HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT SURPRISE PROPOSAL

I was looking through my resources that I send to clients and realized that the last proposal guide I posted was in 2019!! My how time flies. I’ve done a LOT of proposals since then, so I wanted to make an updated guide with how to pull off popping the question. It was also on my blog and kept getting lost in the sauce, so this guide is a getting a permanent website feature for easy access.

This is biased a little towards Savannah, Georgia - since that’s where I’m based at - but you can use these tips to propose perfectly anywhere. I wrote this post two years ago because turns out people who are proposing (understandably!) get pretty nervous. I’ve gotten so many wonderful comments that the last guide was very helpful - so it’s time for a refresh.

For more detailed package information including pricing, please contact me here and I’ll get you my information pamphlet sent your way! I also have a best locations page coming out - keep an eye out for that one, it’s in the works!

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

I wanted to start this page off with this simple question, because it’s definitely the one I get asked the most! How are we pulling this off?! Don’t panic - I’ve photographed 50+ surprise proposals and I gotchu. So here’s how this is gonna go:

• You reach out to me and secure a date, then pick a time and location (I will help with this!)

• I’ll need the most recent selfie or photo of you guys - this way I know who I’m looking for the day of!

• I’ll need to know the best way to communicate with you - some people don’t want me texting them so it’s easier to keep it a secret! I’ll message you, whichever way you prefer, what I’m wearing the day of so you’ll know who to look for too! I also like to message the day before to confirm we’re still good to go, and when I’m on the way so you’re not panicking wondering if I’m gonna show!

• The day of, I’ll get there 15-20 minutes early. I’ll make sure nobody is in the way - I’ve interrupted walking tours, picnics, and other tourists before and asked them to step aside until after the proposal, LOL. If someone pops up last minute - don’t worry! I’ve spent years mastering editing out pedestrians. ;)

• I always keep my handy-dandy painters tape on me, and I use it to mark an “X” on the ground where I want you to stand! This way you’ll have the perfect light and background, without wandering around wondering where to actually get down on your knee. I recommend staying on your knee for around 10-15 seconds so I can get a variety of shots!

• After that, I deliver 4-5 sneak peek photos within the hour. This way, you and your partner can post, send, and share the moment with all the important people in your lives and it doesn’t have to be an iPhone photo!

Tips for a perfect surprise proposal

1.) Plan Ahead

I’m talking months here! Proposals are a once in a lifetime thing - don’t plan this one week in advance! I feel so sad when I have to turn away clients because someone already had me booked for their date. Find a photographer you love and reach out way in advance to make sure you secure the time you want. If you’re not sure about photos, ask for a family member or friend to help you find the perfect photographer! I’ve had sisters, friends, cousins, and even parents reach out to me instead of the person proposing, there’s no shame in getting help!

Planning ahead will also help you nail all the little details - picnic or restaurant reservations, flower bouquets, seasons, time of day, nails, extra surprises etc. - these all require some forethought, and I’ll get into some of the best extras you can bring along later in the post.

Being organized and putting a lot of effort into the moment can help with feeling flustered and stressed - because you already have everything figured out! I’m here to help you plan too - I’ve given guidelines for locations, seasons, time of day, and even my favorite restaurants!

2.) Know Your Partner

Yes, I know, very obvious tip here. BUT hear me out, if your partner is shy and more reserved, you probably don’t want to pick a super busy spot to ask the question - and vice versa!

Introverted partner who gets embarrassed easily? Propose somewhere intimate and private where you can be alone. Extraverted partner who loves attention? Go all out and have a whole crowd cheer you on!

It can be so easy to get caught up in the planning process and skip over a small detail like this, especially if you’re already set on a spot that you love. But take a second to think about what your partner would love, too!

3.)Hire a professional photographer

Yes, shameless self-promo here. Listen, even if you’re not hiring me, hire a photographer! I’m gonna copy word-for-word what I wrote in 2019 because I stand by it.

