A Trail to Forever:
A Surprise Morning Engagement on the Old Baldy Trail Summit in Garner State Park
The morning of October 6, 2023, started earlier than usual for me. As a photographer, I always double-check my gear before a session, but this morning felt different. My nerves buzzed with excitement—this wasn’t just any session. It was a surprise engagement unlike any I had done before.
A few weeks prior, I had received an email from Kaden. He was looking for a photographer to document his carefully planned proposal to his girlfriend, Ciara. Every detail mattered to him. They were coming to Uvalde for the local college rodeo and planned to stay in Concan, a tradition they shared every year. Among their favorite places was Garner State Park, where they often hiked together. His plan? To propose at the summit of Old Baldy Trail, a place that held deep meaning for them both. He wanted me there—not just to take pictures, but to capture the moment in a way that allowed them to be fully present, savoring every second without distraction.
Once he booked, my focus shifted to making his vision come to life. To prepare, I decided to hike Old Baldy myself, bringing my oldest along for the adventure. Hiking a trail is never predictable—there are twists, turns, and unexpected moments. Walking the path in advance helped me understand the lighting, the viewpoints, and how to incorporate the natural beauty of the Frio River into their engagement session. It also gave me a chance to step into their shoes, to feel the anticipation they would feel on that special morning.
The day before, Kaden and I finalized every detail—timing, flowers, where the session would end. We planned to be at the summit by 9:30 AM. I would arrive early, blending in as a bystander capturing the iconic views, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect moment.
Old Baldy Trail is known for its breathtaking vistas and steep, rocky ascent. It winds through a forest of cypress and oak trees before opening up to a panoramic view of the Texas Hill Country. That morning, as Kaden and Ciara made their way to the top, I can only imagine his heart pounding with anticipation.
As they reached the summit, they took a moment to catch their breath, the vast landscape stretching before them. Then, Kaden turned to Ciara and said, “Wow! What an amazing view.” With that, he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring.
Ciara gasped, her eyes filling with joy. Overwhelmed with emotion, she said yes, tears mixing with laughter as she embraced him. I captured it all—the raw, beautiful moment that would become one of their most cherished memories. As the ring slipped onto her finger, I stepped forward, offering my congratulations and asking if they were ready for an engagement session.
Kaden’s meticulous planning had paid off, and the surprise proposal on the summit of Old Baldy Trail became a moment they—and I—would never forget.
