For your surprise proposal, find a romantic, meaningful and beautiful location or one you’ve always wanted to visit together as a couple. It could be a romantic dinner location, a mountain lookout or the beach at sunset. It could be where you went on your first date or a place you love to frequent together. A family beach house or Airbnb can be lovely, as well. Feel free to ask a Portland engagement photographer for recommendations they might have.
Dressing up For The Proposal
Suggest dressing up for dinner as an excuse for you both to look your best. If you plan on making dinner reservations, definitely discuss timing with your engagement photographer. Most engagement photographers will want to do the proposal 2-3 hours before sunset with sessions lasting 30 minutes to an hour. This will differ if the location is naturally shaded or it ends up being a super overcast day . A late sunset in the summertime can be problematic for dinner reservations because the light will be best from about 7-9 pm. In which case, it might be best to have dinner before the shoot or find a place that stays open late. If dinner needs to happen during the best hours of light just know you likely won’t get that sunset look.
Find A Portland Engagement Photographer
Select an engagement photographer with experience shooting surprise proposals. I’ll be honest, proposals can be extra stressful, not just for the person proposing but for the photographer, as well. Coordinating a proposal, being in the right spot, and nailing a fleeting moment, and then following up with creative portraits is way more challenging then doing a straight-up engagement session. It can be super nerve-racking for a photographer who has never done one before. Luckily, I’ve done a bunch, and have a solid process dialed in that will help us both feel confident that it will go great!
Surprise Proposal Walkthrough
Walk through the proposal location with your photographer to nail down the perfect spot for kneeling, considering lighting and visual impact. This is best done a few days to a week before the big day. If the location is huge or has many entrances, it’s crucial to know your approach. Can’t do an in-person walkthrough? No problem! We’ll video chat while I’m there, or use maps and photos to ensure we still capture that epic moment. Sometimes, improvisation is key—think of it as adding a touch of adventure to your proposal story!
Finalize The Game Plan With Your Photographer
Talk with your Portland engagement photographer about how you envision the surprise proposal going down. We’re banking on a big ‘YES!’ but do you want to dive right into the proposal or chat a bit to build the suspense? Any other surprises planned? Would you prefer to savor the moment privately or have your photographer jump in for those priceless reaction shots? This helps the photographer catch the vibe and plan accordingly. Usually, I’ll be hiding with my camera ready, settings dialed in. Once you start proposing, I’ll snap into action, adjusting for perfect focus and lighting. After all the crying and hugging, I’ll pop out at the right time to join the celebration. The more I know your plan, the better I can capture the magic without being a photo-bombing distraction!
Stay connected With Your Engagement Photographer
The day of the surprise proposal you will likely be pretty busy with your mind on things other than communicating with your photographer. You’ll probably be thinking more about the proposal itself than the photos. But it’s still a good idea to stay in contact with your photographer a little bit. Things come up, like the shooting location being closed or an unanticipated tour bus of people crowding the area or the weather taking a turn for the worse. Maybe you arrive early to the shooting location or get out the door late. I recommend two check-ins the day of the shoot. The first in the morning to confirm the proposal is moving ahead as planned. And the second confirming your approximate arrival time. It can be as easy as pre-writing, “Here” into a text thread and tapping send as soon as you arrive in the parking lot. That way I know the surprise proposal will be going down any moment.
Plan Something Special
Set up a picnic with champagne for an extra dash of romance, giving you a chance to chat and celebrate right after popping the question. If you love being surrounded by family and friends during these moments, have them pop out from hiding for a hilarious surprise. And why not go all out? Arrange for a private musician to serenade you and add some unforgettable flair!
Post Surprise Proposal Photos Inspiration
Once your portraits are complete, you can expect to receive access to your surprise proposal gallery within about a week, so you can start sharing your news with friends and family. You could use the photos for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, or even print a few to display on your walls. Sharing them on social media and incorporating them into your wedding website is also a great option. Some couples use their proposal photos as centerpieces at their reception or display large prints on easels at the entrance. Another idea is to create a proposal album and use it as a guest book, where guests can sign on blank pages or the margins.”
Looking for a Portland Engagement Photographer?
If you’re seeking an engagement photographer who can expertly capture the magic of your surprise proposal, fill out a contact form and let’s set up a meeting. Together, we can discuss your vision and ensure that every moment of your special day is beautifully documented. From the heartfelt question to the joyous ‘YES!’ and every reaction in between, I’m here to make your proposal memories as stunning and memorable as possible.
