New England Wedding Photographer | Connecticut Surprise Proposal | Engagement Photographer
For the longest time I’ve wanted to do a surprise proposal where I could hide out in the bushes and totally catch someone’s partner off guard, catching the perfect reaction shot and Johnny & Bethany brought that dream to a reality.
Johnny contacted me at the beginning of August to get started with planning for a surprise proposal on September 29th. He had two locations in mind, which were Wickham park or Case Mountain, both of which have beautiful views that look over Hartford, Connecticut.
We began our initial planning with a phone call and discussed timing, location, what the plan was to get Bethany there, and a rain plan (luckily we didn’t need this!). We ultimately decided on a timing of 4:00PM and to go with Wickham park in Manchester, CT because there were so many different scenic spots and gardens to explore.
A little less than a week before the proposal, Johnny and I met up to do a walkthrough of Wickham Park to choose the spot for the proposal. The first spot we looked at was on top of a hill with a beautiful view of the city of Hartford. After some consideration, we didn’t choose this spot because it was right next to a ceremony location and we didn’t want to take the chance of interrupting someone’s ceremony! The next spot we looked at was the English Garden, which unfortunately had a tent up that would’ve been in the way. Finally, we reached a gazebo in the Oriental Garden, which even had the perfect hiding spot right across the way.
When the day came, I rented a longer zoom lens so I could be far away and still get close up shots of the proposal. I arrived at about 2:45PM to scope out how busy it was and to arrive before Bethany and Johnny so that Bethany didn’t spot my car. Eventually I made my way over to the bushes I was going to be hiding behind and not too long after some family and friends of the couple showed up to hide alongside me. When it reached 3:50PM the pressure was building, so I quickly ran out to make sure the area was clear and I texted Johnny that we were all there and ready for him and Bethany.
When we saw them walk over we were all giddy with excitement and witnessing the proposal was truly a beautiful moment! She without a doubt said YES, and once it was official all of their family and friends ran out of the bushes cheering with joy!
I could tell that everyone was so happy for Johnny and Bethany. Bethany even had a college friend fly out from Ohio to witness the proposal, which I thought was so sweet!
After the proposal, I took some group photos and then ended the day with some portraits of Johnny and Bethany throughout the gardens. They are such a joyful and strong couple and I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in June 2025!
If you’re looking to do a surprise proposal for your partner, I’d love to work with you to plan and document this special moment! To schedule your surprise proposal, fill out my contact form.
