Zoo Proposal | Ashley + Mitch | March 2021

When I was first asked to photograph this proposal I was so excited! This one was going to be extra special since my sister was the one getting engaged.

In January while working in Texas, Mitch pulled me aside one day and told me that he was planning to propose to Ashley in March. He had already asked for my parent’s permission. I was so surprised and we instantly started brainstorming on proposal ideas.

Over the next month and a half, Mitch & I talked about ideas and logistics. Ashley is a primate zookeeper and Mitch is a reptile zookeeper and they both work at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.

The idea of a beach proposal fell through since it was spring break in Texas that week and the beach area was going to be very crowded and busy. Next plan was to ask some of Ashley’s co-workers in the primate department to help Mitch propose in front of the Lemur Island which is home to Ashley’s favorite ring-tailed lemurs.

So the plan was all set. Mitch’s family was planning a trip to Brownsville for spring break and Ashley knew this plan. But what Ashley did not know was that our parents and myself were flying to Brownsville arriving the same day as Mitch’s family.

Ashley went home after work that day, and Mitch went to the airport and the plan was to meet Mitch and his family back at the zoo around 6:00 pm, so they could give his family a private tour of the zoo that evening. We all arrive at the airport and quickly drove to the zoo to get ready for the surprise proposal.

When we arrived at Gladys Porter Zoo, one of Ashley’s co-workers was out on the lemur island putting up the signs that said “Will You Marry Me?” Now this was entertaining because the lemurs were so interested in the signs that they were smelling them, leaning on them and trying to eat them!

Once the signs were in place and all the co-workers were in place to watch the proposal, my family and I hid around the corner, but where Ashley could not see us. We waited for Mitch, Ashley & his family to pull up in a golf cart on their “private zoo tour.” My heart was beating so fast as I saw them pull up to the bridge and get off the golf cart. I was so excited and nervous because I really wanted to capture this moment for them. Mitch walked Ashley out on the bridge and she then saw the signs and obviously knew it was for her. I could tell Mitch was excited and nervous. I bet he wasn’t on his knee more than 15 seconds! I couldn’t hear his proposal, but you could tell he was so happy in this moment.

SHE SAID YES! Duhhhh.

Ashley was so surprised and then realized she was engaged! Mitch told her that she should FaceTime call her parents to let them know what just happened. Good thing dad had his phone on silent so Ashley could experience another surprise. When Ashley was talking, my dad said “Wait, I can’t hear you. You are breaking up.” And at this moment my dad and mom stepped out from their hiding place and Ashley could see them from where she was standing. Then I stepped out from my spot and said “hey!” She didn’t event recognize it was me and was so surprised. Mission “Lemur Island Surprise Proposal” accomplished.

Ashley & Mitch started dating in college in 2016. They both graduated from Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Florida. After Mitch graduated in 2017 he interned in Indiana, then Nebraska then he landed his current job in Texas. Ashley was right after Mitch, graduating in 2018, interning in Tampa then to Nebraska then landing her current job in Texas.

They are getting married in January 2023 and we all can't wait!