Planning the perfect proposal is an important task, making a memorable and special moment for your favourite person in your life! Hiring a photographer to immortalise this moment is a brilliant idea, and sure to impress your new fiancé! I’ve photographed many proposals over the years, including my own, and I’m glad to say I have a 100% success ratio in Yes’s. (I’m not saying I’m responsible for everyone saying yes, but I’d like to think I’m a good luck charm!)
My top tips for making sure your proposal is as perfect as possible are:
Know Your Partner. I know this is an obvious one, but you know your other half better than anyone, so combining something they love doing with someone they love doing things with is a great start! Think of their hobbies and fave activities and which ones would lend themselves well to getting down on one knee.
Choose the Right Location. This is where your photographer can be a great help, we know a lot of the local beauty spots intricately, and we’re well used to researching locations, checking the sun position and other details that experience has taught us are important.
Timing is Everything. Choose a time when you know your partner will be relaxed and open to the moment. If they’ve just come back from a long day at work then they’ll probably want to chill out, maybe have something to eat first.
Practice Makes Perfect. If you plan to say a few words before the big question, say them a few times to yourself in the mirror, ideally when your other half isn’t with you! I can’t describe the nerves and excitement of proposing to the love of your life, but it can make all the words just vanish out of your head.
Personalise the Proposal. Get creative and think of things that will be really unique to make your proposal extra special. I photographed a proposal at sunrise at Fanad Lighthouse because he knew she loved lighthouses and sunrises!
Choose the Right Ring. Again, you know your partner and their tastes, choose a ring that fits their style. And if they already have rings, borrow one to find the right size at the jeweller. With my now wife Vanessa, she was adamant that she wanted to choose her engagement ring. But I wanted it to be a complete surprise and yet still have a ring to propose with. So I chose a simple ring off Etsy and had it engraved with our nickname as an unmarried couple, McLovin (McCallion & Love). She loved it and we were both happy!
Choose the Right Ring. Again, you know your partner and their tastes, so choose a ring that fits their style. And if they already have rings, borrow one to find the right size at the jeweller. With my now wife Vanessa, she was adamant that she wanted to choose her engagement ring. But I wanted it to be a complete surprise and yet still have a ring to propose with. So I chose a simple ring off Etsy and had it engraved with our nickname as an unmarried couple, McLovin (McCallion & Love). She loved it and we were both happy!
Respect Their Wishes. I would imagine that every couple has discussed proposals beforehand, either in jest or seriousness. If they have expressed any preferences, honour those wishes. Someone who wants a quiet proposal won’t enjoy a grand gesture in the middle of an ice rink (That was the first proposal I photographed, and he knew she’d love every moment!).
Be Flexible. The best-laid plans can fall awry by the smallest detail. I know of a few husbands who proposed in the rain because they were so focused on proposing here and now, that they wouldn’t change their plans. When I proposed we were on holiday, and so I had no idea where I would do it. Over breakfast Vanessa suggested going to a nearby rose garden, I thought this was perfect until we arrived and it was the wrong season for roses. Thankfully there was a beautiful fountain instead!
Prep their Nails. If your other half is a fan of a good manicure, treat them to one a few days beforehand. They will appreciate this even more when it comes to showing off their new ring on their finger!
Enjoy the Moment. Don’t forget that this proposal is huge for you both, not just your partner. Take a deep breath, savour the moment and know that you will think back to this brief instant for years and years to come.
Remember, the perfect proposal is unique to the person you’re proposing to. Some people like it as simple as getting down on one knee in the front room, others will be blown away by popping the question in front of all the crowds at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Good luck!
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