February 11, 2018

Charleston Beach Proposal | Isle of Palms, SC

“Leigh is WONDERFUL! I have had two sessions with her… one being a surprise engagement!! We will cherish these photos for a lifetime. I would recommend Leigh no matter the occasion. She is sure to meet your needs and desires all while making you feel comfortable and confident!”- Murray Meyer

Charleston Beach Proposal | Andrew & Murray| Isle of Palms, SC

Andrew contacted me about photographing his surprise Charleston beach proposal on Isle of Palms in Charleston, SC. I had recently taken photos of him and his girlfriend Murray in November for her birthday. To view their adorable fall couple session, click here.

Backstory

Andrew and Murray are both retired collegiate athletes and love to spend time doing anything active/outdoors! Their competitive nature always has them pushing one another to new limits all while celebrating life’s victories along the way!

They met at Oceanside Collegiate Academy, where they are both coaches. She coaches girls’ soccer, and he coaches baseball. Murray felt an immediate spark from her and Andrew’s first date and knew very quickly in their relationship, he was the one! However, she was not expecting this surprise Isle of Palms beach proposal.

The Proposal Plan

Andrew planned every detail meticulously down to a comfy throw and white pillows to lounge on, a chilled bottle of champagne, flowers, and a felt letter board with ” Forever Starts Now” and the date, “February 1, 2020”. The whole setup was very impressive and looked straight off Pinterest! Andrew had Murray’s twin sister prepare the setup on the beach for him at a specified location. His plan was to take Murray to dinner at an Isle of Palms restaurant and have the hostess say there was a wait. Subsequently, Andrew would suggest a walk on the beach to kill time.

How It All Went Down

It was not a pretty day outside at the Isle of Palms beach for a proposal. In fact, it was 40 degrees and grey. Luckily for Andrew, Murray went along with the plan! As the two came strolling hand in hand to where the staged proposal area was, Andrew began to slow down and said “Hey! what’s that??” Murray looked up and saw the dreamiest set-up. You could see the shock and emotion flood her face as she repeated over and over “What is that?!”. She came to the realization of what was about to happen! The couple then had a few tearful moments together before Andrew dropped to one knee in the sand. He then professed his love and asked for Murray’s hand in marriage slipping a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring on her finger! Without hesitation, Murray said yes with happy tears streaming down her cheeks!!

One Last Surprise

To complete the surprise, Andrew had contacted both his and Murray’s family and closest friends to come from all over the United States to witness their proposal. The large group hid under a close by pier but as soon as she said yes, they erupted with loud cheers and came running over to give congratulatory hugs! Everyone toasted the newly engaged couple with One Hope Champagne! Then engagement photos were taken of the over-the-moon couple and of course some with their delighted tribe. The celebrations continued at one of the couple’s favorite local restaurants, The Rusty Rudder in Mount Pleasant. Job well done to Andrew for pulling off his surprise beach proposal on Isle of Palms and cheers to the engagement!! The happy couple is planning on having an October wedding at The William Aiken House.

Proposal Featured on The Knot’s How They Asked! Blog