Are you thinking of popping the question and want it to be super special? Wondering if you should hire a photographer to capture that moment when they say yes?! There are so many beautiful places to propose, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful!
WHY HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR PROPOSAL?
It’s going to be a high-pressure moment that you’ll want to be perfect but it will go so fast that you may lose those details like how they looked at you and processed what was happening. The tears, the laughter, the surprise! All those emotions can change so quickly, with professional photos you can save and remember every one of those expressions.
Save the date cards – these images are perfect for using on your save the date cards!
Plus, for family and friends that will want to know all the details they will love that you were able to share that moment after the fact, especially if you are both private people and prefer it just be the two of you without anyone else there.
Epic ring shots are also a great reason! That engagement ring deserves its own moment in the spotlight and having a professional photographer to get the best ring shot for you to share – which brings me to my last reason to hire a pro photographer!
Social media sharing! You'll want to proclaim to the world that the love of your life said yes and they will also want to show off that ring!!
HOW TO PLAN A PROPOSAL WITH A PHOTOGRAPHER
Planning a surprise proposal can be stressful, but with the help of a professional photographer they can help take much of that stress away. They can even save you some time if you’re busy! They can help suggest a location and give you tips that will save you time over having to think of everything yourself! There are lots of details that go into planning a surprise proposal and you’ll want it to be as smooth as possible so you are able to enjoy the proposal as much as your girlfriend or boyfriend does!
Candid or Photoshoot?
To start the planning process, you’ll want to decide if you want the proposal to be candid or if you want to treat it as a portrait session that becomes the proposal. Both of these are great, you should think about the person you are proposing to. Will they suspect if you ask them to dress a little nicer and get a manicure beforehand? If you think they’ll suspect you may want to consider setting it up as a portrait session. Then there is a valid reason for them to dress a certain way and you can also put out all the stops if you wanted to rent lighted letters from somewhere like Alpha Lit Springfield or setting up a nice picnic or decorating with flowers or a balloon sculpture! (I know lots of wedding and event professionals and can help recommend someone that can help bring your vision to life!)
When should I propose?
Here are some great excuses to schedule your proposal as a photoshoot:
Dating anniversary if you want to be extra romantic!
Moving in together and want to decorate your new home with images of the two of you.
Special occasion such as their birthday or Christmas
You can also fudge a little and say your parents have scheduled a family portrait session – this is especially good if you plan on including your family in the proposal!
We’ll discuss how to approach this in our strategy call once you’ve booked your proposal.
Other things to help you have the best proposal:
Manicure - If you think they would want to get a manicure beforehand enlist the help of their best friend or sibling and have them invite your potential fiance to go with them for a manicure. If this is not possible then just gift them a manicure and let them know you wanted to spoil them!
Stash the Ring - Plan for a place to hold the ring box or the ring. If you can wear a jacket, put it in a pocket that won’t be noticeable. If it’s too warm, then consider tucking it securely in the top of your sock.
Empty your pockets! - a big or small phone in your pocket is super noticeable and absolutely ruins how these special images look so please don’t forget to leave your wallet and phone to the side or in your vehicle. You could even use a backpack that can be tossed out of the way!
Practice! - You don’t have to write everything down if you don’t feel you’d forget what you want to say but you also don’t want to be stumbling around with your words. You’ll want to be confident and sure, and if you practice the emotion of the moment won’t make you forget those important things you want to say to them!
Wait! - When you’ve gotten down on your knee be sure and stay put for a few minutes. It’s important especially if it’s a candid proposal so I have enough time to move around in order to get shots of your fiancé's facial expressions. These few shots of you being on your knee and shots of your fiancé's over joyed face will be the most important ones of the shoot!
Then once you’ve stood and hugged and kissed, we’ll have some photos of the ring and do a little session with the two of you. The full timeframe is around an hour so plan accordingly! You can do a special dinner after the shoot so grab a dinner reservation and celebrate! If you want to make it extra special, we can plan to have a bottle of champagne and champagne glasses for you to pop the bubbly during your photos! These kinds of photos look so good!
