Last weekend, I told Annie that we were going to do an impromptu photoshoot in the hills of Santa Barbara’s wine country. Sometimes I spend so much time photographing for others that I often forget to document our own lives. So when time permits and the weather is pleasant, it’s really nice to do these random road photo trips.
That morning we grabbed cameras & coffee and headed out to Los Olivos. I had heard it’s a gorgeous area filled with serene views of Santa Barbara, so we thought it would be a nice place to do a meadow shoot. After driving around for a while, we finally found a quiet place in the middle of some open fields. I took a few test photos and then told her it was looking really cool, almost perfect, but I wanted to change one thing. I walked over to her so she could see the camera lcd for herself. As she began flipping through the photos, she came across some photos that I had shot a few days earlier. The lcd images started spelling out the words “annie, will you…” and I got down on one knee.
Annie and I are happy to announce that we are now engaged. When we first started dating, we went to Santa Barbara as one of our first weekend getaway trips. We were young and still getting used to the idea of dating each other – everything was fresh with butterflied stomachs in anticipation of what was too come. Now years later, we find ourselves at the same place. Maybe not quite strangers to each other this time, but still with butterflied stomachs, hopelessly excited for what the future holds.
Here are a few photos from the day. It’s funny, how plans work sometimes. I had this romantic vision in my head, but when we got to Los Olivos it was close to a hundred degrees, flying bugs took a liking to every step that Annie took, and I was paranoid that I was hearing rattlesnakes everywhere. Hah, I had a bit of a more romanticized vision in my head but somethings in life you don’t get to decide. I guess in the grander scheme of things, it didn’t really matter. At that moment which we uttered a tiny amount of words, all the other larger worries quickly faded away. 
We took a few instax polaroids and tripoded photos to remember the moment, and then we headed off to enjoy the rest of our weekend getaway in Santa Barbara. A special thanks to Jose for sharing with me where to find open meadows in Los Olivos and a thanks to my jewelers (Jon and Erica & Grace) for helping me make this day complete.
wow!!! such an awesome proposal! so reflective of your creativity and personality! i’m so happy for you both. CONGRATS again!!!
so cute! big congrats to you both!
i screamed when i saw the lego man carrying the ring! THAT.IS.AWESOME! I am going to share this with all my friends. Yaaay! Congratulatiosn Annie and Harrison, so happy for you. Oh, and ps. Jose Villa? you talk to him? you are now a million times cooler (not that you weren’t already cool in my book!). Here’s the big question now. Who’s gonna take your engagement photos Harrison??! Can’t wait to see those!
Just screamed “OH MY GOD!” about 39482 times while watching this (ask Matt). Soooooooooooooooo amazing. Congrats again. Love you guys!
Harrison! that was such a friggen cool video! you creative romantic stud!
Vic
So did she say yes?
I nearly cried watching this. SO happy for you both! Congratulations!!!
aww I love it! I can’t think of a more fitting proposal for Annie. Major bonus points on the creativity- can’t imagine how long it took you to piece all that together! Congrats again guys- can’t wait to celebrate with you :)
man harrison, that was AWESOME!!!.. got chills!! one of the most creative and sweetest proposalss, soo happy for you guys!!! congrats again!!!! =)
I felt warm fuzzies and tingles…almost got teary eyed there from so much happiness for you guys. Awww…congratulations again.
congrats annie + harrison!!! christine shared this w/me SO happy for the two of you way to go harrison on the proposal. excited for the two of you to spend the rest of your lives together! xoxo
so awesome! one of the most original proposals so far! congrats you two! so happy for you!
congratulations you two!! what an amazing video and amazing proposal!! i am so happy for you both! i loved the lego man carrying the ring!
Thanks everyone for the well wishes! It’s an exciting time for Annie and me.
@Mohammad – Yes!!
@Diana – Thanks! I don’t know Jose personally, but he’s just a very cool guy who was nice enough to openly share locations in los olivos. I’ve been following his work for a while and was surprised by how nice of a person he is.
Dude – that is awesome! What an amazing video!
harrison! this is the best post. ever! so sweet! LOVED the video! congrats!
Harrison and Annie this is a real memory to cherish ! Congrats ! You both will have a wonderful journey together documented by the talented Harrison !
Good Luck
Marsha and Greg Mooradian
Harrison! How ya doin? BTW GREAT STORY & PICTURES!
Hi Harrison & Annie….CONGRATS!!! You both look like a very “cute” couple!! Wishing you both tons of happiness.
(We are friends of your parents, Roni & Gary.)
Congratulations, Harrison and Annie. Roni and Gary sent us your delightful video and photos. You had a day with memories you’ll cherish forever.
How beautiful and romantic! Congrats to you both.
Harrison: this is a brilliant idea!!!I am Soooooo happy for your guys. Can’t wait for your big day to come!
[...] Our good friends Harrison & Annie (we just call them “Harnie”) are getting married soon. They’re one of the coolest, most creative couples I know. (Harrison took our engagement photos!) Just wanted to post a couple of their own engagement photos because they are too sweet not to share. See more at He and She Photography. And read Harnie’s adorable engagement story here. [...]
[...] After an exciting 3 and a half years of dating, the Shiny Guy proposed! We’re both soo excited! To see the most touching story about how he proposed, click here. [...]