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Photography Tips

Proposal Ideas & Photography Tips

So, you’re looking for proposal ideas. You made up your mind to pop the question, found an ideal engagement ring and managed to keep your intentions top secret from family and friends. You can already be proud of yourself because it’s a very important step! As for proposal ideas, do not worry – we’ve got you covered! As wedding photographers, we get to hear all kinds of proposal stories and heartwarming confessions from our couples. From romantic picnic proposals to lavish and extravagant helicopter elopements, we’ve seen it all. As a matter of fact, here at the Studio we’ve shot numerous proposals and secretly captured many beautiful moments on camera. From a photography standpoint, we like it when proposals unfold in front of a beautiful backdrop such as nature or cityscape like in the images below. However, most of all we love it when proposals are tailored to who you are as a couple. Coming up with the right proposal ideas might be daunting, so I decided to help you out! No matter what kind of proposal scenarios you’re looking for there are 3 golden rules to follow. I wrote them down and dropped a few proposal ideas below:

  1. Capture Your Proposal on Camera

Your engagement is one of the most memorable days of your life. It’s the day both of you decided to be committed to each other and promised to spend the rest of your life together. Proposals tend to be fairly quick even though there is so much time and preparation that goes into them! This is why it’s a good idea to have a professional photographer there to capture this exhilarating moment. The question will be asked, happy tears will be shed. As time passes, it would be nice to look back at that moment and remember how it was. There’s something very raw and genuine about proposal photography that I just love. As a proposal photographer, I’m usually ‘invisible’, but the purely natural and unabashed reactions reach even me, and I can’t help but tear up myself!

  1. Stay True to Yourself

If you’re like most of us, you’re probably having an inner monologue. You want it to be original and not overdone. Romantic? Of course! But not very cheesy. Should it be a public proposal? It sounds good, but for someone who is not into public attention, it might be overwhelming. The last thing you want to do is to make your parter uncomfortable. The key here is to have a proposal that is tailored to Her/Him. I’m a bit worried about a guy feeling obligated to spend a lot of time and money on extravagant proposal. If she/he is into quiet family time and ‘stay-at-home’ kind of person, you can keep your proposal simple. Find something that you both enjoy. Maybe it’s spending time in nature, hiking at your favourite park or just hanging out in your bed on Sunday afternoon. Proposals are all about finding the right moment. The moments in which both of you feel happy and loved. The gesture of going down on one’s knee and presenting a ring is a very romantic and beautiful moment of its own. It tells hundred words about your love and commitment louder than any public billboard.

On the other hand, if you feel like throwing a surprise proposal in an extravagant, beautiful setting is something your partner has been dreaming of since the first moment they saw their first Disney movie – go for it! It will definitely make an impact and add to the magic of the moment. Regardless of proposal scenarios, they should be all about you so be true to your relationship.

  1. Keep it Simple

If you want to create an amazing proposal for your partner, don’t overthink it. Simplicity and genuity will go a long way and make it a moment to remember. Your partner will appreciate it if you keep that moment intimate. Whether you have your proposal all planned out or leave it to the chance, it’s about picking the right moment to pop the question. I once had a couple who booked me as a proposal photographer and had me hidden in the bush while he was waiting for one exact moment to get on one knee. They had a lovely, quiet walk on the beach and as the sun was setting down and the beach got empty, he took out the ring and asked that one question. It was a beautiful moment! Later he confessed that he was waiting for the right moment, the moment when she was completely relaxed and feeling happy. Needless to say I attended their wedding as a wedding photographer later that year! By keeping your proposal simple, you give your words and your feelings to take a centre stage. Let your love be manifested in your genuine smile and loving eyes. Emotions you felt that day are going to be one of the things both of you remember for a very long time.

I speak from experience when I say that having these moments forever in photos is something to be cherished. Some people get so swept by emotions, they do not even remember how and when it happened! So, go extra mile and I guarantee that your other half will thank you for having a photographer nearby.

This Valentine’s Day we are offering 35% OFF Couple’s Photo Shoots if you book before the end of month. Skip the chocolates, and say it with beautifully captured moments (like a surprise proposal, hint hint!) Okay, maybe chocolates, too.

Contact us for details and to book here.

 

Toronto Wedding Photography. Skyline with CN Tower & Air Canada Center.Lavelle Toronto Photography, Couple's Photo Shoot.Chez Lavelle Toronto Photography, Couple's Photo Shoot.Chez Lavelle Toronto Photography, Couple's Photo Shoot.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography, proposal ideas.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. A time of reflection before he pops the big question.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. The groom shares his bride's-to-be engagement ring moments before the proposal.

Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. The moment she realizes why she's on the rooftop with a gorgeous view of our city and her fiance-to-be.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. He has the engagement ring hidden behind his back but she's in on the secretChez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. Proposal photography, the moment he got down on one knee.

Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. Proposal photoraphy, the moment after she agreed to spend the rest of her life with him.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. The happy couple immersed in the afterglow of a proposal done right.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. The happy couple immersed in the afterglow of a beautiful proposal.Chez Lavelle Rooftop Toronto Couple's Photography. The happy couple immersed in the afterglow of a beautiful proposal. The newly engaged couple share a sweet moment. Lavelle Toronto Couple's Photography. The newly engaged couple share a sweet kiss.