no kneeling, no expectations: just an equal, heartfelt commitment
Proposals don't have to follow tradition. Some couples opt for grand gestures and surprises, while others want something intimate, intentional, and uniquely their own. This non-traditional proposal was a perfect example of that! This couple chose to read their commitments to each other while sitting at the same level, symbolizing their equal decision to spend their lives together. No one kneeled, no one asked permission—this was about mutual love, respect, and choice.
As the evening continued, they celebrated in their own way, exchanging rings, sharing a joint as the sun set, and soaking in the emotions of the moment. Documenting this was an honor, and it’s a reminder that proposals can be anything you want them to be!
If you’re planning a proposal—whether it’s a surprise or something you decide on together—having a photographer there ensures that this once-in-a-lifetime moment is beautifully preserved. Here’s a look at this incredible, heartfelt proposal and why you might want to document your own.
capturing your proposal: why you should document this moment
Proposals are an important part of your love story, and having a photographer there allows you to relive the emotions, reactions, and intimate details forever. Whether you’re planning a carefully orchestrated surprise or a mutual decision that unfolds naturally, there are ways to incorporate photography in a way that feels true to you.
Some couples choose to have one person plan the proposal as a surprise, working with a photographer to capture the big moment without their partner knowing. Others plan the proposal together, using photography as a way to fully document the experience, from the setting to the emotions to the celebration afterward.
No matter how you approach it, professional photos allow you to focus on the moment while knowing it’s all being captured beautifully.
commitment on equal ground
For this couple, their proposal was about equal commitment. They chose to sit side by side at the same level as they read their commitments to each other, reflecting their shared decision to build a life together.
There was no pressure for one person to kneel. It was a quiet, intentional moment that felt authentic to their relationship. Documenting this moment was a powerful reminder that love and commitment don’t have to follow a script.
Whether you decide to exchange vows, share hopes for your future together, or simply be present in the moment, the way you propose should reflect your values and your love story.
seeing the ring for the first time: a moment of pure emotion
Some moments are impossible to recreate, and this was one of them. The ring wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was something they had designed together, a symbol of their love crafted exactly the way they envisioned it. But until this moment, she had never actually seen it in person.
As the ring was revealed, her expression shifted from anticipation to pure awe. The weight of the moment settled in... this was real, this was happening. The way their hands shook slightly, the way they looked at each other, the way time seemed to slow as the ring slid onto her finger—these are the moments that can’t be staged, only felt.
These small details, often overlooked in the rush of the moment, are why having a photographer there can be so valuable. The quiet gasp, the teary-eyed smiles, the way their glasses pressed together as they kissed. It all deserves to be remembered exactly as it happened.
golden hour magick: why this time of day matters
There’s a reason so many couples choose to plan their sessions around golden hour—the hour just after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, golden light during this time makes everything feel more romantic, more cinematic, and more dreamlike.
For this proposal, golden hour added warmth and depth to the photos, enhancing the intimacy of the moment. The way the light reflected off the water and wrapped around them created a natural, glowing effect that made every image feel even more special.
Golden hour times shift throughout the year, so if you’re planning a sunset or sunrise proposal, I’ll help you choose the best time to capture that perfect, glowing light.
a 420-friendly celebration
Your proposal should be a reflection of you as a couple, and for these two, that meant ending the evening by smoking a celebratory joint as the sun set over the water.
I’m a 420-friendly photographer, and I believe that your photos should capture your real-life celebrations—whether that includes popping champagne, dancing barefoot, or rolling a joint with your partner.
Including these moments in your proposal photos makes them feel honest and personal, allowing you to look back and remember exactly how it felt. There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate—just what feels right for you.
capturing both candid & posed moments
A proposal is one of the most emotional, unscripted moments in your love story—but that doesn’t mean the photos have to end there. After the raw, in-the-moment reactions have been captured, we can take time for a few intentional portraits to mark the occasion.
Some couples love the idea of soaking in the moment exactly where it happened, while others prefer to take a short walk to a nearby location for a few more engagement-style photos. Whether we’re chasing the last golden light of the day, popping a bottle of champagne, or just embracing the excitement together, this is your chance to slow down and celebrate—without the rush of the proposal itself.
This post-proposal time is also great for couples who may have been too overwhelmed with emotion during the actual moment and want a chance to fully take it all in. It allows you to breathe, laugh, and let the reality of your engagement sink in—all while creating stunning portraits that you’ll love for years to come.
your love, your proposal, your story
Proposals don’t have to look a certain way—they should be about your relationship, your values, and the way you choose to commit to each other. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home, a mountaintop adventure, or a sunset by the water, your proposal deserves to be documented in a way that feels right for you.
If you’re planning a proposal, I’d love to help capture it—whether it’s a surprise or something you both plan together. Let’s create a collection of photos that reflect your love, your emotions, and the start of this next chapter.
Reach out to chat about how we can make your proposal photos as unique as your story!
