Planning a proposal is incredibly exciting and with the right preparation, it can go off without a hitch, perfectly captured to reminisce on the moment forever. I recently had the honor of capturing the sweetest proposal in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Not only was it special because Hilton Head just happens to be one of my favorite places in the world, but it was made even more special because I got to capture my beautiful cousin, Anna, getting proposed to!
My cousins now fiancé, Benji, contacted me about a month before the big day to tell me he had a ring and wanted me to capture the moment while they were walking on the beach. Of course, I was ecstatic! I had been through the process of planning proposals before and felt so excited to prepare for this exciting moment alongside Benji.
But then I realized one extremely important detail that I didn't typically have to worry about with past clients proposals; how was I going to be discreet and stay hidden from my COUSIN? The one that I had spent many summers with in this very spot, who knows all my looks (hair up, down, in a hat, etc.). & not to mention, knows my car which just happens to be very unique and sticks out like a sore thumb to anyone who knows it.
So, how did we pull it off? Careful, detailed, think-about-every-second kind of planning. We scouted the location ahead of time, arrived extra early the day of to prepare, and set up clear communication signals to ensure the moment happened naturally. In this moment, you can never be too prepared. Every. Detail. Matters. And while most proposals don’t involve hiding from someone who knows you so well, it showed me just how important preparation is for a seamless surprise.
That being said, if you’re planning to pop the question (or helping someone who is), here are my biggest tips to make sure your proposal goes smoothly...& stays a surprise!
1. Contact your photographer well in advance
Even if you don’t have months to plan, reaching out early gives your photographer time to check availability, prepare, and plan alongside you. Especially if family or friends are involved, more prep time means a smoother, stress-free experience — aside from those natural proposal nerves, of course!
2. Set up a call or in-person meeting
Texting is convenient, but important details can easily get lost or miscommunicated. Taking the time to chat in person or on the phone ensures you can think through every part of the plan together; from where you’ll stand to the angle your photographer will shoot from to avoid any surprises (except the good one)!
3. Visit the location if possible
If you’re familiar with the spot, great! If you’re traveling to a new area, no worries. As your photographer (aka your behind-the-scenes assistant), we will scout out the area, ensure it's safe, check lighting, and find the perfect spot for the moment to unfold. If you can visit ahead of time & have a specific place in mind to propose, take some photos and share them with your photographer so they can plan accordingly.
4. Share your live location the day of
On proposal day, it’s a huge help if your photographer can track your arrival without constant texting. Turning on location sharing keeps the plan discreet and lets your photographer stay hidden and ready so you can stay fully present and soak up this special moment with your love!
5. Have a discrete signal
A subtle signal lets your photographer know it’s "go time" without giving anything away. One of my favorites is having the person proposing casually scratch the back of their head with three fingers. It’s a natural, non-suspicious movement & the three fingers are the secret cue that the big moment is seconds away!
In the end, pulling off the perfect proposal isn’t just about the ring or the location — it’s about the planning, the people, and the magic of the moment. Whether you’re dodging your cousin on a beach in Hilton Head or coordinating the perfect surprise in your hometown or dream destination, remember that preparation is the key to making the moment as seamless as possible. Think through the details, lean on your photographer, trust the process, and you’ll create a picture-perfect moment your clients will cherish forever. 💍✨
