Since we’re getting close to engagement season – you know that magical time of the year when it seems like EVERYONE is getting engaged – I figured I would share about one of my favorite topics! Photographing proposals is such a RUSH. There is so much energy, excitement, nervousness, emotion, love, joy, and happiness that goes into a proposal. Photographing a proposal is a big job! You want to make sure you get everything – the reaction, emotion, scenery, details! You only have one chance, and y’all, you can’t ask for a redo!!

It such an honor when I have a soon-to-be groom reach out to me asking for me to photograph the proposal. I don’t take it lightly – in my mind it’s a mission! I need to make sure I produce incredible work while being all ninja like. If you’re planning to photograph a proposal, or you’re just curious how this all works out – this blog is for you! I’m sharing just a few tips on how to improve your proposal experience for your brides and grooms!

TIP 1:

In order to make sure everything runs smoothly, you need to speak directly with the groom. I understand some grooms are not as involved with the planning of the proposal. Maybe they’re away for business or military needs or maybe they don’t know how to curate the perfect proposal – so they’ve asked a mom or sister. While someone else might be planning the occasion, you need to make sure you speak directly with the groom. This moment is all about the bride and him, so you want to make sure you fully understand the situation and the couple.

TIP 2:

You can give ideas, but understand it’s not your proposal. This is such a hard thing to remember. I think it’s because as creative people, we have lots of ideas, and we want to share to help the event/occasion reach it’s fullest potential. However, just because you think it’s best, doesn’t actually mean that’s what the couple wants. For instance, where the groom has planned to propose may not have the best lighting. Make sure that you listen to him, and understand why he has chosen this specific spot. Explain to him that it might effect the pictures if the proposal is in this spot. However, let him decide if he’d rather move or stay. If he chooses to stay, work with it – make the best of it – don’t complain. At the end of the day, yes you want incredible photos, but the moment is all about the couple – not about the photos you’re taking.

TIP 3:

Try to give them a little bit of space! I remember I almost PASSED OUT after Hayden proposed. Seriously, I was so surprised, and I was so happy I couldn’t stand up. I have no clue what happened in the twenty minutes following the proposal, and I have absolutely no idea what Hayden said in his proposal speech {sorry Hayd}. Once the groom proposes, be sure to introduce yourself, and let them know you’re going to give them some space: “Hi ____, my name is Haley Nicole. Your fiancé hired me to photograph this big occasion. Isn’t he awesome?! I’m going to give you guys a moment, and then, I’ll be right back to take a few photos.” Go change your lens, check the photos you’ve taken, and let the two of them giggle and cry together. You can take photos from afar, but give them a few minutes to settle in. This girl’s world was just ROCKED, and she is likely going to need to catch her breath.

TIP 4:

Be understanding. As I mentioned, once a bride is engaged, all thinking goes out the window. What I mean by that is, it’s SO hard to concentrate when you have a new sparkly ring on your finger. I remember I couldn’t finish sentences, and I was just in shock. It was so much fun and full of so much energy, but I had no clue what was going on! Make sure that you are being understanding to the bride and groom. They will want the photos you’re taking, but they probably are so distracted by the occasion, that it might be difficult to get their attention. Be understanding, sweet, kind – share instructions slow and clear. Don’t be antsy. You are a guest on one of the biggest occasions in their life – be respectful of this.

TIP 5:

Have fun!! Give them a hug, cry with them {this is me EVERY TIME}, laugh with them, get excited!!!! This is a big day, and it’s so much more than “getting business.” You are documenting such a special occasion. Make sure that your bride and groom know how happy and excited you are to be capturing such a big day.

I hope this helps in capturing your next proposal. Also a bonus tip – I always say a prayer riiiiiight before the proposal starts, and I’m telling you this is the best way to help your nerves!

xoxo,