When I got the inquiry to do this surprise proposal here in New Smyrna Beach, I was elated. If I'm completely honest though, the logistics were a bit daunting! There are so many variables to consider in a typical family session; and I'm able to work around them because we have a whole hour together. A surprise proposal gives you one chance to get it right!
To give a little background, I visited the photo location the day before the proposal, and the weather was dreadful. It was the same time I would be taking the most time sensitive photos of my career, and I was unnerved.
On the morning of the proposal, I mustered up the courage to check my weather app, and by the grace of God, it was partly cloudy until the hour of the big moment! I texted my only contact for the day, my client's sister, and finalized times and meeting plans! She sent me a photo of the dress she would be wearing and I had a target to spot when the proposal was about to go down.
I loaded up my own family to enjoy an evening of playing and frolicking on the beach and posing as my "decoy family" and we headed to the Smyrna Dunes Park. We made the 15 minute walk on the forever long boardwalk to the beach and my heart was beating out of my chest.
And then I spotted her, the sister in the orange and pink dress, making her way down the stairs. Holy crap, they're here! I kept my distance because I didn't want to be too obvious and wasn't quite sure where he would be popping the question. (In my own mind, I thought it would be down by the jetty with the waves crashing behind them.)
I kept my distance though because I thought surely he will make his way towards me. He didn't.
Before I knew it, he was down on one knee and he unknowingly set up the most aesthetic, clean, and BRIGHT proposal photo moment I have ever seen!
He stayed down on his knee for what felt like a whole minute and I closed in on them and did my thing! These photos are truly FAVORITES!
And what I realize now is that the logistics really didn't matter as much as I thought. II had an amazing client who was asking the love of his life to be his wife. And I'm pretty sure even if it was pitch black dark and raining, the glow of his couple would still shine through. Their love is so evident and I am so honored I got to be a small part of their special moment! Oh and ps- being involved in New Smyrna Beach Photography is truly the best adventure!
So there you have it, the most beautiful surprise beach proposal of all time! If you like what you see, be sure to follow along on Instagram (@julievickersphotography) and be sure to send my info to your boyfriend. He just might book the sweetest surprise proposal session ever!