From choosing the perfect ring to where you will go to get down on one knee, From the Hip Photo has some tricks and tips to help guide you through this momentous occasion! Dive into these tips for planning the perfect surprise wedding proposal photos!
Picking the Perfect Ring
First things first- the ring. Choosing the ring by yourself or planning it together with your significant other is the first step in this process. Check out our blog on engagement tips here. Luckily, there are many options of style for engagement and wedding rings to choose from. You can also customize your own at Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth, and even Etsy.
Hire a Photographer (hopefully, that’s us!)
Hiring a professional photographer to capture your surprise wedding proposal photos will be a decision you will not regret! Brides.com says, “to those of you proposing—we get that your buddy Dan is well-meaning and has a fancy camera, but enlisting the services of a legit pro will both grant you access to his or her knowledge about what makes a great photograph”.
Location & Setting Arrangement
Good news for those proposing, you are not alone! Your photographer will communicate with you on deciding the spot, time, and other important details. Here in Colorado, we have many wonderful and intimate locations for the proposal to happen! We have captured beautiful moments at Denver Botanic Gardens, Chautauqua Park, Aspen, Grand Lake, and a local tree farm.
With this in mind, there are several types of photography styles that we can utilize on the big day (so we can capture the moment while keeping it a surprise); paparazzi, keeping it cool, and hide and seek. The paparazzi-style according to Localographer is where your photographer will blend in with a crowd and pretend to be a tourist with a camera photographing random sights. Keeping it cool is where the shoot will be set up as a regular photo session except your partner does not know you will be proposing. Lastly, hide and seek (the most popular) is having the photographer hide while the proposal is happening. These are all great styles, it is just a matter of figuring out which one will suit your photo needs the best!
Celebrate Afterwards with Friends and Family
The Knot suggests that having a double surprise can be extra-memorable; the first surprise being the proposal then hiding other family members nearby to let them gather once the proposal ends. Often times this adds to the moment as a wedding proposal indicated the joining of families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep the photographer hidden during a proposal?
We work closely with you to plan a location and timing that feels natural to your partner. Often we position ourselves at a distance with a telephoto lens, or blend in with the surroundings. Communication beforehand is key so the proposal feels genuine and unscripted.
What are the best proposal locations in Colorado?
Colorado offers stunning proposal backdrops, from Sapphire Point overlook to Red Rocks Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and scenic Denver spots. We can help you choose a location that matches your partner’s interests and the vibe you want for the photos.
How far in advance should I book a proposal photographer?
We recommend booking 2-4 weeks ahead when possible, though we can sometimes accommodate rush bookings for proposals. Give yourself time to plan the perfect moment without the photographer being a surprise.
What happens with the proposal photos after the big moment?
We’ll deliver edited, high-resolution photos within 1-2 weeks. Many couples use them for engagement announcements, save-the-dates, or just enjoying those precious first-moments-as-an-engaged-couple memories.
How do I tell my partner I had a photographer without spoiling the proposal?
This is trickier, but you could mention wanting to “capture the moment” without revealing a photographer is involved, or surprise them afterward with the photos. Every couple handles this differently — we’re happy to brainstorm timing with you.
Ready to schedule your shoot? Get in touch with From the Hip Photo today.
