How To Plan A Surprise Proposal Photoshoot
Deciding to ask your best friend to spend the rest of their life with you is a pretty big deal. It's a big life moment, and the beginning of a brand-new adventure for both of you!
If you're planning a surprise proposal, here are 6 things to consider when it comes to photographing it. From choosing a photographer and finding the right location to making sure your proposal photos actually capture the big moment, a little planning goes a long way.
And don't worry, you don't need to have every detail figured out before you start. That's what your photographer is there for!
Find a Proposal Photographer
Start looking a couple of months before you plan to propose. This gives you enough time to check out different photographers' work, get a feel for their style, and find someone you think you'd be comfortable working with.
If you’ve hired me, I help my couples plan the logistics of your surprise proposal, figure out where to pop the question, and make sure we have a game plan for the big moment.
Choose Your Proposal Location + Time
If you already have a location in mind, share it with your photographer so they can help you figure out the best time of day for photos.
If you're still trying to decide where to propose, your photographer can help with that, too.
If you've hired me, I'll send you a list of location ideas based on what you both enjoy doing and the kind of experience you're hoping for. From there, we'll narrow things down and figure out what makes the most sense.
Whenever I'm photographing people in love, I generally recommend golden hour. That's roughly an hour before sunset, or before the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Have A Backup Plan
When planning an outdoor proposal, especially in the mountains during the shoulder seasons, the weather can be unpredictable.
Talking with your photographer about backup options in case the weather turns will help keep things stress-free and without giving away the surprise.
Plan the Rest of the Day + Evening
This is an exciting day that deserves a little celebration!
Whether you're planning something elaborate or keeping things low-key with just the two of you, having something special planned after the proposal is a great way to keep the excitement going.
Think a celebratory dinner, a favourite activity, a bit of pampering, or even just a bottle of something bubbly back at your accommodation.
Bonus: Making a reservation at a nice restaurant is also a sneaky way to get your partner dressed up for the surprise proposal photos. You're welcome.
Hiding the Ring Until the Right Moment
Most engagement rings come in a cube-like box, which is honestly kinda bulky and incredibly obvious.
You've managed to keep the ring hidden this long. The last thing you want is for your partner to accidentally feel the box when you hug them and have your entire surprise proposal plan fall apart before you've even asked the question.
This slim ring box from Amazon is a great alternative.
How to Get the Best Surprise Proposal Photos
This one tip will make a BIG difference in your surprise proposal photos, especially if you plan to get down on one knee.
Here's what I recommend:
Get down on one knee.
Present the ring.
Say your speech.
Ask them to marry you.
Wait for an answer.
Put the ring on their finger.
Stand up and have a cuddle.
That's it!
Sometimes the excitement and nerves kick in, and you're back on your feet about five seconds after getting down on one knee. I get it. It's a pretty exciting moment!
But slowing things down just a little and following these steps sets us up for success in capturing the whole thing.
Decide How to Photograph the Surprise
Work with your photographer ahead of time to come up with a plan for how to photograph the proposal without giving away the surprise.
If you’ve hired me, these are my go-to approaches.
Hide in Plain Sight
<em>This is my recommended approach.</em>
Depending on the location, I'll bring my hubby along as a decoy and position us at the exact spot where you want to propose.
When you arrive, you ask me to take a photo of the two of you using your phone.
As soon as I'm done taking photos on your phone, you start your proposal!
A simple setup, but one that has me in the perfect position to capture the moment without giving it away.
On the DL
Again, using my hubby as a decoy, we'll hang out close to your proposal spot, taking photos of each other and the scenery while subtly keeping an eye on you.
As soon as you start your proposal, we'll shift into photographer mode and start documenting the whole thing!
6. What Happens After You Propose?
When I’m photographing proposals, I usually keep my distance after your partner says yes, so that you can properly soak it all in.
No rushing you into photos while you're still processing the fact that you're engaged!
When you're ready, we'll spend some time taking photos right then and there, so that you have memories of this moment forever, without keeping you from any post-engagement festivities you may have planned.
And then? Go celebrate. You've got a fiancé(e)!
Planning a surprise proposal in Whistler or the Sea-to-Sky? I'd love to help you figure out the details, keep the surprise under wraps, and document the start of this amazing adventure you’re starting.
Get in touch and let's start planning.