Northern Arizona photographer sneaks in for the big moment.
Grand Canyon surprise wedding proposals have become popular in the last few years and Veronica “Ronnie” Tierney of Fresh Focuses Photography has become an expert at capturing the moment. Tierney has photographed more than a hundred nervous boyfriends kneeling before shocked girlfriends breaking down in tears against the stunning natural backdrop.
“We moved to the Grand Canyon in 2012 from Napa Valley, where I officially started my business,” said Tierney. “My husband, Dan, accepted a position and we decided it would be a good move. Prior to moving to the Grand Canyon, I photographed the first licensed wedding at Desert View. Although I continue to photograph small weddings, portraits and families, Grand Canyon surprise proposals seem to fill my calendar more frequently.”
Most of Tierney’s clients are from outside of Arizona and several are from outside of the country. “I’ve had couples from Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Holland and South America. The gentleman from South Africa gave his girlfriend the biggest diamond I have ever seen.”
Tierney and her husband lived at the Grand Canyon for almost 10 years. “On average, I photograph at least two surprise proposals a month. When we left the canyon last year, I continued to travel back twice a month or more. It’s been a fun ride and I’m already booking for this year.”
Tierney says she knew from the first request to photograph a surprise proposal that she had found her niche. “The planning process intrigued me and I have to admit, I really like being sneaky. I also almost always tear up every time the girl cries.”
After the initial proposal, Tierney says she then takes the couple to some of her favorite spots for scenic photographs. “I always advise the boyfriend to tell his girlfriend to wear comfortable shoes, but there’s been a couple of girls who have insisted on high heels. Surprisingly, they actually did okay and it did make for fun pictures.”
“Ronnie knows the canyon well and knows the best spots and times to capture great shots,” said Spirit of the Canyon owner Stoney Ward. “I was along with her on a session and I had no idea what she was doing, as she kept it under her hat. It was really special to watch that personal moment. She’s also very service-oriented, has a good eye and is great at follow-up.”
To be a good photographer, Tierney believes in having the best equipment. “Investing in portable lighting, which I literally wear, was important to me, because I’m keeping in line with park regulations,” said Tierney. “It’s impossible to capture great sunset shots of couples without efficient lighting. I also have the latest generation of cameras and lenses.”
“I can’t even put into words what an amazing job Ronnie did with our daughter’s Grand Canyon surprise proposal earlier this year,” said Jennifer Clary of Kentucky. “From dealing with a stressed-out mom whose flight got canceled at the last minute and horrible driving conditions [because of weather], she pulled it off. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.”
Sometimes, fiancés return to the Grand Canyon for their weddings and hire her as their photographer. “One couple came back for their wedding and maternity shots. Some of my clients have become like family.”
She says about a third of her clients connect with her on Facebook. “It’s so fun seeing their wedding pictures and watching their families grow. One couple is now on their third child. I love it,” said Tierney.
For more about Fresh Focuses Photography, visit freshfocuses.com or call 707-738-6369. FBN
By FBN Staff
Hear more from Tierney on Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership on StarWorldwideNetworks.com.
Tierney is a contributing writer and photographer for FBN.
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