Ben, Corinna + the Girls

A group in coordinated green and white outfits share candid moments together in a snowy winter setting.
A couple in cozy sweaters share playful and intimate moments while sitting on a plaid blanket.
A couple shares a romantic moment in the snow at a Christmas tree farm during a winter proposal photoshoot.

Some sessions stay with me long after I put my camera away—and this one is absolutely one of them.


Back in August, Ben reached out about scheduling a family session. From the start, he shared that this wasn’t just a family session. He was planning to surprise-propose to his long-term girlfriend, Corinna. The biggest piece? He wanted to wait until their oldest daughter was home from college so the entire family could be there for the moment. We landed on December 19th at Maple Hill Farm in Barton, and the plan felt perfect.


Of course… Vermont winter had other ideas.


December 19th arrived with pouring rain and intense wind—one of those days where you don’t even question rescheduling. We moved it to December 26th, only to be met with single-digit temperatures. While I love winter sessions, that level of cold just isn’t enjoyable for anyone. So we crossed our fingers, watched the forecast closely, and finally made it happen on December 28th.


And somehow, after all that waiting, the day couldn’t have been more perfect.


The temperature was comfortable, the sun sat low in the sky with that soft, golden winter haze, and Maple Hill Farm looked absolutely magical. We started just like any other family session—classic family portraits, kids individually, then all together. Everything felt relaxed and natural. We finished the family portion with a walking shot before transitioning into a few “mom and dad” photos.


That’s when things got interesting.


Ben had placed the ring in his shirt pocket under his sweater… and quickly realized it was harder to get to than he anticipated. He tried to subtly hide behind Corinna, which ended up being slightly comical—especially since she thought he was about to push her over. (They’re originally from Georgia, and this is their first winter, so walking on snow was already a little intimidating.) Once he finally got the ring out, he dropped down onto one knee.


It was such a beautiful moment—not just because of the proposal, but because their kids were right there watching it unfold.


The only one who knew ahead of time was their oldest, Llola. The others—Camilla, Olive, and Lucy—had absolutely no idea. Their reactions were pure joy and shock and happiness all wrapped into one. I got some of my favorite reaction photos I’ve ever taken, and honestly, my heart was so full watching how excited they were. Ben called them all in for a big group hug, and it was one of those moments that reminds me exactly why I love what I do.


Afterward, we seamlessly shifted the session into an engagement session, soaking up the light and celebrating this new chapter for their family.


A huge thank you to Maple Hill Farm for once again allowing me to use their property—it truly makes for the most gorgeous winter portraits. And to Ben and Corinna: thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful moment. This one will stay with me for a long time. 


Close-up of hands wearing a white knit sleeve showing an engagement ring against a navy sweater in winter.
Group hug in snow with evergreen trees during winter engagement celebration.
People enjoying a winter photo session among snow-covered evergreen trees.
Group poses playfully in the snow near pine trees during a winter photo session.
A couple shares joyful moments in a winter setting wearing coordinated navy and cream colored outfits.
A couple shares a special moment during a winter engagement photoshoot in the snow.
A romantic winter engagement photoshoot among snow-covered evergreen trees at sunset.
A winter photo shoot with snow-covered evergreens and bare trees in the background.
Family members walk together through a snowy landscape with evergreen trees.
People walking together through snow-covered terrain with pine trees in the background.
A group photo session in the snow with people wearing coordinated winter sweaters.
A group embraces while sitting in the snow during a winter photo session.
A person wearing a green knit sweater and denim poses in a snowy winter setting.
A romantic winter engagement photoshoot sequence showing playful moments in the snow among wooden posts.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a snowy winter landscape with evergreen trees at sunset.
A child in a cream cable knit sweater poses in the snow with evergreen trees in background.
A couple embraces in a snowy winter setting among evergreen trees during a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
Proposal moment captured in snow with evergreen trees during winter sunset.
Romantic winter engagement photo showing couple in white and navy sweaters against snowy backdrop.
A person wearing a green cable knit sweater poses in front of snow-covered evergreen trees.
Woman in white sweater poses gracefully in snowy winter landscape with evergreens.
Family embracing in snow with evergreen trees and winter landscape in background.
A couple playfully walks through snow-covered ground with evergreen trees in the background.
Couple playfully interacting in a snowy winter landscape with evergreen trees at sunset.
A romantic winter photo session with snow-covered evergreens in the background at sunset.
Person wearing cozy green cable knit sweater poses in snowy winter setting at sunset.
Tender embrace captured between couple during winter photoshoot with evergreen backdrop.
A playful couple poses together on a blanket in the snow during a winter photoshoot.
A group sits together on a blanket in the snow near evergreen trees during winter.
A romantic winter photoshoot in the snow with evergreen trees and warm sunset lighting.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a snowy winter setting surrounded by evergreen trees at sunset.
A couple embraces in a snowy Christmas tree farm during a winter photo session.
A child plays joyfully in deep winter snow among evergreen trees during a bright sunset.
A couple embraces and laughs together during their winter photo session.
Winter engagement celebration with friends among snow-covered Christmas trees.
Hands with engagement ring rest against navy sweater during winter photoshoot.
Surprise proposal moment captured in snow with evergreen trees in background.
Couple shares intimate moment while sitting in snow with evergreen trees in background.
Couple laughing together while sitting in snow during winter engagement photoshoot.
A family enjoys a winter photoshoot together in the snow among evergreen trees at sunset.
Couple sharing intimate moments in a snowy Christmas tree farm during golden hour.
A family poses together in coordinating winter sweaters against a snowy landscape.
A couple shares tender moments in the snow during a winter photo session.
Group poses for winter photos in a snow-covered evergreen tree farm.
Romantic winter engagement photos taken in a snowy Christmas tree farm at golden hour.