As Seen on News12 New Jersey - Wedding Photographer shoots surprise proposal at the Historic Red Mill, Clinton NJ

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Written By Daniel Nydick

Did I have any idea that my road trip last weekend would lead to me capturing a young couple's marriage proposal? Of course not.

My photographic journey began through road trips. I used to grab my camera, a few great cds, and just drive. My favorite go-to was always to ride along Route 78 West, pick any random exit, and explore. 

I love open roads, backroads, dirt roads, the Road to Hana (a mountain road with 818 hairpin turns each way for you mainlanders)...pretty much all roads. I've even driven cross-country, sleeping in my car (and I feel the need to trek again really soon). I crave that special top-notch personal time that serves as an opportunity to explore both inward and outward. It had been way too long since I had done just that.

Years ago, I fell in love with the gravel paths, the horse farms, the hills, and the quaint downtowns of Bedminster, Far Hills, Long Valley, and Clinton; to name a few. 

Since the 'Sunday Drive' is as American as apple pie; I suppose in that regard I'd been pretty unpatriotic for a while. My goal was simply to reconnect with myself and take a backroad jaunt with the intention of winding up in Clinton, NJ.  (Pictured below: images of The Historic Red Mill in Clinton from the last time I took a photo road trip, November 3, 2015).

I immediately felt a sense of freedom once I headed out on last Saturday. The windows were down, the temperature was an arid high-seventies, and purely perfect. It sounds corny, but I really had not a care in the world. 
I hit all the old favorites, like Leonard J. Buck Garden, Natirar, and other spots, while making my way out to Clinton to take home some Citispot Coffee.

Once I made it to Clinton, I just wanted to snap some photos. Not necessarily of anything serious, I just wanted to reconnect with my passion and do it for fun. Meet Lyla.

Her human let me take some photos of her, and once I did; I was instantly refreshed, engaged, and having a blast. I offered to send said-owner the photos I would shoot...today I wasn't the 'professional'...I just wanted to play. A simple barter of photos for him, and for myself, the chance to take the photos...that's an even trade in my eyes.
While spending time chatting with Lyla's human, he asked me if I was the photographer for the proposal that was happening down by The Red Mill. "No," isn't a lie if I I didn't yet know that I'd be the photographer, right?
 

As I walked downtown, I met Rob and Veronica, the friends of the bride and groom-to-be.

We chatted briefly, and I learned about their friend Jeffrey's plan to propose to Sarah; a woman who's had his heart for the last 10 years. Once I found out they had no photographer, I offered my services, totally free...I knew that they Need. NEED. these photos. 

Once we worked out the details, the logistics, etc., it was just a waiting game. As day turned to night, I knew it would be a little more challenging, but still completely achievable.

I waited on the bridge for them to arrive. If you'd like to feel the excitement build like I did, you can watch the Facebook Live video I posted as they were approaching.

Ok, so, on to the good stuff...when it came time to make it count....TOUCHDOWN!!! HOME RUN!!!! All went without a hitch!

Over the years, I've learned to live from a place of service; both to others and to self. Many opportunities for connection arise in ways that would not be otherwise obtained.

My soul needed a day without rules, without have-to's. I headed out with no intentions other than wanting to rejuvenate my spirit. Boy, did it ever happen.

My words for you today? Do what you love, be generous of self, and remember to go out and play. You may even end up on the news :)
 

A big congratulations, and a heartfelt thank you to Sarah and Jeffrey for letting me be a part of this special day of theirs; and for allowing me the opportunity to give them picture-perfect memories that will last them a lifetime.

Daniel Nydick https://www.danielnydick.com
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