How to plan the perfect proposal

Asking the love of your life to marry you is one of the biggest moments of your life — and one you will hopefully both remember forever. That's exactly why it deserves a little careful thought and planning. These are some of the things you should consider when planning to drop down on one knee (or not if that's your vibe).

• Keeping it a surprise

• Public vs Private

• Location & timing

• Outfits

• Hire a professional photographer

Keeping It a Surprise

Sometimes a surprise is impossible — they're already on to you — but it's still worth putting in the effort to make it feel special and unexpected. If you've managed to keep things under wraps, here are a few tips for not blowing your cover.

The biggest one? Their nails. You want them to feel polished and picture-perfect in the moment, so enlist a trusted friend or family member to casually invite them for a manicure. If your partner or this friend doesn't regularly get their nails done, offer to quietly foot the bill — think of it as an investment in your future together. You should also think through how you'll coordinate with family or friends without accidentally letting the secret slip. A group text has a way of getting out of hand fast.

Public vs. Private

There's no right answer here — it entirely depends on who you and your partner are. Some people would love nothing more than having their whole family there to cheer and cry happy tears the moment they say yes. Others would find that completely overwhelming and would much prefer a quiet, intimate moment with just the two of you.

Think honestly about your partner's personality. Do they love being the center of attention, or do they tend to shy away from it? A public proposal can turn into an instant celebration, but a private one often feels more personal and emotionally intimate. Keep in mind that some locations can't guarantee privacy, so factor that into your planning.

Location & Timing

A meaningful location is always a wonderful choice, but it doesn't have to be somewhere you've been before — romance can happen anywhere. What matters most is the ambiance. Restaurants, vineyards, overlooks, beaches, and concert venues can all make for stunning proposal settings. The key is knowing the space well before the moment arrives.

Scope out your location ahead of time and pay attention to the details: Where will you be standing? Where will a photographer be positioned? How does the light fall at that time of day? Crowds and lighting shift dramatically throughout the day, and nothing deflates a perfectly planned moment like discovering your dream golden-hour spot is actually in full shade by 6pm. A little reconnaissance goes a long way.

Outfits

It's worth dressing up a bit — this is a moment that deserves the extra effort, and you'll both be glad you did when you look back at the photos. Depending on the plan, nudge your partner toward something nice on the day or have a friend gently do so if appropriate, without giving anything away.

One often-overlooked detail: scent. Wearing something new or meaningful that day can become a powerful memory trigger for years to come. And from a photography standpoint, think about colors and styles that complement each other and photograph well — avoid busy patterns or clashing tones if you can help it.

Hire a Professional Photographer

A proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you will absolutely want those images. A good photographer can capture the raw emotion, the setting, and the details in a way that no candid phone shot ever will.

When you reach out to a photographer, talk through the approach that fits your vision. Do you want them hidden out of sight, blending into the bushes? Would you prefer they approach you casually under the guise of practicing shots on a photogenic couple? Or would you rather they keep their distance and use a long lens for a more candid, documentary feel?

The right photographer won't just show up and press a button. They'll help you think through the light, the timing, and the angles so that when the moment happens, everything comes together perfectly. For example, when you book with me you have the option of adding champagne, disposable film and/or flowers to your package.

A proposal only happens once. With a little planning and the right people in your corner, it can be everything you both dreamed of — and the photos will tell that story for the rest of your lives. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's make it unforgettable.