So, back in December 2015, I had an idea – Secret Proposal Photography! Everyone has a wedding photographer, but hardly anyone has photos of the actual moment they propose. Even back then, I knew I loved capturing genuine reactions and what better reaction is there than the one of someone who’s just been proposed to?
So I had the idea, I thought I could make it work, but I didn’t really know how to spread the word… So I put out a Facebook Ad explaining my idea and hoped for the best. Within days of the ad going live Darrell got in touch! His message was simple – “Evening, I need to chat about your proposal shoots. Please mail me tomorrow if I forget. I can’t speak tonight.”.
We had a chat and he explained the plans for the day… Manchester Christmas Markets then Cloud 23, where he was going to pop the question!
I met with the manager of Cloud 23 in the morning, then I headed down to the markets. I got into position and waited. And waited. And waited. We’d managed to get a few secret WhatsApp messages to each other, but I was beginning to think I’d missed them coming in… It was pretty busy.
But just then, a good head and shoulders above the crowd, Darrell appeared. Phew! I followed them around the markets, across the road for a drink, then headed off to Cloud 23 to be there for their arrival.
I positioned myself out of the way, and snapped them enjoying afternoon tea. Darrell & Alice got up to have a look at the view. I knew the question was coming. He dropped to one knee and asked Alice to marry him! The bar broke out into oohs, ahhhs and rounds of applause – it was pretty special.
I sent the photos to Darrell a day or so later and got this message:
“OH MY F*CK!NG GOD – I’m in bits mate. They are f*ck!ng awesome.”
I originally posted this blog in December 2015, (back when I used to add a watermark to my images ?) and totally expected to be inundated with requests to photograph people proposing. But nothing happened. Then about a year later I got a proposal enquiry, but it fell through. So I kinda gave up on the idea. However, in March of 2019, something changed. I got a booking – an actual booking for a surprise proposal on Anglesey!
And it went well, really well! But I didn’t expect to get another one for another year ?. But I got one the very next month. By the end of 2019 I’d photographed 5 surprise marriage proposals! ? And already I have a few booked in for 2020 too!
So if you’re thinking of popping the question follow this link for more info about my Secret Proposal Photography!