Sam & Mia: A Love Story at the Lake

Dec 30

Some people you’re just meant to know forever — & for me, Sam is one of those people.

Our moms are basically the friend version of soulmates, & we grew up living these parallel lives: our moms inseparable, me the same age as his sister, some summers spent working side-by-side at school.

So when Sam reached out to ask if I would capture his proposal, excited doesn't even begin to cover it.

His (now!) fiancée Mia is genuinely one of the kindest, warmest souls I’ve ever met. The life they’ve built together is so full of love, respect, & care — it’s the kind of relationship that feels easy and pure, the kind that makes you believe even more deeply in real, lasting love.

The plan was simple:

Sam would take Mia on a walk through the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, ending at a quiet little spot on Lake Michigan where the views are stunning and — bonus — no one else would be around. He brought champagne, decorated a little rock by the water, & I found myself literally hiding in a tree waiting for the moment. (Photographer dedication at its finest.)

I stalked his location on Find My Friends like a pro.
I saw their car pull up.
I waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.

Finally, I heard their voices. I got into position (trying desperately not to snap a branch or make a single sound) — & then it happened. Sam said some beautiful words, got down on one knee, & asked Mia to spend forever with him.