After Kate Kushi and Chad Mitchell matched with each other on the dating app Hinge, they decided to meet in person for the first time in a group setting with some friends. Surrounded by other people, their connection to one another was instant. For three and a half years, the couple, who live in New York City, dated and vacationed together – often to Kate’s grandparents house on the Cape, with day trips to the Island.

So for Chad, Martha’s Vineyard was an easy location choice for him to propose. “I created a story about us doing a work trip to visit a potential customer…followed by a weekend trip to the Harbor View Hotel to make up for the long drive,” said Chad. A full weekend of activities was planned – including the big moment.

The Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown was in on the plan. “The team – Rosemary, Brendan, Emily – worked with me to set up a wine tasting in the dining room,” said Chad. The final glass was to be enjoyed at the Edgartown Lighthouse, across the street from the hotel. Or, at least, this is what Kate was told.

Everything went as planned.

“Nervous, happy, excited…I followed Kate towards the lighthouse on the lookout for our final glass. After scanning the area around the lighthouse and seeing no final glass in her view, Kate turned around to find me on one knee about to pop the question!” he said.

Chad knew he wanted to be able to save this intimate moment forever, so he hired Island photographer Mila Lowe to record the surprise. “Mila’s photos capture the essence of the people, the place, and the moment,” he said. “She balanced her intimate knowledge of the Vineyard and photography experience with an authentic curiosity about me and Kate and what we might want to see from the end result.”

Chad and Kate now cherish the photos from their engagement because they are constant reminders of the best part of that day. “For Kate, it was the moment that I proposed,” said Chad. “And for me, it was the moment she said yes.”

A June 2024 wedding in the South of France is planned.