Proposals are such a wonderful moment, and you can't just trust a friend with a camera. It's too important! The pressure is real, and this is a job for someone who KNOWS how to get it right! You want someone skilled who has done these over and over and knows exactly how to make it the perfect event.

Proposals have parameters that I will talk about with you on a call.
Some of my basic tips and tricks

• Find a location with low foot traffic
• Find a location that has special meaning to you, or travel to a new place
• Time of day (this is SO important)
• Involve a friend to help with any logistics
  
  While I don't want to give away all my secrets, people tend to hire me because of the extensive work I do on the back end of planning these proposals.
  
  

  Things to think about while planning your proposal

  
  
• Backup plan (I have a few tricks up my sleeve in case of emergency or rain!)
• Thoughtful time of day, there is a reason to propose at one time vs another!
• Location and the elements (wind, traffic, time of year)
• Sporting events, parades, and protests in the area

Connecting with the photographer before the shoot (I have some great tricks! You are SURE to see me. If we don't see each other, that's a problem.)

Props for a proposal on location

I get asked to set up "scenes" for proposals. I will tell you, setting up a small scene can add to the memory of the proposal and the story your significant other will tell for years to come. It is, in fact, a STORY you are creating. In the past, I have helped set up a fall-themed proposal with Pumpkins on a wall, which had the client's initials painted on them. I have set up rose petals on the ground and decorated a park bench. Remember, the decorations are second to hiring a photographer for the proposal and proposing. When you add too many elements, it can become more stressful.

If you want to do a theme, below are some ideas I put together.

🍁 Fall Proposal Scene

Theme:
🍁 Rustic Autumn Romance

• Pumpkins with their initials carved, painted, or made with stick-on letters.
• A hay bale seating area with plaid blankets.
• Lanterns or candles in mason jars to line a path or surround the scene.
• A chalkboard sign that says, “Fall in love with me forever,” or “Let’s carve out a life together.”
• Scattered leaves and rose petals.
• Optional: Hot apple cider in personalized mugs.

❄️ Winter Proposal Scene

Theme: Winter Wonderland

• White candles, LED lights, or fairy lights everywhere for a magical glow.
• A small evergreen tree decorated with mini photos of the couple.
• Snowflake confetti or faux snow is scattered.
• Personalized ornaments with their initials or important dates.
• Proposal inside a clear glass ornament or snow globe ring box.
• Optional: Matching scarves or gloves gifted during the proposal.

🌸 Spring Proposal Scene

Theme: Secret Garden Love

• Fresh flowers (tulips, peonies, wildflowers) in baskets or jars.
• Rose petals were scattered in the shape of a heart or initials.
• A floral arch or flower-draped trellis.
• Butterflies or bees as theme accents (paper cutouts, decor).
• A garden bench with a “Grow old with me” sign.
• Optional: Custom seed packets labeled “Our love grows.”

🌞 Summer Proposal Scene

Theme: Seaside Romance

• Seashells with their initials, love messages, or a countdown to the big question.
• Candles in hurricane jars with sand at the base.
• Tiki torches or lanterns for golden hour beach vibes.
• A picnic setup with a cozy blanket, champagne, and snacks.
• String lights in the trees or a nearby canopy.
• Optional: Message in a bottle with the proposal inside.

🌌 Any Season: Classic Romantic Setup

Theme: Timeless Elegance

• A path of candles and rose petals leading to the proposal spot.
• A sign or board with a meaningful quote or “Will you marry me?”
• A canopy or sheer fabric drape with twinkle lights.
• Polaroid photos or printed images clipped to a string with fairy lights.

• Optional: A musician (guitar, violinist) or a Bluetooth speaker with your song.

Reading, MA Photographer Headshots-Portraits-Kids-Families-Senior Portraits 45 High Street, Reading MA 01867 | 781-315-6030 - aw@cordelephotography.com