Jenna and Dylan’s proposal with the elephants was an experience never to forget.
Some couples just have a spark that can’t be staged and Jenna and Dylan are one of those rare duos. Their love is genuine, unforced and so beautifully evident in every frame that it makes my job as a photographer feel almost effortless.
My journey with Jenna began long before she was in front of my camera. I taught her as a little girl in Grade 3 and over the years she became more than just a past pupil, she became a family friend. It’s been such a joy to watch her grow into the amazing woman she is today and to see her relationship with Dylan blossom over the past nine years.
Over time, they’ve become my go-to couple for creative model shoots. Whether it’s a golden hour concept or something playful and themed, they just know how to work together naturally, always reading each other’s body language, always letting their connection shine through. Recently, we had just done an autumn concept shoot which they completely rocked.
Then about two months later I got a call from Dylan. This was unusual, I usually chat with Jenna, so my first thought was “He’s going to propose.” And I was right.
From there the plotting began. Between the two of us we brainstormed how we could get Jenna in front of my camera again without her suspecting a thing. Dylan wanted nature to play a part in the proposal but didn’t want to travel too far. That’s when I suggested Glen Afric in Hartbeespoort, a stunning lodge known for its wildlife experiences, especially the opportunity to walk with elephants.
Dylan called them and explained his plan and the team was more than happy to be in on the secret. Then came my part, convincing Jenna. I told her that Glen Afric had asked me to take photos for their new website and that I needed a couple to feature in some of the images. I even explained that we couldn’t use members of the public because of the POPIA Act. She was all in and said she’d do her best to convince Dylan. Little did she know he was already the mastermind behind it all.
On the day Jenna was completely relaxed, enjoying the nature, the elephants and of course the camera time. The handlers, Dylan and I had already planned the perfect moment. George, who has been an elephant handler for 26 years, was fully on board. He took Jenna’s phone to film from one angle while I had my own phone set up for video.
When everything was in place I gave the signal, Dylan dropped to one knee and we told Jenna to turn around. At first she looked puzzled, “Is this part of the website shoot?” but then the realisation hit. The confusion turned to tears, laughter and pure joy. She dropped to her knees too, said “yes” through happy tears and Dylan slipped the ring onto her finger.
The rest of the morning was pure magic, posing with the elephants, laughing together and just soaking up the moment. But Dylan wasn’t done yet. He had secretly arranged for friends and family to meet them for a celebratory breakfast. Jenna walked in to be greeted with more tears, hugs and congratulations from their loved ones.
It was truly the most epic engagement surprise, one I was honoured to not only witness but capture forever. Jenna and Dylan, thank you for trusting me with such a milestone moment.
Take a Closer Look
