I’ve been privileged this summer to capture some amazing memories for a lot of extended families enjoying the Lake of the Ozarks, and the McCleery family was one of the biggest and sweetest I’ve photographed to date. Connie and her large family of 15 came together and stayed at RT’s Cove in Osage Beach to celebrate her special work anniversary. This family hadn’t all been together in years, and it was a real treat.

I had been tipped off earlier in the evening that there would be a proposal, so I was anxiously awaiting the moment when it would happen with my camera ready. (I’m glad I was tipped off too, because otherwise I may have just stared in shock like the rest of the family!) We were finishing up sunset photos by the Lake when Mike took his girlfriend’s hand, got down on one knee, and popped the question. With her entire family surrounding them, she said YES!

Naturally we had to take engagement photos as soon as everyone had given their hugs and congratulations. What a fantastic surprise and such a joy for this photographer to capture both the McCleery family vacation AND a surprise engagement. Enjoy the photos below from that epic evening, and be sure to leave a congratulatory comment for the happy couple!