"rain or shine, you're mine"
On Saturday March 7th, 2026, I had the honor to capturing the most special proposal. Carson came to me quite a few months ago with plans to propose to Emma. Carson was very intentional with everything leading up to the proposal. He knew exactly what he wanted-- everything from the location, to the setup, to how the proposal was going to happen; he planned it out perfectly. Though, the weather took a turn, unexpectedly, that didn't alter the true, authentic emotion of this special day. Carson popped the "big question" to Emma at Willow Oak Lodge Venue in Spruce Pine, AL. It was a rainy, yet beautiful day that I got to experience with the couple. I feel so lucky to be a part of moments like this.
"It all started when Carson was 13 years old and I was 12 years old. As we were entering the 7th grade, Carson moved to Central High School which is where we spent our high school years. As we entered the first year of middle school, we both started 'dating' if you even call it that. It was your typical middle school relationship, side hugs at the cafeteria, notes in the locker, and buying each other candy from the snack store. Of course no one thought that we would last, but we both knew there was something different. That 'middle school love' turned into a lifetime of happiness. As we entered our freshmen year of high school, we split up. We were young and going through so many changes. Even though we were split for all of those years, we remained as close as ever. Carson was always who I ran to through the hard times and the good. We were best friends throughout high school but we both knew deep down we were called for something more. God finally brought us back together at the right time--His time. We could not be more proud of our journey thus far and look forward to the many adventures to come."
-Emma
"In all honesty at 13 years old I am not really sure what I thought. The first time I ever saw Emma I thought two things: 1) She is the most beautiful girl in the entire world. 2) She is taller than me and that might not do well for me. In all seriousness, even at 13, you could tell everyone gravitated to Emma. I was so impressed by how she brightened up any room she entered and always displayed the kindness and goodness that is talked about in the bible. Luckily I grew a grew a few inches taller, so it has all worked out."
-Carson
"When I first met Carson, I thought he was soo cute! He was the 'new kid' who was quiet, smart, and played lots of sports (which I thought was the best thing about him LOL). As a 13 year old, I remember being so excited to see him at pep rallies and Friday night football games. As time passed, he truly became my best friend. I did not know it at the time, but the butterflies I felt at age 13 are the same butterflies I feel now at 20."
-Emma
"At 13 years old, we had our 'first date.' Her parents took us to eat at Pie Factory and the Escape Room. I can recall me being so nervous. I was in tight jeans, my heart was racing, legs were shaking. Of course, I had no idea what 'love' was at that age but something was different. After that night, I immediately knew she was going to be the girl I would marry. I went to school the next Monday and made a bet with my best friend that I would marry her. Of course, he thought I was crazy but throughout our life together she has constantly shown me that feeling that I felt on our first date was 100% real. "
-Carson
"I could write a book about the things I love about Carson. He is genuine, selfless, inspiring, and so much more. Although it is hard to just choose one, my favorite thing about Carson is his ability to be intentional. He is truly the most intentional person I have ever met. He pays attention to the big things, small things, and everything in between. He goes above and beyond and does everything with such intentional and genuine love. He loves me intentionally and exemplifies the Lord's love daily. His heart is gold and he is perfect to me."
-Emma
"This engagement has been in the works for quite some time. Emma has always told me she wanted our engagement to be a complete surprise. She wanted to have no idea. I knew since the day I was 13 years old, I wanted to make it special & perfect. So, I started a few months before trying to plan the perfect proposal for her. From booking different venues, booking Hanna Beth and all things between, I began planning. I even learned what Pinterest was and how to make a Pinterest board! I wanted to be intentional with how I proposed. I wanted to make her feel special, and most importantly, I wanted God to be at the center of it all. Leading up to it, I was feeling all the emotions: excited, anxious, nervous, stressed. As we arrived and it began to rain and rain some more, I began to get to nervous. Legs were shaking, stomach was turning. But one thing I have never doubted and was so sure of ,was that she was going to say 'yes.' Hearing those words made every worry and stress I had, go away. It made that 13 year old boy inside of me so happy."
-Carson
"Coming into the engagement, I was truly clueless. Since I have been a little girl I have prayed for this moment. It is something I have dreamed of for as long as I can remember. I have talked about it with friends, family, and of course Carson. When I met Carson, at such a young age, this moment was just a dream for me. I knew it was far away, but I knew it was certain. I have loved Carson since I met him and I truly mean that. He has always been my best friend, constant, and a shoulder to cry on. As I was getting ready, the thought of 'engagement' never crossed my mind. I knew it was coming eventually but had no clue that it was happening later that day. Walking into the engagement, I truly had no words. I was feeling excitement, joy, happiness, shock and so many other emotions. It was everything I have ever wanted and more. It was absolutely perfect and more than I could have ever wished for. 13 year old Emma is screaming!
-Emma
I asked the couple what they're most excited about when entering this season of engagement & future marriage:
"I would say we are most excited to soak it all in. This is a season of life we have both dreamed about having with each other. Being engaged is something we have always talked about and have looked forward to for many years. Planning our perfect wedding is something that is going to be so exciting, intentional, and perfect to us. Having the people we love the most around us through this whole process is something we will cherish. With all that being said, stepping into this new chapter of being engaged and eventually being married, we are most excited to start building our life together and serve the Lord while doing it all. Honoring the Lord and raising a Godly family is something we both can not wait to do together. Being engaged, married, and doing all of life together is something we have both dreamed of for years and it is most exciting to see it beginning to unfold. As you can see from our love story, God's timing is evident in every season of life and all roads lead to the person you love most."
-Emma & Carson
The Future Mays:
First off, I want to start by thanking Carson for asking & allowing me to play a part in this special day. I know that you have spent countless hours planning this out, been in deep thought about the details, and most importantly in fervent prayer for this exact moment. I was in awe of how detail-oriented you were throughout this entire process. Emma is one lucky girl!
Emma, you are exactly how I imagined you would be. You carry yourself with such grace & radiate the Lord's love to those around you. Carson is one lucky guy, to call you his "fiance" and "soon-to-be wife."
Carson centered this entire proposal around the Lord. It was truly a blessing to witness. It excites me to see a man of God, promise his future bride that he will love her like Christ loves the Church. It was a great representation of Jesus' love for his "bride" or, in other words, us. Just as God intended. One of the scriptures that Carson outlined during this special moment was from 1 Corinthians 13.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." - 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
May the Lord continue to bless you both individually & as a couple. Love does in fact never fail, especially with Jesus as your foundation.
-Hanna Beth |
