Ring | Amy Anaiz Photography Blog

About a year ago, Louie & I were invited by our good friends Svenja + Heiko to join them for their wedding in Hamburg, Germany. I couldn’t mask my excitement of 1) being asked to photograph the wedding and 2) taking my first trip to Europe. As I started planning this amazing trip (more to come on that later) 🙂 , Lou called me with another surprise! He was planning to propose to his girlfriend Kendra and wanted me to be there to capture the moment. Of course I squealed in excitement and it took me a few moments to calm down. When I did I asked him where he wanted to pop the question and he said, Paris… Cue the excitement all over again!!

Lou and I carefully planned the date, location, and time… And as the months rolled on it took EVERYTHING out of me not to ruin the surprise for Kendra!

On Dec 2, we left Hamburg that morning and embarked to Paris. Kendra was none the wiser and figured it was just another leg to our European tour. We said our goodbyes in the airport and promised to meet up for drinks. Lou and I had planned to meet later that afternoon at The Trocadero which is site of the Palais de Chaillot. There is an incredible platform that over looks the Eiffel Tower & River Siene. I hid my face under my beanie and waited for them to arrive the butterflies in my stomach began, the moment was finally here!! As they approached the platform Kendra immediately walked to the front and began taking photos. The view was breathtaking and she was excited to see the Eiffel tower so close for the first time. Lou knew where I would be so as soon as we locked eyes, I positioned myself and gave him a thumbs up.

To say Kendra was surprised is an understatement, she couldn’t contain her tears and the smile on her face was priceless. As we made our way down the Jardins du Trocadero Lou and I filled her in on how long ago this day had been planned. The light in Paris was amazing and everywhere we turned it was a picturesque moment. My jaw dropped in awe as we approached the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris!! The sky had a perfect pink/purple glow and we could have not asked for a better sunset. Our final stop was the romantic Quai de l’Archevêché “Lovers Bridge” which over looks the the Cathédrale Notra Dame. With an engraved lock Lou and Kendra committed to a lifetime together and threw the key into the Seine. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of this special moment and can’t thank Lou enough for trusting me to capture it!!

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[ NYC Surprise Engagement Session] Svenja + Heiko

Engagements, Everything, Family, Portrait Sessions, Weddings

This is not the first time Svenja + Heiko have graced my blog.

Over the past 4 years we have had quite a few shoots, celebrated birthdays, and formed a great friendship. As we prepared for our annual holiday shoot I got a special email from Heiko letting me know he was going to propose to Svenja on that day. I couldn’t help squealing with excitement and once I regained my composure I gave Heiko my thoughts on how we should capture it. I later suggested to Svenja that ice skating would be a fun background for the holiday photos and she agreed, little did she know of the master plan! 🙂

We started on the grounds of the Mid Manhattan Library. I am absolutely smitten by this building everything about it makes my heart melt. We chatted about the weather, upcoming holiday plans, and our love for Starbucks. We then walked around to the back where the Bryant Park Pond is located. I secretly was so nervous and anxious that “the moment” was so close. Once in the perfect position I gave Heiko the thumbs up and it HAPPENED! 😉

*Tear*

Congrats to the both of you!! I can’t wait till the wedding!!