A Scots photographer has shared the magical moment a US tourist proposed to his girlfriend on the banks of Loch Ness in front of one of Scotland's most iconic castles.
Stephen Price contacted Inverness-based photographer Michael Carver online to ask if he could help make the moment even more perfect by being on hand to take the photos.
The pair then planned the day, with Stephen hoping to propose in front of Urquhart Castle, which has the same name as Lisa's family.
Michael, 45, who has been photographing weddings since 2014, explained that he then came up with the idea of going undercover to make the photographs as candid as possible.
"Stephen booked me on the boat and I posed as a tourist," said Michael. "Lisa had no idea I was there and I caught a few photos to tell the story of the day."
Stephen, 36, who lives in Athens, Georgia in the US with Lisa, 33, and her son Sunny, stated the moment was "super magical" and it was all planned perfectly.
The coffee roaster owner explained that he had everything planned out before the trip with Lisa's whole family in on the act.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Stephen said: "I started planning it in November of last year.
"I had to get her sisters to trick her because she wanted to visit them for spring break.
"She actually got mad at her older sister for not wanting to visit. The diamond arrived in January. I got her father's blessing after I got the ring set.
"Basically, her whole family knew. Keeping it a secret for all these months was tough."
Stephen added that dance instructor Lisa had no idea and kept asking him why he was so uptight and tense on the trip to Scotland.
He explained that they'd always wanted to visit the castle, as her family are Uquharts and the decision to choose there as the proposal site was perfect.
"It was her first time overseas since she was about 3 years old. She has always wanted to come and visit her family’s castle.
"It was a 'bucket list' trip for sure and it meant so much for her to bring her son along too so he can experience his heritage.
"The weather was supposed to be cold and rainy but the skies opened up, and the sunshine lit us up perfectly.
"It was even more beautiful than we both imagined. And the family history really made it an almost spiritual connection for us both."
Stephen stated that Michael made the moment even more magical for them.
He added: "Michael had the idea to travel across the loch with us and take undercover photos to tell the story of our day.
"He even sent photos to Lisa’s parents back home in the US as the day progressed. Her son wasn’t fooled though. He said mom, that guy is taking our photo! Lisa just assumed he was a staff photographer."
Michael has since shared his photos of the day on his Facebook page to an amazing response with over 800 likes and people getting in touch to see if he can do something similar for them.
The experienced photographer quipped that there was a little pressure knowing he had just one chance to capture the special moment but that's what he loves most about his work.
He added: "Stephen and I had talked and discussed the best spot for him to propose to make the best use of the castle as a backdrop.
"I had to ask some tourists to move back as Stephen and Lisa approached so they got a huge cheer from everyone as he got down on one knee.
"The clouds parted and the sun shone right at the last moment too - was meant to be."
Stephen stated that Michael made the moment even more magical for them.
He added: "Michael had the idea to travel across the loch with us and take undercover photos to tell the story of our day.
"He even sent photos to Lisa’s parents back home in the US as the day progressed. Her son wasn’t fooled though. He said mom, that guy is taking our photo! Lisa just assumed he was a staff photographer."
Speaking about the trip, Stephen thanked Michael and said he can't recommend visiting the Highlands enough.
He added that to make things even more special on a trip to Aviemore shortly afterwards when one of the guides recognised them from Michael's photos.
Stephen said: "I'm really glad I could do it here in such a beautiful place. Everyone has been so friendly and we highly recommend the Highlands to anyone who wants to visit."
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