It’s been 15 years with Metrophoto and, for the majority of those years, I have been accustomed to clients booking us just for their prenup (pre-wedding) and weddings only. We were never really part of the planning process, more so in the early stages, such as when the groom proposes to his bride. But times are changing, and people realize, now more than ever, that every milestone is worth documenting. They aren’t called milestones for nothing!

Last Easter Sunday, I got a call from Vern Enciso asking if I could send a photographer to fly to Palawan the very next day. Total surprise and I was curious, of course! Apparently, she couldn’t make it herself because their flight had to turn back due to major technical issues. She was supposed to go for a very special reason: Alf, Verniece Enciso’s boyfriend (and about-to-be fiance) was going to propose! When I learned all this, I knew that I should be the one to go. Above all else, these people are very dear to me, and I just had to be there when it happened, they deserve the best that we can do. 

It felt like some sort of a covert mission (in one of the most stunning places on Earth, no less)!  Like Alf, I had to hide before the actual proposal as the mere sight of me will likely give Verniece a clue. I guess I’m so associated with weddings that girlfriends automatically think something big might happen – like a proposal – if they see me show up unexpectedly. So we devised a plan. Rae ‘posed’ as the photographer for the fake shoot that Verniece was glamming up for. Everything was thoroughly planned, from the styling to the actual time when Alf “popped the question!” The setup was stunning; it could’ve been a surprise wedding and it still would’ve been just as impressive. 

And there we were. Verniece’s face simultaneously lit up and look confused when she saw Alf. It was the perfect moment! As a photographer, it had all the required elements – gorgeous backdrop, gorgeous people, unforgettable proposal. I just needed to do the other toughest thing: to capture all these moments beautifully and genuinely Verniece and Alf.

It was a whirlwind of an experience – memorable and crazy fun! It also felt like I had been proposed to! Haha. Grateful to Vern, Ben, and to our future Metrophoto couple, Verniece and Alf, for their trust, love, and all the liquor shots they gave! There is no better way to experience this job. Props to everyone who made this ‘reverse prank’ worth reliving again and again. I hope that, through these photos, you get to celebrate and relive with us as well. Enjoy.

Photo: Oly Ruiz and Rae Cabradilla