Imagine you just proposed, everything went amazingly! They said yes, the ring is beautiful, the light was perfect and golden outside, you’re both dressed to the nines, and now it’s time to tell everyone about this amazing milestone! Let’s send.. a cell phone pic? I think not. All of my proposal clients actually get sneak peek photos from their proposal shoot within the hour. This way you can send them to everyone and post the. most. stunning. photos. right after your proposal.

They’ll also look great on your wedding shower display table, and as framed photos in your house! Proposing is a once in a lifetime thing, why not make it special and save the moment beautifully instead of through a phone?

4.) LOCATION

If you’re not sure where you’d like to propose, I created this location guide to help you! If you’re not proposing in Savannah, well, you should. ;) But seriously, the spot you pop the question at will be engrained in your partners’ mind for the rest of their life, so no pressure, but pick somewhere special!

The best places I’ve shot proposals have been in parks, on river cruises, docks, and the beach. Savannah has lots of places to offer: Forsyth Park, River Street, or really any of the squares downtown! If you do choose the beach, just be wary that it’s not during the high sun part of the day and keep in mind that it will probably be windy. The harsh light can also wash you out, cause squinty eyes, and make for some pretty difficult photos.

Wherever you live, there’s sure to be plenty of cute little spots that would be perfect. You can also pick somewhere that means a lot to your partner, maybe your first date location or the spot where you met. I’m always available to help my clients pick a spot and love being a part of the planning process, so don’t stress too much.

5.) Nails & Outfits

This can be one of the harder details to pull of in secret, but if you’re getting photos done, you’ll wanna look nice. If your partner is into manicures, and wants to get that epic ring shot, I always highly suggest having their nails done. You can make this a surprise by asking a family member or friend to invite them to the nail salon the week of for a fun day, and most of the time they won’t think anything of it. You’d be surprised at how many times I’ve heard the phrase “I’m so glad I had my nails done for today!”.

To get your significant other to dress nice, tell them you’ve made reservations at a very fancy restaurant, that usually does the trick! If you’re planning for a morning proposal, tell them it’s a really boujee brunch place. For sunset time, tell them you’ve got a table at a white tablecloth kinda place. If you’re in Savannah, I always suggest “walking to the restaurant” and nonchalantly saying you’d like to check out whatever spot you’re proposing at. Savannah is so pretty that they’ll normally be more than happy to stop in a square or park!

For outfits, I suggest color coordinating a little bit if you can, but don’t go all matchy matchy. Jean or pants are great for fun poses like piggy back rides, and flowing maxi dresses look magical in photos! Make sure you wear things that you’re comfortable in, too! If fancy clothes aren’t your style, thats totally fine. You should look and feel happy.

6.) Make it Special

This is my last tip, and it’s important. Let’s look at a hypothetical situation where they might be onto your plan. They have spidey-senses that the question is coming soon and you can tell they’re onto you. Don’t panic! Just because you didn’t quite get the proposal to be a surprise, doesn’t mean you can’t surprise them with other things!

I’ve had many couples bring champagne, flowers, and other awesome trinkets that their S.O. totally wasn’t expecting. My favorites have been a ring box completely made out of a geode, buying two rings instead of one just so they have options, “Will You Marry Me” written on theatre signs, and this one client managed to bring the girl’s entire family to Savannah and surprise her with their appearance! There are so many cool and unique ways you can make this moment special.

Even if they’re not onto your plan, why not have a little fun with it? Make the day of engagement full of celebration and personal touches, I promise it’ll mean the world to them.

F.A.Q

Rain Plan?

I always leave a few spots open around each session date as a backup plan, so we can move your date if necessary. If it’s raining every single day of the week, all day long, and you can’t re-book due to travel restrictions, I will return your initial retainer and send a cancellation contract. You’re also more than welcome to propose in the rain, The Notebook style. I’m so down for romantic rainy photos!

Investment?

Please reach out to me here for more information on packages and sessions!

Thanks for reading!

I’m so looking forward to hearing from you and helping you plan this monumental moment. All of my surprise proposal clients receive a 10% discount on any wedding package of their choice, too!

I’m always available for travel and I love sticking with clients through all walks of life. The best part about this job is that I make so many wonderful friends along the way. I can’t wait to make some magic together!