January, 2024
Planning a Surprise Proposal
Wedding Things
Flipping through an old photo album, reminiscing weeks, months or even years into the past. Seeing the happiness, laughter and joy the moment you and your partner opened the beginning of the chapter named “forever.” Images that capture the joy of one of the best moments to relive forever. The question was popped, and they said “Yes!”
While these magical moments in life can sometimes “just happen” most of the time there is much planning involved. A surprise proposal in no different. Especially if it is being documented!
I’m not talking about stiff posing, and staged moments. Proposals should be raw, real and authentic. However, there are some things that can be put in place to relieve stress and ensure the only thing to be concerned with is popping the question!
While there is a lot that goes into planning such a big surprise, here are 3 main things to consider:
Lighting & Location
One of the key components to documenting this glorious occasion is lighting! We want to be in a space with even lighting (preferable dreamy sunset lighting). Bright sun causes harsh lines and shadows plus squinting. We want to be able to see alllll of the emotion and features on your faces for this joyous moment.
2. Communication
Possibly more important than lighting (it’s debatable in photography land) is communication! I want to know everything. I want to know how you met, why you fell in love and most importantly what you are most excited about on this new adventure. I want to know why you’re asking how you’re asking, if there’s anything special about the location, how the ring was selected, I want to know it all!
Communication is also key on the day of the proposal. I won’t give away my secret cues (sorry, people who want to see it coming:) ) but there are definitely signals to let me know you are about to ask the big question! As soon as I see these signals, I know the question is coming whether I am hiding in the bushes or we’re doing an actual photo shoot.
3. Preparation
While the whole blog post is about preparing a surprise proposal, here are a few ways we can document the moment without your partner suspecting a thing!
Hide in the bushes method
This is exactly what it sounds like! You and your partner will go on a seemingly normal date and I will hide in the bushes to document the moment. I won’t be seen until it’s already happened OR I will pose as a normal bystander taking photos (it depends on the location as to which one I do). With this method, there will be a lot of communication and preferable location scouting! I want to go with you, talk through the plan and make sure I to hide in a spot where I can see your faces. A walk through helps you know where to get down on one knee (if that’s your thing) and helps me know exactly where to be.
Photo session
This method is just a “regular” photo session. It can be with family or just the couple. Again, I won’t give away my cue, but we will communicate before the session so I know when you are ready. Once I know you’re ready, I’ll move you and your partner seamlessly into a pose that will be perfect to pop the question.
In any and ALL photography endeavors (be it weddings, family photos or any other kind of portraits) communication is KEY!!! We will communicate several times before your surprise proposal. There are enough fun (and slightly overwhelming) emotions before you ask one of the biggest questions ever. Worrying about where to stand should not be one of those emotions!
To all my couples who have trusted me to document your “yes” and to my future couples, thank you!! You have no idea how much it means that you have entrusted me to help tell your story.
-Emily:)
