Surprise Proposal
I met Rynxes and Mylene on August 22, 2010 when I photographed a wedding they both attended as a guest. Mylene was a bridesmaid and sang a song during the reception, and Rynxes played the piano for her. Their relationship was just starting to bloom when I captured these pictures of them.
Since then, their love has been growing and Rynxes contacted me a couple weeks ago with his plans for a surprise proposal! It seems like fate that these two met at church, where Mylene was on her way to become a nun. Rynxes chose to propose at the historic Cathedral of Our Lady of Angles.
On the day of the proposal (Sunday), the church had a gathering of 1000+ choir singers. The acoustics was amazing and it made the day even more special! For the past 2 weeks leading up to the proposal, Ryxnes made daily prayers and wrote notes in a book to share with Mylene. If you personally know these two, ask for the story about the book and what happened to it. =)
Rynxes wanted to have the proposal documented at the exact moment it happened, which meant I had to be in stealth ninja mode until then. When they first arrived, I found them having a quite moment together in prayer. I was hiding behind the pillars. Thankfully the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angles is a popular tourist destination, so there were tons of other people everywhere with cameras. I hope I blended in well and didn’t look like a creeper!
Then, they walked to a bench in the courtyard and had a short chat. Soon after, he got down on one knee!
She was so surprised and emotional… and I was so excited for both of them! Her answer was “okay!!” I snapped some pictures as they were both glowing! This was so fun, and I’m totally honored to be able to document this moment in their lives.
After some pictures, we said adieu… but little did Mylene know that Rynxes had another huge surprise waiting for her. He invited 60 of their closest friends and family to a surprise dinner at Miceli’s Italian Resturant in Studio City.
This was the look on her face when she first entered and saw everyone!
Near the end of the night, we took a family pictures with their parents, and some of the guests.
How romantic is this story~!? I want to say a big congratulations to Rynxes and Mylene!! Here’s to many more moments to come. =)
@ 11:16 am
Love the pictures u took of Mylenes soooo special moment. Rynxes did a great job surprising her.
@ 2:33 pm
Beautiful pictures for a beautiful moment. Wishing My and Rynxes nothing but the best, because they deserve it !!
@ 10:52 pm
Feel like luv is in the air this Valentine’s, and in those pics. They look so happy/photogenic together. Coincidentally, I’m happy/photogenic myself 0<]=O) congrats again to u two
@ 11:56 pm
Beautiful pictures!!! It truly captured the beauty and all the special moments of that day! You looked absolutely beautiful Mylene….and very happy! Congrats again Mylene & Rynxes! Looking forward to the big day!
@ 12:12 am
Mylene and Rynxes look so happy together. The family seem to be so lovely themselves! You look awesome!
@ 12:20 am
It’s nice to capture this memorable moments. All the wonderful smiles and laughs of Mylene & Rynxes brings joy to everyone!
@ 9:44 am
Good food, good music, beautiful pictures. “Love is in the air”
I’m glad that the two of you made this decision to be with each other. It will save me a lot of time since I don’t have to help my brother Larry to shop for a shotgun, and honestly,I’d rather have Rynxes as a nephew than a hostage. Let your future decisions not be a leap of faith but rather resulting from a well-discussed plan aimed on a common good. Remember, it’s not going to be I and Me anymore, but rather we and us. Good luck and God bless. Tito Geny
@ 10:15 am
Your happy faces are priceless! I am so happy for the both of you! Your smiley faces are so adorable! Love you both! I wish you both the very best =)
@ 10:24 am
Look at all the happies! Good photo!
@ 10:59 am
A wonderful and glorious night…! Thank you for including me on this special occasion…may Mylene and Rynxes be abundantly blest…! +
@ 11:06 am
Congrats again to both of you! These pictures are great! Can’t wait to see the rest.
@ 11:27 am
I LOVE the pictures! They are ALL beautiful! AND they captured you both so well!! I am SO glad that I was able there for you guys! I am so happy for you both–I cannot wait for the wedding! Rynxes, you are like my little brother and I love you so much–so happy that you have found Mylene. 🙂
@ 11:40 am
I am honored to have been a part of this beautiful day! The reaction shot at Miceli’s was priceless. I will always remember that moment and am thrilled it was captured on camera for posterity.
Nothing but love for the two a ya’
– Jessica
@ 12:12 pm
lovely photos, lovely couple! so proud to witness this beautiful union and to be friends with you both. much love! xo ang
@ 5:06 pm
Dear Mylene & Rynxes,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures with beautiful narration of your love story. I see that you glow with happiness together. Love & God bless, auntie Puring
@ 8:25 pm
RJ and Mylene, as both of you look forward to the day that you are wed,
may your love (and these captured moments) be a reminder of the joy that lies ahead.
Awesome news! Can’t wait for the big day.
Happy Engagement!
– Tito Jun and Tita Makhy –
@ 8:27 pm
You are a beautiful couple! Amazing how the pictures captured your deep pure love for each other, the smiles exuded your inner beauty as well!
We wish you a lifetime of love & happiness.
Hugs & kisses from all of us here in New York!
@ 10:19 pm
Ah! This is adorable!!! Congratulations Mylene!!
@ 10:29 pm
Congrats you two!!! Much love from Marco’s Roommates!!
@ 7:08 am
Plan the next step well. I will be here to help. I am very
happy for both of you. God bless. Love Tita Charry
@ 12:23 am
This is so sweet! What an awesome guy for getting all of that together – that’s a lot of pressure! You documented it beautifully, Sherri!
@ 3:50 pm
WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY CAPTURED!! congrats!
@ 9:24 am
What a lovely engagement!
Micel’s is the best! What a sweet guy for putting it all together.
@ 11:39 pm
Wow that was awesome! Loved how it all worked out! Rynxes, that was genius hehhe! I just want you both to know I will be balling at your wedding