“Last year Camellia gave Romel a book for Christmas. In it, she wrote in crayon all of the reasons that she loves him because, as she says, “I don’t say it very often!” One year later, with the ring in hand, Romel handed Camellia that same book, but in the last page he had written the date, December 16, 2017, along with the words “Camellia Marian Loojune will you marry me?” As she read the book, he dropped to one knee and proposed.

I loved working with Romel to plan this surprise proposal. The first time we spoke on the phone he seemed so excited. He said, “She has so much energy and emotion! The thing I like about her is that I’m always a bit scared… she keeps me on my toes, but she always meets me half way.” And when I asked how she would react to his proposal, he said, “She’s definitely going to cry!” I was positioned on an adjacent peninsula in Sunset Point Park in Collingwood, Ontario, but even I could tell by the way Romel hugged her that she was emotional.

These two have been together for 2 and a half years, though they’ve known each other for much longer than that. Their families are friends and they met as children, but Camellia moved away in grade 9. Their paths brought them back together years later at a family wedding, and they’ve been together ever since.

Romel told me how much Camellia loves Christmas and how she feels so connected to the water. So his proposal on the shores of Georgian Bay on {an absolutely freezing} snowy day couldn’t have been more perfect. And following our quick shoot on the water we headed downtown where we got some stunning photos of Camellia and Romel in the falling snow and surrounded by holiday lights.” –Sophia Lemon

How did you find your photographer?

My fiancee, Romel was the mastermind behind finding Sophia. As we were dating and talking about taking our relationship to the next level, I always told him I was not a fan of engagement photos because I felt awkward and uncomfortable. Basically, I vetoed the idea of doing engagement photos. To my surprise, and always trying to stay a few steps ahead of me {which can be difficult at times}, Romel concocted a whole plan and did some serious scheming and research to find the perfect photographer for our proposal. She definitely seemed like the perfect fit after he told me that their initial call led to an hour conversation about him telling her about our relationship, and how much I make his heart flutter. She has been an absolute pleasure to work with and does a fantastic job bringing out the love and silliness in our relationship.

What are you DIY-ing for your wedding?

We are still in the very early stages of our wedding plans, but there are a few things we have discussed. As I have a limited tolerance for high heels, I am definitely making my own pair of bridal themed tennis shoes. They are the most comfortable things ever! Romel and I both love working with our hands and making things and have decided to make our own card box, signage and name cards for the reception.

Further, as we are marrying each other following our Hindu tradition, we are considering making some of the pieces for the ceremony. One that we will definitely be making is the lower seats that the bride and groom sit on during the ceremony under the Mandap. Also with regard to food after the ceremony, our parents are some phenomenal cooks and will definitely be preparing some sweets and staple cultural dishes to share with all of our guests!

What are you looking forward to the most?

As corny as it sounds, I am most looking forward to seeing my future husband for the first time under the Mandap. The same feelings I had when we went on our first date come rushing back even at the thought of this. While I am looking forward to planning all the details for our wedding with my husband-to-be, I know that on our big day, nothing else will matter but the tying the knot. -Camellia, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Sophia Lemon // Shoot Venue: Sunset Point Park, Collingwood Ontario // Engagement Ring: MacNeill Designs