Planning your surprise proposal with a photographer
A proposal is one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking, and memorable moments in your love story. Whether you have a grand plan or just a ring and a dream, thoughtful planning makes all the difference! If you're planning a proposal in Colorado, North Carolina, or beyond and want a photographer to tag along, I'm your girl!
I traveled back home to North Carolina to photograph the sweetest proposal for two of my closest friends. Keep reading for their sweet story and my best tips for planning your own unforgettable proposal!
A Fall Proposal in Raleigh’s Charming City Market
City Market is one of my favorite places to shoot in Downtown Raleigh! With its cobblestone streets, glowing string lights, and painted brick buildings, this historic area (over 100 years old!) has an unbeatable charm. It was the perfect backdrop for Wells’ carefully planned proposal to Stewart the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Wells and Stewart live in New York City, but he wanted to propose in Raleigh so they could celebrate with family and friends who were in town for the holiday. Since Stewart is one of my best friends, I had to be extra sneaky—we knew she was expecting a proposal soon, so every detail had to be perfectly planned to keep her from suspecting anything!



The Perfect Proposal Plan
Wells and I had been secretly planning for months. We needed a location that made sense for them to visit casually, with a hidden spot where I could stay out of sight until the big moment. City Market checked every box! The day before, we scouted the exact location where he would propose, figured out a cover story, mapped out where to park, and even planned how he would inconspicuously carry the ring.
When the day arrived, I hid around a corner while they walked up, camera ready. As soon as Wells dropped to one knee, I popped out and captured every moment. It all happened so fast, but Stewart’s reaction was priceless! Afterward, we took a few quick portraits before heading to their surprise engagement party with family and friends.


How to Plan a Proposal That Feels Right for You
If you’re planning to propose, here are my top tips to make the moment unforgettable (and beautifully photographed!):
Tip 1: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!
If you’re the one popping the question, let’s start chatting ASAP! Whether you have a vision or need ideas, I’ll help you plan as much (or as little) as you need. We’ll discuss location, timing, who you want there, and what kind of proposal feels most authentic to you both.

Tip 2: Choose a Meaningful Location
Your proposal spot should feel special—whether it’s a favorite park, a scenic overlook, or the site of a favorite date night. A few ideas:
- Hike to a private lookout (I’ll be waiting at the top!)
- Romantic boat ride (I’ll pretend to be on the crew!)
- Disguised as a couples session (I’ll already be there for this one ;) )
If possible, we’ll visit the location beforehand and map out exactly where you’ll get down on one knee.


Tip 3: Think About the Photos
We’ll plan the best angles and lighting to capture the moment beautifully. We’ll also decide if I’ll hide in plain sight or stay completely out of view until the big reveal. A cue (like adjusting your sleeve or a specific phrase) can help me know when you’re about to propose!

Tip 4: Consider What You’re Wearing
If your partner would want to be dressed up for photos, consider a cover story that encourages them to wear something nice. Likewise, if they’d care about how their nails look in ring shots, think about that in advance!



Tip 5: Capture the Post-Proposal Glow
After the proposal, I’ll give you a moment to soak it all in before snapping some “just engaged” portraits. We can plan for as much or as little time as you want—whether it’s a full session or just a few quick shots before you run off to celebrate!

Your Surprise Proposal with Blythe Photo
This was my first proposal session, and I had so much fun with Wells and Stewart—I definitely want to do more of these in the future! If you’re planning to propose, hop over to my contact form and let’s start brainstorming! And if you’re hoping to get proposed to… feel free to drop a hint and share this post. 😉