I love photographing weddings and events, but a proposal request always makes my heart flutter. It’s not every day I get to see someone pop the question, and it’s an adrenaline rush to watch it unfold as I document the narrative from behind my lens—from a hidden location, of course. As an Austin proposal photographer, I moments like these put the wind in my sails.

A Moment Worth Waiting For

It was so much fun to be a part of this surprise proposal! I arrived early at the house where Colton planned to propose to Allie. I crouched down, anxiously hiding behind a second-floor balcony column before they arrived at the house so I could be in a prime position to capture the proposal. Usually, I just try to blend in with the public or pretend to be a tourist photographer in public situations, so this was a fun-but-nerve-wracking little challenge to truly HIDE! It’s so much fun to be an Austin proposal photographer, and I’m always thrilled when we all pull it off as a team.

Thankfully, their home has a glistening pool, and the fountain was just loud enough to obscure the sound of my shutter. Allie didn’t hear me or suspect a thing, even after I started to take photos. As Colton dropped to one knee, I couldn’t help but root for him. (C’mon, say YES!). And with an immaculate pool and the winding Colorado River as a backdrop, I can’t imagine a more romantic location to get engaged. Of course, she answered with an ecstatic yes, and she was happy to know that he had planned out every detail, including professional photography, for this milestone moment.

Post-Proposal Photo Opp

After the jitters wore off just a bit, we walked the property for some gorgeous post-proposal photos to commemorate the occasion. Then, they followed it up with an incredible engagement party at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, where all their friends and family were waiting to congratulate them! I can’t recommend hiring a photographer enough for proposals like these. Instead of relying on a friend and their phone camera; you can document your love story from the beginning with professional proposal photos followed by a couple of portraits and engagement party pics. Your love story deserves to be photographed from the start, and these are memories you’ll cherish forever! Each photo sparks a nostalgic “remember when” conversation that takes you right back to that moment.

Congratulations, Colton & Allie, and thanks for letting me document your surprise Austin proposal!

To read more about all the surprise proposal details, check out their feature on How They Asked by The Knot blog!

How to Plan & Pull Off the Perfect Proposal

As your Austin proposal photographer, I’m not just here to take the photos but to make sure your big moment goes off without a hitch. A marriage proposal is the ultimate surprise occasion. If you are the one proposing, you want to make sure it is absolutely perfect! And that means planning it out carefully, right? Keep reading for all the details on how to plan a surprise proposal!

Where Do I Begin?

So maybe you already know the location, what you’re going to wear, and what you will say, but how do you know you have all the bases covered? And how do you incorporate photography into the magic moment? No worries! Here’s a checklist to help you out from start to finish!

1. Plan a location to propose that is special to both of you.

First, scout the location in advance, if possible, to find the picture-perfect spot. You will want to find a nice shady location or plan for the magic golden hour right before sunset to avoid harsh shadows or unexpected lighting conditions. Also, don’t forget to have a plan B location (or alternate spot at the same location) if there is rain. Plan a date and time with good lighting about 1-2 hours before sunset.

2. Book your Austin proposal photographer. 

Book with us in advance, and let us in on your plan. We would love to get to know you a little better and hear your story so we can better capture your moment. Let us know the location so we can scout it out and dress to blend in with your chosen location.

Some locations, like Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, are surrounded by lots of tourists, hikers, and hobbyist nature photographers, so it isn’t hard for us to stay inconspicuous. A home proposal can be a bit more challenging but doable! Send a phone photo of your scouted location in advance. We’re happy to share advice if we’ve previously photographed at that location.

3. Dress the part.

Consider dressing up a bit with a button-down shirt. Similarly, try to (discreetly) have your future fiancé look nice without spoiling the surprise. (Maybe hide it under the guise of a special dinner date afterward.) People generally do not like to be surprised with photos unless their hair, make-up, and outfits are photo-ready, making them feel confident.

4. Be discreet.

Take the ring out of the box and put it in a bag in your pocket so the box doesn’t give it away. Do your best not to fiddle with it in your pocket, or your partner may know!

5. Pop the question!

Find the agreed-upon spot, check subtly for the photographer, give them the thumbs up (if you can), and go for it! Let your photographer do the rest, and just be in the moment. If you forget what you planned to say, simply take a deep breath and speak from the heart. The words will follow, and even if you stumble, it will be an endearing moment that the two of you remember fondly for years to come.

*Consider an additional 15-30 minutes of portrait time after the candid proposal photos. You’ll appreciate having extra pictures from the place you became ENGAGED!

Austin Proposal Photographer

That’s everything you need to know to plan a surprise proposal! If you’d like to plan your own epic proposal with us, don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to document this special time so you have pictures that preserve your memories for decades.

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