Sunrise Proposal Mission | Old Fort Point - Jasper Proposal

Proposal

Sep 18

I'll be honest, when first receiving his inquiry about a surprise sunrise proposal photography session, I had my doubts. First of all, I am NOT a morning person; to wake up before the sun is daunting to me - particularly in the cold and especially in the rain! On this morning it was scheduled to rain but Marshall was determined to maximize his 'engaged time' on vacation in Jasper - and I'm glad he did.

The proposal mission started out in the parking lot of Old Fort Point. Hiking solo is one thing, hiking solo in the pitch dark and low fog is another! It took me a few minutes to build the courage to get out of my car, but after a few honks of my horn I figured I'd cleared the parking lot of any wildlife (or woke them up and made them angry). I started the hike - gear on my back, headlamp on, bear spray in one hand, boyfriend on the phone in my other hand, wearing way too many thermal layers and shouting about every 3 steps or so - "HEEYYYYYYYY-OOOOO". I had multiple visualizations of my death by bear, big horn sheep, cougar, squirrel and tripping with no free hands leading to rolling off the side of the cliff - it's incredible how our minds can create such silly nonsense and our bodies react to it.

Needless to say, I made it to the agreed upon 'Rose Spot', put out my blanket and started reading a book (ok, I wasn't actually reading the book I was too excited). I heard them coming up behind me and turned to give a friendly "G'morning" as discussed with Marshall so he knew where to come pick up the rose. As they were walking up I heard Marlene say to Marshall, “OMG, that’s so cute, that girl hiked up here by herself for sunrise just to read her book.” - That’s when I knew she had no idea!!

To the peak they went.

When the time was right, Marshall had to 'go for a wild pee' which really just meant GO TIME! He met me down at the "Rose Spot" and told me where he had positioned Marlene. I headed up to the peak, playing the ultimate tourist and waiting for Marshall to return with the rose .... "I've got something for you". To which she replied, "I hope it's a drink!" It wasn't a drink, but by the expression on her face, her beaming smile, and the tears that filled her eyes, I think she was okay with that.

Oh, and they did end up going for a drink later that night as Marshall’s day of surprises wasn’t over yet! He planned to have live music from local musician Gui Beniot playing on the Jasper Pizza Place patio later that night.