DMITRY + LIYA SURPRISE PROPOSAL| WASHINGTON OAKS STATE PARK, PALM COAST, FLORIDA

Heeeeeeey!! I hope you all had an AMAZING Easter weekend! Life is GOOD!!! Am I right?!? I've got another great one for you today.  Can I just say that I am always so impressed when you fellas reach out and hire a photographer to capture your sweet proposal to the woman of your dreams! Major props! I personally think the actual proposal pictures are "sweeter" than an engagement session. To be able to look back at images that were captured as he proposes to you, to capture your face light up with happiness and excitement, is priceless. 

*little side note, you guys know i like these side notes =) : The name Dmitry is a Russian name and carries the nickname of Dima. When I'm around russian people, I tend to call them by their Russian names, it's just so unnatural for me to call a Dmitry anything other than "Dima" so that's what im going to refer to him as. Just a little Russian name history for you all =)

This story is a true testament of trusting God and seeing Him provide! Dima and Liya's love story has been unfolding in the last 3 years. In 2016, Dima was visiting his sister in Florida ( he lived in Russia and this was his first time in the states). During his stay in Florida, he experienced  many things for the first time. Swimming in the Ocean. Eating crab legs. Deep sea fishing. Eating mangos. Going to a gun range. Having a real American Steak. And the most important of these is that he gave his life to Jesus at a local Russian church, House of Prayer. Little did he know that this church was going to not only be a part of his testimony but would also be a part of the story he tells when people ask him where he met his wife! 

Before I get too excited, we gotta get back to the story. At this point, Dima has met Liya but they have not started dating. Liya was finishing up Charis Bible School in Jacksonville and Dima had an opportunity to visit the school, he even looked into attending. Unfortunately, Dima's visa came to an end and he had to return to Russia. As he was home, he realized that this isn't where he was supposed to be. He KNEW he needed to attend the Bible School and applied to attend the Charis Bible School main campus in Colorado, because he was an international student he wasnt able to attend the Jacksonville campus. 

As he awaited his application and visa to go through, Dima and Liya continued to stay in touch and grew their friendship. Miraculously, his visa application went smoothly and QUICKLY! Anyone that has ever applied for a visa, knows that this could be a very timely matter!

August of 2017 finally arrived and Dima was on his way to start bible school in Colorado but he had a few weeks prior to the start and was able to spend some time in Florida. During this visit is when he realized his feelings for Liya and vice versa. It was as if God had finally revealed HIS plan to them! Its so amazing how God intertwined their lives so effortlessly yet so beautifully! Liya and Dima declared their love for one another and I remember receiving a phone call from Dima saying he was going to propose during his winter break and wanted me and Jerico to capture it for him. I was so happy for him! We started to brainstorm how we were going to make this happen. Dima knew that Liya would want to be dressed and "ready" for these pictures ( great call, dima!) so I recommended he just tell her that they were going to just do a regular photoshoot. That way, she would be prepared.

"Photoshoot day" arrived. We met Dima and Liya at Washington Oaks Garden in Palm Coast, Florida because, well because its so gorgeous!Dima saw a picture from the park and immediately knew Liya would LOVE that location! Neither of them have ever been there before so we showed them around, took some pictures and then, as previously discussed said "OK Dima, it's all you now."

He dropped down on one knee and caught Liya by surprise. She looked at us with such a shocked and happy look. She, of course, said "YES!" and we all jumped with joy for a few minutes! The rest of the photoshoot turned into an engagement shoot!

Liya couldn't stop smiling and kept looking down at her hand, which now had a beautiful ring that symbolized Dima's love for her as well as God's love and plan for both of them.

Their wedding is going to be full of love and joy and we are honored to be a part of it! Dima and Liya, thank you again for trusting us to capture your inspiring love story! We are officially 66 days from your wedding!! WOO-HOOO!!!!!

If any of you are in the "praying, waiting, trusting" stage of your life, PLEASE don't give up! pray harder, be patient and truly believe that God will provide, because HE WILL!!! I know it's not easy, it's not fun BUT it is WORTH IT! God is always on time, always.