I always feel honored when I am asked to photograph a surprise proposal. Not only does photographing this type of engagement session require the client to have faith in my ability to capture the moment, but he must also depend on my reliability during what is amongst the most intimate and joyous occasions that one can celebrate in life. Because I know how nerve wracking this process can be for a groom to be, my first priority for this type of session is to put the groom at ease and help him to feel confident in my ability to capture the moment. I do this by maintaining open communication throughout the planning process.

When I was contacted a few months ago by the groom to be, I knew that this engagement session was going to be really special. The groom concocted what just might be the most carefully thought out and intimate plan to propose to his girlfriend. The groom was planning his top secret proposal at Bailey Arboretum in Lattingtown, which is one of the best locations in the Long Island Region. As the arboretum is quiet, secluded and provides a wide array of botanicals, it would provide a perfect backdrop for the moment.

The groom to be bought his girlfriend a DSLR camera for her birthday, which was a few weeks earlier. He also purchased her a “camera lesson” with me. This detail was a great part of the plan because typically I have to hide in bushes or behind buildings to capture the moment. In this particular situation, I was right in front of them the whole time. I met with the groom the day before the session at Bailey Arboretum to choose the specific location for the moment and to put the plan in place. There are a lot of details that need to be addressed and this meeting is essential to ensure that the whole process goes smoothly.

When the big moment finally came, the plan was a success and his girlfriend was completely shocked. After the proposal, we did an engagement mini session using some of the gorgeous locations on site at the arboretum. I could have spent all day photographing them there; it is such a gorgeous location.

The session went by so quickly and I had so much fun capturing this adorable couple, who met at work and were colleagues first. I wish this couple a lifetime of love and happiness together. Here are some of my favorites from the session.

If you are interested in a session, contact me.