Planning a surprise proposal is one of the most exciting and emotional moments you'll ever be a part of! With so much on the line, it can definitely feel confusing to even know where to start. Let me share with you over 10 years of experience as a photographer and being a part of hundreds of proposals. Let's get started!

Building Your Team

This is a friendly reminder that you absolutely don't have to do this all on your own! In my experience, some of the most successful and beautiful proposals have been accomplished with help from parents, siblings, and your partner's best friend. It might be a great idea to make a list of everyone you'd like to include and start your plans with their help. Plus, what better way to propose than to have the people you love and care about be a part of such a special moment.

Personalize The Experience

I'm a big believer that a proposal should be entirely crafted and personalized to fit your partner. Everything—from the ring, the location, the arrangements, and even the words you choose to say—should be carefully thought out to represent their unique preferences. With so many ways to ask the big question, planning something that truly represents them is a huge gesture of your commitment.

Location

As far as logistics go, location is possibly the most important variable to consider. The reason it's so crucial isn't just for sentimental reasons; you'll also want to think about its privacy, whether permits are needed, and what the usual weather conditions are like. If you're planning a special setup, I highly recommend consulting a professional who knows the best locations and can share their experience with you. Vendors like La Rosa Noir can help with all these details, ensuring your plans don't fall apart.

Document The Moment

I don't want to turn this into a sales pitch, but Amber made a huge point about having a designated photographer. She's seen proposals where the moment wasn't captured as planned—maybe the person was inexperienced, their tripod fell, or someone got in the way. Having a photographer isn't a must for a proposal, unless you'd love to have the moment artistically documented. With so many things that can go wrong, having an experienced person to help capture this moment for you is a wise choice.

Stay Calm

I know it’s lousy advice to just say "stay calm," but trust me, it's incredibly important! Staying calm at the peak of your proposal will make all the difference. As you arrive at your destination—your moment to pop the question—it is so crucial to be present. You want to say the words with clarity, confidence, and genuine meaning. I highly recommend practicing any words you wish to say as you propose. You definitely don't want to get there and just read from your phone. Envisioning this moment beforehand will help you be much more present and truly enjoy the moment with your partner, instead of getting so nervous that it happens so fast it feels like a blur.

Here to Help

With so many components to a proposal, it truly means you have ample space to get creative! Ultimately, you don't have to follow the most current trend; instead, follow your heart. Okay, yeah, I'm a cheesy guy. Both Amber and I love being part of moments like these and are here to help in any way we can.