You’re ready to pop the big question, but you’re wondering should you hire a photographer for your proposal? As a wedding photographer, I may be a little biased, but my answer would be a very loud and excited “YES!” You should definitely hire a photographer for your proposal! Getting on one knee and asking the love of your life to spend the rest of their life with you can be a very nerve-racking and emotional experience! It will also be one of the most emotional and surprising moments ever for your other half! Here are a few examples of wedding proposals that I’ve had the pleasure of photographing over the years!

Meet Alonna and Tyler

Alonna had no idea that Tyler was about to propose, but with the help of Alonna’s sister and brother-in-law, Tyler had everything planned out! From the ring to the flowers to the location to the celebration dinner right afterwards! Alonna’s sister reached out to me and asked if I’d be willing to photograph the moment Tyler got down on one knee, but we would keep it a surprise by planning a family session just before!

It was such an emotional and sweet moment to witness!

We started out taking photos of everyone together with Alonna’s baby nephew at the Old Well in Chapel Hill! These guys both attend UNC and so it only made sense that they get engaged on campus! There were even two pups in attendance! After visiting our first location for family photos, we walked into the arboretum for more photos! But this was actually where Tyler had everything setup for their proposal! There was a guitar player, flowers and candles around the UNC seal and drapery! Alonna cried the happiest of tears as she said “yes!” It was such an emotional and sweet moment to witness!

Here’s one reason why I love the idea of photographing proposals! You get instant engagement photos! Being that Tyler had everything planned out, they were able to take engagement photos immediately following their proposal! I don’t think that you’ll find a better time for engagement photos than following the proposal! The excitement and emotions are so natural right after too!

Meet Tanika and Craig

I loved being a part of Craig and Tanika’s proposal! Craig reached out to me one day and told me that he was planning to propose to his then girlfriend, Tanika! He knew that he wanted to meet at the American Tobacco campus in Durham! Tanika had no idea that Craig was about to propose, but I believe a lot of her family knew already! Tanika thought that they were just taking some couples photos together! They wore handmade outfits for the first part of their session and then did an outfit change into more casual clothing! I knew that Craig was ready to propose after the outfit change, so I decided to let him take the lead a little!

It was in that moment that Tanika realized what was happening!

I like to ask our couples if they have any ideas while we’re together, so I asked Craig if he had any poses that he wanted to do! He said a few words to Tanika, took out a ring box, and got down on one knee! It was in that moment that Tanika realized what was happening! You can just feel the excitement in the photos that followed their Durham engagement! Not only did I get to photograph their proposal and engagement photos, but I’ve had the pleasure of photographing their wedding and maternity photos as they awaited the arrival of their twins!