Ali Asks Gina to Marry Him on the Beaches of Key West
Six years ago, Ali was a busy university student, when he got invited to attend a back-to-school themed party. It was there that he met Gina, and the rest - as they say - was history. The two hit it off immediately, dating throughout college and into their new careers. It was on a scheduled trip to Key West, Florida, when Ali decided he wanted to ask Gina to marry him, and what better place than the beautiful beach at sunset?
Press PLAY to relive their Key West Proposal Session below!
On the day of the Proposal, the couple had only arrived to Key West earlier that afternoon and Gina wasn't feeling too well and needed some time to rest, so Ali said he had to play it cool like they had nowhere to be, secretly stressing that he needed to also get her Fort Zach on time!
Needing some reinforcements, he had the concierge convince her that yes they should definitely go to Fort Zach that evening (thanks Annika at Oceans Edge!).
After all, the sunset waits for no one!
After a little stroll around the city, a stop off for ice cream, and a drink, they grabbed a taxi to the beach. Afterward, Ali would admit that he was really worried about how to get Gina to the beach at sunset without arising suspicion!
The couple arrived to the beautiful Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, and came in where I could see them, but they could not see me. It was fun to watch them make their way out onto the beach, where they took in the sights and surroundings, and even took a few minutes to grab some photos of each other.
A few minutes later, the couple headed down the beach, and I began trailing them, long lens in hand, to keep them in my sights as they made their way to “the spot”.
The final worry was getting Gina to walk in the opposite direction to the sunset - she didn't understand why they shouldn’t immediately head toward the area where all the people were settling in to watch sunset? :D
Of course, I was waiting in hiding, and had picked a spot that was more secluded so that there was not a large crowd of people around.
From my vantage point, I chuckled as I saw Ali direct Gina into an angle with ideal lighting. He removed her sunglasses, and gave me the cue, holding both of her hands so that I could tell from a distance “this is it!”. I was ready and waiting, and fired off as many frames as I could, capturing those oh-so-memorable expressions and smiles.
When the big moment finally arrived, Ali knelt down on one knee, smiling from ear to ear, and said “Georgina Theodora Eleni Sergi, will you marry me?”
Afterward, I would have a chance to ask Ali what she recalled of the day. She shared:
“Having spent some time looking at rings together back in London, it's safe to say I knew the proposal was coming; however, knowing Ali's super chilled nature like I do, I also knew that it was entirely possible that it could be a while before he went for it….”
“…When we got to Key West we were both struck by how beautiful a place it is, and, although I was feeling pretty tired from our couple of days in Orlando prior to arrival, I really didn't think twice when Ali suggested we go to a "really popular beach for sunset". He didn't think I would, but I happily took his suggestion, even without the lovely concierge working her magic!…”
“…When we got to Fort Zach and we starting to move away from the crowds, I had a split second where I wondered whether this might be "the moment", but as we turned back around towards the sunset, I lost my trail of thought completely, and before I knew it he was down on one knee...It was a perfect moment in the perfect place!”
When they’re not busy getting engaged (haha), Ali shared that he works in the tech industry so is usually busy programming, whilst Gina is a social worker in the mental health field, and helps those with psychosis! Having only recently moved in together, the two are still figuring out what hobbies they enjoy doing together, but separately Ali is into sports like squash and football (avid Liverpool supporter!), and Gina is more into her arts and crafts.
They do make time for family though, seeing friends and family, and especially Gina's baby nieces and nephews!
I’m so happy that their travels brought them to Key West, where I could take part in this beautiful day with them. Congratulations to the happy couple, and wishing you many years of happiness to come!
Venue: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Key West Photographer: Karrie Porter