Shelby & Octavio’s Magical Christmas Proposal

Months before winter hit, Shelby reached out to me about documenting her family photos for the holiday season. A few days later, her sister Ellie reached out to ask me to document a surprise proposal for Shelby!! I was so excited to be part of this surprise, especially because I got to share in all the reflection and memories the next day at their family shoot. Read on to see Shelby and Octavio’s magical Christmas proposal and all the winter magic at Mt. Bachelor!

Shelby & Octavio

This gorgeous couple met at Sebastopol Road, a block full of fantastic Mexican food and culture that Shelby frequented nearly every Friday with her friends. Octavio saw Shelby there a few times, and even though he’d been following her on social media for years, hadn’t worked up the courage to talk to her. 

Their first date was at the taco trucks on Sebastopol Road, and Octavio knew right away that he wanted to spend his life with Shelby. 

For Shelby, it was gradual. She told me that “He constantly made me feel a way I had never felt before. He constantly brings me flowers.  Taking me out on dates. Wanted to show me off to his friends and family and make me feel loved. He is such a hard working driven person and has always done whatever he can to make me feel special and loved.”

Planning a Christmas Themed Proposal

Shelby’s family played a huge part in this surprise proposal. Octavio asked not just Shelby’s dad, but also her mom and sister for her hand before proposing. Shelby and her family were all together here in Bend with Octavio as winter began, and it was the perfect time to plan the proposal.

Since Shelby adores the Christmas season, Octavio knew he wanted the proposal somewhere there would be snow, and came up with a plan to use Christmas tree hunting with Shelby’s family as the cover story to get her up Mt. Bachelor. 

Octavio had gorgeous garlands and red roses lining a pathway to a Christmas tree with the words, “Marry me.” With the white snow all around, this was a peaceful and magical setup with just the right personal touches. 

Photographing a Surprise Christmas Proposal

Knowing that Octavio would need snow to pull off the proposal of Shelby’s dreams, I spent a full day exploring all the options! I took photos of the location beforehand, drew up some diagrams to help him plot the setup, and made sure Shelby’s family had the exact location so they could find it without a problem. 

And, since this was a surprise proposal, I had to stay hidden until the right moment! I stood out in the snow for as long as it took, waiting for the couple to make their way to the magical spot. I was so excited — seriously, my stomach was in knots! Moments like these mean almost as much to me as they do to you. It’s such a huge moment, and I always want to capture it in all its joy. 

The Moment

Shelby told me that she was already over the moon to be out with her family and her love to pick a Christmas tree, a tradition they kept every year. She was so confused about the flowers on the ground as she walked up, and then she saw what was written on the tree!

Cue the tears of joy!! Shelby told me afterward: “I was in disbelief that he was asking me to marry him. But most of all I was the happiest I had ever been being able to say YES to the man of my dreams.”

Bend, Oregon Photographer

I could not have been more honored to capture Shelby and Octavio’s snowy Christmas proposal! Here’s what they told me afterward:

“Oh my goodness! Bryndle is amazing! Not only did she help with taking my SURPRISE proposal. In the freezing snow I might add. She also took our beautiful family photos the next day. Bryndle truly has a passion for what she does. Her photos are breathtaking! Her personality is so bubbly and easy to be around! We would be more than happy to work with the wonderful Bryndle Photo again! She truly is THE BEST.”

Whether you’re ready to pop the question yourself, take senior pics, need a wedding photographer, or are documenting your beautiful family, I’d be honored to be your gal. Reach out to me here!

Check out the beautiful moment as it unfolds in this gallery below <3