Proposal Session Guide

bound and branch proposal photos geneva lake

Thank you for choosing us!!

We want to start by thanking you! Proposals are one of our absolute FAVORITE sessions to capture. It allows us to capture so much pure, intimate, TRUE love.

Selecting a location

We start by selecting a location that you want or we can suggest places as well. Clients tend to choose a location that has meaning behind it or a place they have never been but is a bucket list item or just a beautiful location. Whatever your reasoning is we will make sure we find a perfect spot (unless you already know where). If it is a location we have been to we will suggest areas, if its new to us we will go scout it out and help give you a few options of a spot to do it!

How are you planning to propose?

Have you thought about how you want to do it? Are you planning on being traditional and romantic or were you planning to be creative? We have had sessions where it was traditional and beautiful and we have had somewhere props were included. Examples would be a hollowed out book from an author they love, ring inside of their favorite donut, on a slice of pizza you serve them, in a glass of wine that they love, people or children holding signs in the background and so many more. How ever you decide to do it we definitely will get great shots and need to know if you have special plans.

Timing

We of course want to make sure timing is right! We will plan a time frame with you and usually arrive 30 minutes before that to check the spot out, make sure there are not any issues with location or access, and we get in the area well in advance of you so we can be as inconspicuous as possible. Just a couple of people checking out the area taking photos. We will text you to let you know where we are, when we are there, any issues, and where to go. We will ask for a photo of the two of you so we know who to look for as well as a photo of what your outfits are.

Scenery

We definitely will take shots of the area to allow you to have that and look back at how beautiful the location was.

Proposal

Ok so it's here! The big moment. No matter what I say you will be nervous. Just know its a beautiful moment and we are going to capture it for you. Let's plan a signal. It helps us know when your about to do it so we can get all the shots! We will also try to mark the spot for you so we can get the best angles.

Stay down on your knee for longer than you want to! I get how nerve-wracking proposing is. It’s tempting to want to just feel your knee touch the ground and then immediately get back up – but don’t! Stay down on that knee for as long as you can stand it. It’ll ensure you’ll get more photos of the moment, it’ll allow time for us to “course correct” if something goes wrong (if a group of people move through the shot, for instance), and it’ll prolong this fabulous moment your significant other has been dreaming about. I tell all my clients to stay on their knee for 15-20 seconds at minimum.

Practice kneeling! It might sound silly, but you might want to do it in the outfit you plan to wear so you can be sure that all clothing will fit properly when you’re in the awkward position of being on one knee! TRUST ME, IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!

Act natural. Just be yourself and let us candidly capture the moments as they unfold.

Whats next??

I will introduce myself to the both of you and of course give my congrats!

We book each session to incorporate the engagement and a small portrait session afterward. It’s the perfect time to document couples in love – a true engagement session.

We will give time for our couples to regroup. Since you've just experienced one of the best moments of your lives, we can take advantage of holding an emotional and adrenaline-filled mini session.

We will take the rest of the time to do a mini engagement session and capture some beautiful moments! And that's it! YOU DID IT!!!! The weight is lifted LOL. We will send a sneak peek ASAP because we know how excited you both will be to announce it!