We’ve rounded up our top tips from capturing thousands of proposals across the globe for a picture-perfect proposal
For your romantic partner to officially become your life partner, it requires one big question. Where time stops, sparks fly and the moment ends with a joyful YES! But it’s also only four words – “Will you marry me?” – that last a mere, heart-stopping couple of seconds. We’ve heard too many times from couples that in the moment itself, they were overcome with joy, surprise and shock that they “blacked out” and couldn’t remember anything that happened! Planning a proposal shoot is the perfect way to document this magical moment for you and your loved ones to look back on and relive for years to come. Here are our best tips for planning the perfect secret proposal shoot!
Make it personal
Whether you’ve been together for years, months, or weeks (hey, we believe in love at first sight!), tailor the proposal to your relationship. This couple shares a love for Harry Potter, so Saket had a stunning, golden snitch ring box crafted to propose to Nupur with. While Ajaypal’s bibliophile girlfriend Manpreet was perusing this famous bookstore in Porto, he proposed with a special book made just for her. If your partner loves travel and adventure, why not propose in a stunning destination they’ve so far only dreamed of visiting? Think about your favourite inside jokes, significant moments in your relationship or even just the little details you love about your partner. There are endless ways to tailor the proposal to your unique relationship.
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Planning to a “T”
When it comes to capturing the big question and their reaction, don’t leave the photos to chance! Work with your photographer to plan exactly how the moment will unfold. First, think about the time of day. Our Flytographers agree that “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon – creates soft and flattering light as opposed to the harsher shadows found at midday. If you have your eye on an iconic spot like the Eiffel Tower, St. Mark’s Square, or Positano, we recommend opting for a morning shoot so you won’t be fighting hordes of tourists for a private moment. Your local photographer will know the best locations and times, and they’re always happy to share their favourite spots! Second, make sure your photographer can find you. If you’re proposing in a busier place, we suggest sending a selfie and a description of your outfits to each other the day-of, so your photographer can easily locate you in a crowd (and you can check that your photographer is in place!). Third, think about where you’ll be standing. You’re in charge of how your partner will be facing, as they’ll naturally turn to you when you drop to your knee. Make sure one shoulder is facing towards the photographer and the other shoulder is towards the backdrop for that iconic proposal pose and visible faces.
Ready for your close-up?
What better way is there to celebrate your brand-new status as an engaged couple than with a romantic photo shoot directly after? If you’re unsure how to make sure your partner is photo-ready, especially if your shoot is earlier in the morning, we have a few sneaky tactics for you.
An alternative option to a total surprise shoot is to say you’ve booked a vacation shoot… or maybe your family booked it for you, if that is more believable. This ensures that you’re both on-location, ready for photos, and no sweatpants in sight! You and your photographer can plan ahead to know exactly when and where to pop the question during the shoot.
If your partner would be suspicious about any type of shoot, we recommend planning a dressy meal or activity directly after the shoot with a stroll through the proposal location beforehand. Your partner will be photo shoot-ready, even if they don’t know it, and the schedule will make sure everyone is ready to go on-time.
Savor the moment
As the moment approaches, your heart is nearly beating out of your chest and you have the ring ready, don’t forget to take a deep breath. You’re in control of how long it will last. Whether you have a long speech planned or you want to keep it short and sweet, stay down on your knee as long as possible – through your opening lines, asking the question, putting the ring on their finger, and maybe even a celebratory kiss! This will give your photographer plenty of time to capture a variety of photos in this iconic pose and capture all of the amazing reactions that will cross your partner’s face.
Once the big moment is over, don’t feel rushed to immediately introduce yourself to the photographer. If you want to take a few more sweet moments together, your photographer will hang back until you’re ready.
The joy of officially deciding to become life partners is a glow that will radiate from both you and your partner, and there is no more perfect time to capture some of the most intimate, raw and authentic moments of your relationship. Book your proposal shoot to capture the moment forever.
