How to Propose to Your Partner: A Photographer's Tips for Popping the Question
Proposing to your partner can be one of the most nerve-racking moments in your relationship. It’s also one of the most exciting! You’ve decided you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, and now it’s time to get down on one knee and tell them that.
Take a deep breath
Congratulations on making the decision to marry the love of your life! Although it can be scary, the proposal is the gateway to one of the most exciting times of your life. Take a deep breath, and get ready to pop the question.
Pick a spot that feels right
Don’t worry about putting together the perfect day or a hike somewhere you’ve never been before. The perfect spot to propose is going to be the one that feels right to you, whether it’s outside your and your partner’s favorite coffeeshop, near the lake by your house... you get the idea.
Remember that it’s about you and your partner
As we always say around here, stay true to you! Your proposal doesn’t need to have anything extravagant; it needs to just be about you and your partner.
Accept that you won’t get perfection
Listen, I’m not saying things are going to go wrong. Hopefully, they won’t! But your story is going to play out the way it needs to, and that probably won’t be exactly how you imagined it. When I got proposed to, it was rainy and misty. While that wasn’t my partner’s plan, it was perfect for us in the end!
You may stumble over your words or spill something on your outfit. I even had one guy who lost his ring for nearly three months and had to reschedule twice – he had put it behind a book on the bookshelf and then couldn’t remember which book it was!
The point is, let go of the notion that you’re going to have the perfect proposal story where there are no bumps in the road. The day is going to happen however it happens. If it rains, it rains. If your coffee tastes funny, we will get you a new one. You can only control so many things, and your proposal story is going to be perfect because it’s *yours* and all the hiccups along the way are going to be funny stories to tell your friends and family.
Know your partner’s love language
It’s important to consider what your partner likes when planning the perfect proposal for them. If they’re more introverted, consider a more private setting where you two can really share an intimate moment. Proposals at home are in! If they prefer acts of service or quality time, consider planning a day together around their interests before the proposal to ensure you have time together.
Hire a professional
It may sound easier to simply ask a friend with a camera to take your photos. And, no hate, I was once the friend who had a camera myself. However, having become a professional and gained years of wisdom by making photography my career, I can tell you that the pros are the way to go.
When I cover proposals, I like to have a solid plan in place to ensure that you can be 100% present with your partner and not worried about anything else. I usually ask that you share your location with me for an hour or so beforehand, so I am ready when you get there and don’t confuse you with anyone else. I will also share my location and number with you so you can text with updates or questions as needed.
Hiring a professional gives you access to more than just a body with a camera; it gives you a built-in resource for all your questions, and someone to guide you in planning your proposal (and then your wedding!).
Speaking of resources, check out this killer blog if you’re in need of location inspo. Some of my personal favorites from that list include the S.C. Botanical Garden (where I was proposed to), the Biltmore in Asheville, and Chau Ram County Park.
If you’re ready to spend forever with your person, send me an inquiry today to start planning the proposal of your dreams!
