Maternity photography is practically a pregnancy staple nowadays. Once the flood of emotions (and possible morning sickness) that comes in those first few weeks when a couple discovers they’re expecting a child subsides, professional photos are a way to document all of the joy and excitement of a pregnancy.
The photos on their own are something extremely special, but one Florida couple managed to make the day even more memorable when the father-to-be decided that there was no reason the gorgeous maternity pictures they were taking couldn’t also be engagement photos. He just didn’t tell his intended fiancee that, and we’re really glad he didn’t, because the resulting series of snaps are positively stunning and ridiculously adorable. Just try not to squee too loud if you’re checking these out at work.
The happy couple
These two unreasonably photogenic lovebirds are elementary school teachers Lorenza Pardo and Louis Bruno and, according to Buzzfeed, they’ve been together for five years. Lorenza, pictured here exhibiting the dictionary definition of “glowing,” is 26 weeks pregnant with the couple’s first child.
So happy together
Besides being really, really, ridiculously good looking, the couple is also really smart. They’re both pursing their master’s degrees right now.
Expecting a surprise
The couple got an unexpected but welcome surprise when they learned that Lorenza was pregnant. A little earlier than expected? Sure, but the devoted duo figured that since they’d planned on eventually being a family anyway, what did it matter what path they took to get there?
A little help from a friend
When they told a friend the happy news, she hooked them up with her brother-in-law and the talented guy behind the camera, Kevin Cucci of artCimages, who agreed to do a maternity shoot with the couple.
A classic pose
By all accounts, it was your standard maternity photo shoot; all loving glances, adorable smiles and photogenic posing. After all, who doesn’t recognize this one right here? You know, the one where you stand back-to-back and your partner reaches into his pocket to surprise you with an engagement ring. Oh, wait…
Something sparkly
Surprise engagments may not be standard on maternity shoots, but that’s just what Louis was planning, unbeknownst to Lorenza. With her back to him, she had no idea what was about to happen.
Thumbs up
The best part? Seeing these moments just before the big surprise and being able to pinpoint the exact moment that the shoot goes from maternity to engagement. I mean, look at that mischevious grin.
Take a deep breath
Lorenza didn’t even see the ring at first, since she was too busy looking at Louis. And not to put too fine a point on it, but geez, even in candid shots these two like total professionals.
Pop the question
The surprise she wasn’t expecting
Eventually, she does see what her fiance-to-be is up to, and that’s when the tears start. They’re happy tears, of course.
Happy tears
Someone maybe should have warned Louis that pregnancy hormones can make things like Cheerios commercials seem like dramatic masterpieces of emotional art, so a spontaneous proposal at the freaking seaside is enough to induce happy crying that may or may not stop for a few hours.
Overwhelmed with love
Oh, and kisses. Lots of those, too.
She said yes!
Clearly, Louis got the answer he was hoping for, and we’re all lucky enough to have been able to see the whole thing, start to finish.
Awww
For her part, Lorenza described the experience as surreal, and the pair noted that their fourth-grade students are hoping to get an invite to the wedding. Surreal is actually a great word for it from an outside point of view, too. We had no idea people this adorable actually existed, but we’re glad they do.
A lifetime of happiness
We wish the happy couple nothing but joy and excitement from here on out and congratulations twice over, both for their growing family and their impending nuptials. It’s sure to be an equally beautiful and genuine affair.
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