Okay, let me set the scene.The day before the session was planned for it was gorgeous blue skies and wonderful autumnal weather.The day of the session – the weather is expected to be wet and windy due to a storm!
Being from Manchester I’m use to the rain and shooting in various conditions but boy oh boy was this a tricky one!
I’m geared up, hiding spot pre-planned with Marco a few weeks before, rain absolutely pouring and being blown into all directions,camera ready. And there I am, crouched behind a tree, trying to look invisible and definitely trying not to slip in the mud and leaves. Just another day in the life of a surprise proposal photographer, right?
When the Weather Has Other Plans
I checked the forecast and braced myself for this session.Rain is no biggie but a combi of high winds and rain is a tricky one to navigate whilst trying to hide behind a tree to shoot from a distance!
It was about 50% shelter and 50% “good luck, hope your camera survives.”
But honestly? The rain made everything kind of perfect. The leaves glistened, it was a distraction for Lauren so she didn’t see me shooting from behind the tree and the whole scene felt straight out of a romantic movie – the kind where the couple kisses in the rain while the audience swoons.
Operation Hide-and-Photograph
Being a surprise proposal photographer is basically being a spy with better lenses. My mission was simple: stay hidden, don’t make a sound (well the howling wind helped with that!), and capture every moment without being spotted.
The partner – Lauren – had NO clue I was there. Not even a suspicious glance in my direction. They walked right past my tree hideout after Marco messaged to say they had to use the alternative entry to the park which meant walking right past me, totally lost in their moment while I was clutching my camera like, “Don’t fog up, don’t fog up…”
And then – the moment.
He reached for the ring. I stepped out (quietly, like a soggy ninja). She turned. He dropped to one knee. And her face? Pure, emotional gold. That perfect mix of shock, joy, and “Is this really happening?”
The Big Reveal
After she said yes – very enthusiastically with pure tears, they headed on to the next little spot we had pre planned. The request was that they didn’t want the engagement portraits but we got some lovely candids amongst the gorgeous setting post proposal.
The Perfect Gift, Rain and All
These photos are meant to be a gift so Lauren didn’t know I was there, and honestly, the rain only made them more romantic. Stormy skies,real emotion,cosy embraces – it all came together in the most unexpected and beautiful way.
And that’s the magic of a surprise proposal. You can plan the spot, the time, the hiding tree… but the real magic happens in the moments you can’t control.
Massive congratulations to Lauren & Marco and thank you so much for having me out photographing your special moment!
Ready to Plan Your Own Surprise Proposal? Let’s Make It Magical.
If you’re dreaming up a moment like this – rain or shine – I’d love to help capture every second. As your surprise proposal photographer, I’ll handle the sneaking, the planning, the hiding-behind-trees part… you just focus on popping the question.
Click here to enquire and book your surprise proposal session.
Session fee starts from £349
Let’s create something unforgettable.
