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Paper Birch Collective

Jul 2310 min read

How to Plan a Surprise Proposal: Tips From Your Photographer

Updated: Sep 26

Featured in The Knot, Wedding Wire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Basic Invite, WedAward, Maharani Weddings, Wedissimo, Style Me Pretty

Planning a photoshoot that includes a surprise proposal (or simply a proposal with some photos after) is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Here at Paper Birch Collective, we LOVE to capture the emotional reactions from this life-changing surprise, so we wanted to share our best tricks for your proposal. Below are seven tips from your friendly neighborhood team of photographers and videographers to ensure that your proposal goes off without a hitch. Plus, see some of our favorite proposal photos for inspiration at the end (or click HERE)!

1. Coordinate with Your Photographer

Communication is always key! Share your vision and any preferences with your photographer. If you don't know where to start, we have your back as our team has a vast amount of experience capturing special moments from surprises to romantic portraits. You should discuss the location, timing of your proposal, and any specific moments you want to capture. This will help them anticipate the perfect shots and be in the right place at the right time. If you need us to be hidden at first, that's no problem either; we're experts at staying under cover! Whatever you need, let us know and we got you.

2. Choose the Perfect Proposal Location

Select a photoshoot/proposal location that holds special meaning for you and your partner and/or offers a beautiful backdrop. Whether it’s a scenic beach, a charming park, a luxury hotel room, where you met, or a favorite spot in the city, the setting should enhance the romantic atmosphere. Golden hour, with its soft, warm light, is ideal for creating magical photos and I always recommend this for the most dreamy photos.

3. Plan the Proposal Setup

If possible, you or the photographer should plan a visit to the location beforehand to scout the best angles and lighting conditions. Consider the logistics, like if your photographer needs to find a hiding spot to remain discreet while still capturing the moment or where the best spot is to pop the big question. You might also want to set up a few props or decorations to add a personal touch or even bring them too. There are so many ways to make the proposal set up unique to you and your love! BONUS TIP: Using old photos of your favorite memories is one of my favorite ways to add personal touches to your proposal.

4. How to Surprise Your Partner

This is next topic is all a matter of preference. How to get your partner to the surprise proposal. You can simply tell your partner you have a photoshoot for the two of you then surprise with the proposal during the session. Or you can elaborate some sort of decoy plan to get them dressed up and then surprise them with the proposal first, then have a fun and romantic photoshoot afterwards. Either way, you'll have a special moment and beautiful photos! One of our all time favorite ideas include a picnic date proposal. You can DIY this or inquire with The Charming Picnic for the most amazing picnic rental set up service. We absolutely love partnering with them to make some of the most special memories! Just see how stunning the proposal set up is by The Charming Picnic in the photos below.

5. The Big Moment

When it is time to get down on one knee, just be there in the moment. Just make sure this big moment is planned accordingly so that it can be captured perfectly. We like to use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without intruding on the intimate moment. Perhaps practice the kneeling on your knee pose to ensure you’re comfortable. Time the reveal of the ring box perfectly and prepare a heartfelt speech. Stay calm, enjoy the experience, and you'll be sure to have a memorable proposal that you and your partner will cherish forever! (P.S. the picnic proposal pics below was also set up by The Charming Picnic—the G.O.A.T.)

6. Post-Proposal Portraits

After the proposal, take some time to capture you and your new fiance’s happiness and excitement. Share some kisses, hugs, and of course, show off the ring. Taking romantic photos after your proposal is a wonderful way to capture the joy of this special moment. These photos serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and commitment you share, allowing you to relive the emotions of your engagement day for years to come. They also provide a perfect opportunity to celebrate your new chapter together, showcasing your happiness and the unique bond you have. Plus, these photos can be used for engagement announcements, wedding invitations, or simply as cherished keepsakes to decorate your home. Embrace the moment and let your love shine through in every shot! 💍📸✨(Peep below the beautiful proposal decor by The Charming Picnic—check them out!)

7. Enjoy!

Right after your proposal, take some moments to savor the joy and excitement of this special milestone. Perhaps you have a romantic picnic set up, a special dinner date, or luxury hotel room. This is a time to bask in the love and happiness you both feel, setting the tone for the wonderful journey ahead. 💍✨ There’s no rush to plan everything at once. Take your time to research, explore options, and make thoughtful decisions. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so celebrate the small milestones along the way. Whether it’s booking a venue or choosing your wedding colors, each step is a victory. Focus on what truly matters and enjoy the journey together. Please don’t hesitate to ask for advice from recently married friends or family members or even your local neighborhood team of photographers/videographers)!

Thank You for Reading 🤍

Thanks so much for checking out our blog! Planning a surprise proposal is a super exciting and heartwarming experience. We hope this guide helps you create a memorable and magical moment that you will cherish forever. Always remember, the best photos are captured when you let go of any worries and simply enjoy the moment. Trust in your photographer’s expertise to document your love story beautifully. By focusing on the joy and excitement of your proposal, your genuine emotions will shine through, creating stunning, heartfelt images that you’ll cherish forever. So, embrace the moment, be present, and let your love shine through!

Please reach out to us for any questions or if you want your proposal documented with beautiful photos. And check out the gallery below for more inspiration for your surprise proposal!

Surprise Proposal Photo Inspiration

Looking for more proposal ideas and inspiration?

Check out these blogs below!

✨ The Proposal Chronicles: Beach Edition

✨ 14 Romantic Proposal Ideas for the Most Memorable Valentine's Day Ever

✨ A Luxury Beachfront Surprise Proposal at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach with The Charming Picnic

✨ How I captured the Perfect Photos for a Surprise 'Tangled' Inspired Proposal in Newport Beach

✨ A Double Surprise: Secret Photoshoot and Proposal at Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach

✨ A Lovely Proposal at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach

For More Wedding Inspiration and Advice

We love these awesome resources below!

✨ Brides

✨ The Knot

✨ Martha Weddings

✨ Style Me Pretty

✨ Wedding Wire

WHY US?

You might be wondering why choose Paper Birch Collective to capture your Wedding, Engagement, or special event. Our team is based in Orange County, California and serving all of SoCal and beyond. We are your friendly neighborhood team of award-winning photographers & videographers. We are addicted to adventure and new experiences, always on the cutting edge of our craft.

Read this blog to see 15 client testimonials, reviewed on The Knot, Wedding Wire, or Yelp. We hope these reviews help you build trust in our work. We deeply appreciate all of our clients who have trusted us with capturing their precious memories. It is a true gift to be a part of so many wonderful peoples' important moments!

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Let's Make Some Memories!

We are lucky to have captured so many special Wedding memories, from getting ready, to first looks, to ceremonies, and reception parties. To make your wedding planning easy, we offer a couple simple packages. Our packages come with unlimited photos during your event with no upcharge for any delivered images. All our images will be edited to reflect how your big day truly felt. Each package can be customized to your liking including more hours or a second shooter. If you are looking for an elopement package, we have that too! For any specific questions or requests, feel free to reach out and contact us and we will get back to you as soon as humanly possible! Let’s make some memories!

~ Your friendly neighborhood photographer and videographer team (PBC)

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