Brian Zimmerman

Some (better-late-than-never) Engagement Photos of Kim and I. Taken by the one and only Matt Wrightson. 

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The Proposal

I really didn’t have a specific date in mind going into this, but I had several ideas that were possibilities. After plans changing many times, I decided to propose at one of Kim’s favorite spots, Little Gunpowder.

On Tuesday morning, I texted her and asked if she wanted to pack a lunch and take some pictures. She agreed. Once I told her this, I was pretty certain she knew what was about to go down. Luckily, Kim’s Mom nipped it in the bud. Kim told her that she was pretty certain I was popping the question today. Mrs. Joyce quickly responded, saying that I hadn’t asked her Father yet (which I had), and Kim somehow believed her! So I really owe you one, Mrs. Joyce.

Once we packed a lunch, we made our way to Gunpowder. It was about 3 PM when we headed out, and she had a Doctor’s appointment at 6:30, so there was no messing around. As you can tell from the photo, it’s a pretty high overlook. So, it was about a 15 minute uphill hike, we both were carrying heavy bags, and it was (no joke) 100ºF outside. Needless to say, it was a struggle. 

We reached the top, and we both were sweating profusely. I took off my shirt and undershirt and laid on the ground to cool off. Once we caught our breath, we had lunch. It was going dandy, until I spilled the thermos of sweet tea on our blanket, causing an army of ants to raid our picnic. Even though it was a rough start, we were still having a nice time. Kim put on Helplessness Blues as we ate. It was quite pleasant. 

Now we’ve reached the main event. We finished lunch and I pulled out my camera. We both looked liked a hot mess (not in a good way) and Kim wasn’t too enthused about taking photos, but I told her to suck it up. I set my camera up on the tripod, and found a spot to take photos. I had my camera set on a 10 second timer. I would hit the shutter, run up, and snap the photo. I did this several times to throw her off, and because I was beyond nervous. After about 6 or 7 photos, it was time. 

Side Story: The weeks prior to this day, I messed with Kim’s head quite a bit. I had done some fake proposals a couple times. I did the classic get down on one knee and tie my shoe. My favorite one happened while we were on the cruise. It was just the two of us that night at dinner. Before our food came out, I looked into her eyes, tapped my knife firmly on my glass, and began to stand up. She gave me a look like “You better cut that crap out”. 

Well, that’s the same look she gave me as I hit the shutter one last time, walked towards her, got down on one knee, and asked her to be my wife. She looked confused, but considering my pranks from before and having what her Mom said in the back of her mind, Kim had every right to be. But once I opened that little black box, she knew what was happening. 

If I could put a word on the moment, I think it would be Shocking. We both were in total shock. Once the ring was on the finger, the only words we could come up with was “I love you”. The shock was hitting me like a 10 ton truck as I was about to hit the shutter. As I got on one knee, neither of us can remember what I said, other than “Will you be my wife?” (which apparently I asked twice). Nerves and adrenaline are strange things. 

Nevertheless, it was beautiful, wonderful, perfect and sweaty. It’s a moment that could never be replicated. There’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with Kimberley Vitale.