HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT SURPRISE PROPOSAL

As a photographer, I LOOOVVEE proposals. There’s something about them that makes my heart race and everything seems to go silent when the big moment happens – ugh my heart. If you’re thinking about popping the question, here are some tips on how to plan the PERFECT surprise proposal with a photographer!

1. I know you’re Uncle Bob has a great iPhone 5000 with all the specs…but consider hiring a professional for this moment that doesn’t happen every day. Check out the local photographers your partner follows on Instagram – chances are if they follow them then they like their style and you’ll check the box for the perfect photographer to capture the moment!
2. Keep it a surprise – one way to keep your proposal under wraps is to hire your photographer to “hideout” for the big moment. Having that special time photographed secretly will be the second-best surprise for them after you pop the question!
3. Incorporate it into a session you already have booked – if you know you have a photo shoot coming up, reach out to your photographer to let them know you plan on popping the question! Having them on your side to “play along” will really help you make the moment smooth and flawless!
4. Share as many details with your photographer as you can. If you want your photographer to “hideout” for the moment, give them as many details as you can like what you’re wearing, where you will be, and text often to make sure everything is set! If you’re planning on popping the question during a photo shoot you already have, make sure to agree on when the best time during the session would be for the moment. And have a specific cue word or pose your photographer can put you in which will be the “set up” moment for the proposal!
5. Turn it into a mini engagement session after you ask the big question! If you know your partner loves to get dolled up for photos, try to secretly prepare them for it by giving them an excuse to dress up! (Trust me, they will thank you for it later when they were wearing their favorite shirt, or just freshly had their hair or nails done!)
6. Choose a special place. There is no wrong place to pop the question, but picking a place that has sentimental value to you two is always a great idea!
7. When you get down on one knee, don’t be in a rush to get up! It gives your photographer the chance to get the perfect shot. Feel free to profess your love for a few extra seconds!
8. Have nothing but the ring in your hands. The last thing you want is your big proposal moment photographed with you down on one knee with the ring in one hand and your phone or sunglasses in the other. Let the ring be the star of the show!
9. Stay in the moment. I know it’s super tempting to look at your photographer during the moment, but keep your eyes on your partner and truly soak in the seconds – I promise those will be the best photos, just pretend like we aren’t there so we can capture the full effect of the moment!

And lastly, ENJOY IT! This moment is so special, don’t rush, take in all in, and let us do the work of capturing the moment!