Where should I propose? I definitely recommend going somewhere that has special meaning for you as a couple or somewhere that is sentimental such as your first date or a favorite park that you go together as a couple. Maybe you or your family have property with a pretty spot or even your own pretty little back yard! You can have a beautiful arch (flowers or balloons) or a lighted letter install! If you can’t think of anything I always work with my couples to find a beautiful location that makes sense for you as a couple.
Some of my favorites:
Vantage Rooftop Bar – the city skyline is amazing, you guys can pop a bottle of bubbly or just have drinks but sunset is the most beautiful time! Even in the winter you can rent a bubble tent and make it a more private proposal and still stay warm! How romantic!!!
Nathaniel Green Park – There are so many beautiful places to bend the knee and get gorgeous images. Whether it’s on a secluded walkway with beautiful florals or the arch in front of the botanical gardens you can’t miss!
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden – If you wanted something extra special and stunning the Japanese Stroll Garden is the go-to! The colors in almost any season are spectacular! You would have to purchase tickets for admission.)
Park Central Square – The square in historic downtown Springfield is an iconic location and is perfect for proposals! The unique fountains are a perfect backdrop with the beautiful architecture in the background. Or you may choose the historic Fox Theatre with its large lighted sign!
Doling Park – This one may not be on anyone’s radar, but really...this park has the prettiest pond and faces the west for the prettiest sunset proposals! Park benches and lighting along with many geese that all the pond home are so pretty as the setting for your proposal! There’s several walking bridges and the colors in the fall are so gorgeous!
Places that aren’t in Springfield
Finley Farms – The outdoor areas at Finley Farms offer so many options for beautiful photography. From the chapel area that looks out to the stream, to the bridges (metal and wooden), these locations and more are all incredible options as locations for your proposal! (This is a Johnny Morris property - Please be sure to purchase your photo pass for the day as they do post security and they will ask to see your photo pass.) Link for photo pass: https://finleyfarmsmo.com/photoshoot-inquiry-form/
Top of the Rock – Another Johnny Morris property and incredibly gorgeous! Just south of Branson, this property has nightly accommodations, amazing restaurants and attractions and more besides the stunning vistas and landscapes. Some options for locations for your surprise proposal:
1. Outside the Chapel near the cannon at sunset
2. Inside the Chapel (if there is no wedding going on)
3. Take a golf cart tour on the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail (Multiple locations)
4. Paradise Point – for a more private proposal depending on the day/time you choose
*You definitely need to purchase the photo pass and you can submit your request here: https://bigcedar.com/photoshoot-inquiry/ (There are also parking fees as well as tickets that must be purchased if you would like to propose on the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail.)
Dogwood Canyon – Another Johnny Morris property but a lot easier for photoshoots and just as lovely. There are paved walking paths, numerous bridges, a chapel and numerous waterfalls and water pools. There are no parking fees or photography fees at Dogwood Canyon, but you will need to purchase tickets and you should also be sure and check their hours as they close before sunset.
Ferris Wheel – Branson No charge here, but the best location with the Ferris Wheel in the background is pretty busy with people and you may want to go ahead and purchase tickets for a private ride after you propose so you can enjoy the sights and lights of Branson from up high! Plus you could stroll over to Andy’s Frozen Custard for a sweet treat after they’ve said yes!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE PROPOSAL?
This really depends on you as a couple. If you feel they will want a more formal look to the images, for a masculine look, I recommend a nice suit and tie with dress shoes and for a feminine look I recommend a longer dress with heels or pretty dress shoes.
For a less formal but still dressy masculine look could be slacks or nice jeans with a nice button up shirt or sweater and stylish shoes. Feminine looks could be a shorter mid-length dress or skirt.
If you prefer a more casual approach, nice jeans and nice shirt with some cool shoes or on the feminine side a cute jumpsuit or sun dress.
You should also think about the location you will be proposing at. If there is a lot of greenery, wearing green will not be the best option as you’ll want something that will contrast well and let you stand out from the location you’re at. You’ll also want your outfit to work well with what your partner decides to wear. If you’d like some personalized suggestions, I always go over color options with my clients based on where we’ll be!
Proposals are $500 plus any location permits and parking or photography fees.
I’ll help you layout an organized proposal plan just for you so you can focus on your proposal and enjoy the process!
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