proposal photographer Archives

I always get excited when someone reaches out about photographing a proposal.
Proposal photography is somethin’ else.

It’s getting to snap a moment in a couple’s relationship that is just so full of magic. The romance, anticipation, excitement – it’s all enough to make your heart skip a beat.

Jeremy got in touch with a really sweet proposal idea — He and Samantha met years ago while studying at U of T, and even though they have since graduated he wanted to take her back to the place where it all began.

Here are some highlights from their U of T proposal, which you can read more about at the bottom of the post!

His idea was to create a scavenger hunt for her. He would have a letter for her at each of the spots with clues for the next one (along with super romantic sentiments, I’m sure – those letters were long!). Each spot along the way had some significance to their courtship.

Where I came in: Jeremy wanted a proposal photographer to photograph the whole thing. I was of course so excited!

We met up before the day to go through his proposal plan, including walking through all the spots so I could scope out places to hide. (And so we could plan where they should stand so my lens could see and snap it all.)

On the proposal day I brought my super long lens so I could hide out of sight and snap away.
It was kind of funny – as they walked to the different checkpoints I hid behind cars, trees, walls – and even hot dog stands – to avoid being seen in case she happened to glance back. I hopped from spot to spot, and I have to admit I giggled a bit as I did so, feeling totally like a proposal photography spy.

At one point there was nowhere to hide to get a clear shot so I took a few photos and quickly turned around and photographed in another direction to make it look like I was just a random person snapping the campus scenery. It was pretty hilarious.
And she didn’t notice!

Aaah, then came the big moment.

He led them to a super beautiful building (who are we kidding, U of T is full of gorgeous architecture, but this one was super significant to them), and got down on one knee.

Oh man, my heart leapt.
She started to cry and smile and it was just amazing.

She said yes, and just like that, a new chapter in their life had begun!

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Interested in checking out (or getting your own) proposal photography? Andy had just 24 hours in Toronto to pull his plans off!
If this is an idea you’re into, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch!

On a recent evening my phone started to ring – the call display said the number was from the US.
I picked up, and learned of the sweetest thing!

Andy and Viv have a long distance relationship – both living in different states currently.
Originally both from California, she moved to New York to be a real estate lawyer and he tours around being a dentist for the military.
They were planning a trip through Asia, and they had a one-day layover in Toronto.

Andy wanted to propose on that layover day, and he wanted a photographer to document the happy occasion.

Guys, I was SO excited.
I can’t even tell you.

Well, being the totally enthusiastic and keen person I am, I immediately started working with him to brainstorm ideas, and we quickly set a plan.
I would gather a few items – picnic basket, blanket, champagne, glasses – and help him find THE BEST Toronto skyline view for a romantic site for him to pop the question.

The day approached. Their planes had both arrived in Toronto and they met up around 11:30 am. They checked into a hotel, dropped off some stuff, & explored the city.
Meanwhile, I took the ferry to Ward’s Island that afternoon and set up the picnic stuff at the site.

At 5:30, they took the ferry across and Andy started to lead her across the island (saying a friend had said it was super pretty) using the directions I had sent him.

I knew what they looked like (he had sent me a photo), and when I saw them approach I readied my camera.

They arrived at the spot, and Andy made a comment about the strange picnic basket. They walked towards it, and he got down on one knee.

Y’all know what happens next.
She was totally surprised in that moment. And I was smiling ear to ear as I photographed the magic happen.

Hugs, kisses, happiness abound!

They then enjoyed some bubbly and some quality time exploring the beautiful scenery as I snapped away to commemorate the evening.

Ah! I’m so giddy just thinking about it.

Congratulations again, Andy and Viv!! I am SO stoked for you guys!!