September 21, 2024

Destination Surprise Proposal: Acadia, Maine

Surprise Proposals, Engagement
beautiful scenery of trees, Acadia, mountains, and water in Mount Desert, Maine

When Ryan reached out about his surprise proposal


my heart skipped a beat! The planning, traveling, and those special moments—it was all so exciting. I remember replying to him the same day: “Let’s DO it!”  Traveling for my couples is a whole different experience than my usual job with USA Gymnastics.


The next morning, my husband and I woke up early to scout the location Ryan had chosen. It was a stunning overlook, with sweeping views of the coastline.

Trail pathway of trees and mountains in the background in Acadia in Mount Desert, Maine
Old boat house in Acadia National Park in Maine during sunest.

When Ryan and his partner arrived,


I could see the love between them from a distance. When he got down on one knee, everything fell into place. The expression on her face—pure joy and surprise—was priceless. It was one of those magical moments where time stood still, and I felt incredibly honored to witness their love story unfold.


After the proposal, we dove straight into their engagement session, which was SO fun! The beautiful backdrop of Acadia added to the magic, with the sun casting a soft glow that made everything feel dreamy. I felt like I was witnessing a love story unfold in real time, and I couldn’t help but smile behind the lens. It was a perfect reminder of why I love what I do. Every photo was a celebration of their love, and I couldn’t wait to share those memories with them. As my husband and I drove back home, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing I had played a part in something so special. It was moments like these that made all the travel worthwhile.

What are my next steps if I want to have a surprise proposal?


1. Set Up a Consult

  • Schedule a 30-minute consultation to discuss your big event. This can be done via phone, email, or FaceTime. During this meeting, you’ll share your vision and any ideas you have for the proposal. Feel free to ask any questions about my photography style, experience, and how I handle proposals to ensure we're on the same page.

2. Set the Location

  • Choose a Meaningful Spot: Think about places that hold special memories for you and your fiancé(e). This could be where you had your first date, a favorite park, or a romantic getaway.
  • Logistics Planning: During the consult, we’ll discuss the practical aspects, such as accessibility, lighting conditions, and any permits needed for specific locations.

3. Book the Session

  • To secure your date, a signed contract and a $200 non-refundable retainer are required. This ensures your date is reserved and blocks off time from other clients, allowing us to focus entirely on your special moment.

4. The Big Day!

  • Stay in Touch: On the day of the proposal, I’ll be available for any last-minute questions or adjustments. Keep communication open so we can coordinate seamlessly.
  • Capture the Moment: I’ll be discreetly positioned to capture every reaction, from the moment you propose to the joyous celebration afterward. My goal is to document the emotion and spontaneity of the day.
  • Celebrate Together: After the excitement of your proposal, it’ll be time to dive into the engagement photography portion of your session. Here, we will do fun prompts, let loose, and have a blast capturing all that your love story has to tell. We’ll engage in fun prompts that encourage natural interactions and help you relax in front of the camera. My goal is to create an atmosphere where you can be yourselves, allowing your genuine connection to shine through in every shot. Let's make some magic together!


With love behind the lens,

Allison