was grilling Kandie about why she booked an "anniversary" session for them. Kandie created the sweetest book about how they met and why she loves Holly so much, and she gave it to her in the middle of our session. She, Holly, and Kandie's daughter read the book together, until the last page where it popped the big question: "Will you marry me?" Holly said absolutely yes, and they both cried so many happy tears. With the sun setting in the background and so much love between them, it was an absolutely perfect proposal.

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Real Couples // A Surprise Proposal on the Columbia Riverwalk: Taylor + Lexa

Taylor and I planned to surprise Lexa about half way through their session so we could have time to photograph them together after Taylor popped the question. Our plan was this: Taylor would put the ring in my camera bag when Lexa was not looking at the beginning of our session, and we would shoot their first outfit as if nothing was out of the ordinary — just a casual couples session, or so Lexa thought! I told Taylor I would get Lexa alone in front of my camera down by the river, give Taylor the signal, and let her walk up behind Lexa and pop the question! Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch!

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Real Couples // Bohemian Brunch Surprise Proposal: Brittany + Kate

Brittany hired me in May to do some photos for her small business in June. During our first consultation meeting, we got through all of the details, then she shared with me that she wanted to discuss a second June photography project. She had planned to propose to the love of her life, Kate, before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, together in July. My reaction was excitement since I love shooting live engagements. But once Brittany described to me what she planned to do, I started tearing up. She was planning a bohemian brunch in a wooded area, and was going to ask Kate, "Is forever long enough?" Brittany proposed to Kate on Monday, June 26th, at noon, and I was incredibly honored to be part of their special day.

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Operation Sequin // How I Proposed to My Boyfriend

My name is Nelle, and this is the story of how I came to propose to my beau Matt via a surprise, bedazzled, bikerideflashmob engagement party with 150 of our closest friends and family from around the world.  

Let’s start at the beginning. I’ve never wanted a traditional wedding: the expenses, the material waste, the long odds of success, the celebrations of heteronormativity and wealth, conveying women as property, etc.

I’m bi, and like most people, have a tenuous relationship with monogamy. I have always planned to queer my marriage. When I was six, I told my mom I would like to marry Ellen Degeneres, and I asked her to make the introduction. For most of my life, I assumed I would partner with some dreamy person and that we’d pack up our Subaru and elope.

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Real Couples // Surprise Proposal: Tomasz + Jessica

Today we’re sharing a surprise proposal at the one and only Metropolitan Museum of Art. It took place last March, on our sweet couple’s fifth dating anniversary inside the Temple of Dendur. It was a perfect location for a classic NYC proposal because it was as picturesque as much as it was unique and exciting. And spacious! Having lots of space to walk around and get different angles is always so important when capturing a proposal! Associate Photographer Emily Tuttle captured our couple from the moment they entered the temple until that special moment when he got down on one knee and she said yes. It was unforgettable in every way, as these two were lucky enough to be surrounded by masterpieces, works of art, and plenty of onlookers, too! We’re honored to share this perfect NYC surprise proposal with you all today. Enjoy this recap and, if you’re looking for a Proposal Photographer in NYC, contact us so we can start planning!

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Real Couples // Rooftop Engagement: Brandon + Traci

"Brandon proposed on March 15, 2016. It was a Tuesday at 5:30 pm to be exact! (laughs) He got my best friend to lure me to the Sheraton rooftop in downtown Columbia. Right before I walked to the bar, he popped out of the stairwell, got everyone's attention, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him!!!"

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Real Couples // Olive Park Proposal: Ivan + Fara

Ivan got in touch with me a week before his trip to Chicago, with his girlfriend, Fara. They had a fun agenda planned for their weekend getaway, and the Midwest welcomed them with some amaaaazing weather AND a memorable, busy/buzzing city...celebrating the Cubs' achievement of making it to the World Series! Though, I'm sure that will be the last thing they remember about their time in Chicago, ha!

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Real Couples // A Seattle Surprise Engagement: Taymah + Brittany

Taymah and Brittany traveled to Seattle from Chicago for a summer getaway and wanted some portraits done together in front of the Seattle skyline. I took them to one of the best spots to get romantic views of Seattle, Gas Works Park. Little did Brittany know, though, that Taymah had something else extra special in mind. She snuck a diamond ring in their bag and gave me the signal when she was ready to drop to one knee and propose to Brittany right there in front of the perfect Seattle backdrop. I had Brittany facing the other way, and when she turned back around to see Taymah holding out a ring she could not believe her eyes. Their smiles for the rest of the evening say it all. Their love and joy with one another easily spreads to everyone around them, and the glow in their photos does not just come from the sun.

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Learning to (Sort of) Accept the Proposal

In May of 2015, a girl I went to high school with got engaged, and the video went viral. That’s not really special; at this point, a lot of us know someone in at least one YouTube sensation. But for me, this proposal video—which involved two teachers, a school band, a principal, and a class full of teenagers—sparked a debate in my relationship and among my friends over the tradition of a proposal.

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