How to Pull Off the Most Epic Proposal & Get the Best Photos

Are you trying to plan something epic for your marriage proposal to that special someone? If so, read this post in full.

The weather’s getting nicer, and as the temperatures warm and the flowers begin to blossom, people everywhere are beginning to think of and plan proposals.

But if you’re like most people, this is likely your very first time.

How can you be sure you’re doing it right?

Proposing to that special someone can be an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s this same “there are no do-overs” aspect that makes them especially stressful. And then add in the fact that most people who propose want them either photographed or filmed, and it can be very difficult to know who/when/how to do it, and who should be involved.

Luckily, Charlotte’s premier proposal and engagement photographer has plenty of advice for you. I’ve planned epic proposals both for himself at intimate locations, as well as the most epic of epic. I recently photographed a stunningly-beautiful proposal at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and the drive back is where I thought of this post. I also proposed there myself a couple years ago, and the trip down memory lane made me realize that so many people out there struggle with planning the proposal.

So here are 10 quick tips for Planning Your EPIC Proposal:

1. Carefully consider your location and time of day.

It all starts with a location. First, think carefully about the setting. What type of setting does is your future fiancé/fianceé likely to want to be in when you get down on one knee? Really think about it.

When are they likely to be in the best state of mind, and what will the lighting be like at that time — and at that specific location. Have you been there before? You might want to visit at the exact time you’re thinking of proposing. And here’s another reason why:

2. Time of year matters with the weather — so plan for the best/worst possible weather.

Know your personal rain-or-shine policy, and whether you'll go through with it should it drizzle. 🌂

3. When you get down on one knee, make SURE to stay down longer than you'd think -- this increases the excitement and anticipation for her.

Staying down for longer also allows photographer time to get more shots — which is critical, if you want a truly epic, for-the-books proposal that will be remembered for decades. You need photos or video for that!

4. Involve a very trusted set of friends to help coordinate people so that alibis can be made, and things come off naturally on the day of.

Trust me, you don’t want the person you’re proposing to, to suspect that it’s coming. Remember, you want the genuine shock expression — crucial for making it epic!

5. Hide the ring 💍 in a place where you won't lose it, and don't keep moving it around!

Rings are tiny, and for even some of the most careful of us, can be lost. Put it in one place, and don’t lose it. Resist the urge to show a lot of people before you make it official with your proposal. And a bonus tip — avoid putting photographs of the ring on your cell phone, especially if your partner sometimes has access to your phone — you don’t want them accidentally seeing it!

6. Some places require special permission to do photographs there -- check with them in advance!

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville doesn’t require special permission for proposals and engagement photographs, but some, such as the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC (another great place to propose!), does, if you’re going the professional photography route. You’ll really want to check their websites, and even call weeks beforehand to doublecheck.

It may feel like overkill, but is a little pre-planning going to kill you with one of the most important, once-in-a-lifetime days you’ll ever have? Think about it.

7. Ask your photographer their professional opinion -- and then TRUST that opinion.

This is likely your first proposal... It's probably your photographer’s 50th. Undoubtedly, they have more experience doing these than you. Rely on their years of expertise, and if they make a recommendation to you, such as a best time of day, or a color choice in outfit to avoid, give it strong consideration.

Bonus tip! — make sure the location you choose has a natural spot where the photographer could hide! You don’t want the person being proposed to knowing it’s coming.

8. Honestly, choose a photographer who sounds like they actually give a damn.

I mean, you don't want them turning up late or missing the moment, right?

9. Spend a bit of coin to do it at the one of the very BEST locations you can afford.

“Best” doesn’t necessarily mean “expensive,” but it can.

When I say “Best,” I mean… Somewhere meaningful. Memorable. Out-of-the-ordinary. Unexpected. Jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

The place where most people only dream of doing their proposal.

That’s what I mean when I say “best” location.

But know your partner... Only if that's what he or she'd want. Some people want a more #intimateproposal.

Make sure you factor in what they’d want.

After all, it’s about them, right?

10. Hire #robertburnsiiphotography -- come on, you knew it was coming. 😃

Also….. We SAME DAY DELIVER proposal photograph packages around here, y’all.

Does your photographer do that?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ REVIEW:

"Robert thank you so much for making today one of the most memorable of my life, and for Abby's too! It was fantastic and you did a fantastic job. I look forward to the future and I hope to see you soon! Again, fantastic job and it was so great. Blessings to you and your endeavors my brother!"

Thank you for TRUSTING ME Daniel!

Need more? Here are some ideas.

Here’s a quick list of some of the most AMAZING places in the Southeast region to propose in EPIC Fashion this Spring:

• The Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC

• The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Belmont, NC

• McGill Rose Garden - Charlotte, NC

• The Botanical Gardens at Asheville - Asheville, NC

• Savannah Horsedrawn Carriage Tours - Savannah, NC

• The Duke Mansion - Charlotte, NC

• Hot Air Balloon / Asheville Balloon Company - Asheville, NC

• Magnolia Plantation - Charleston, SC

• Wentworth Mansion - Charleston, SC

• Leblon Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse - Greensboro, NC

• Fogo de Chao Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse - Atlanta, GA

• Chima Brazilian Steakhouse - Charlotte, NC

Contact

If you’re like to have a professional photography/videography team handle your precious, once-in-a-lifetime moment, reach out right now here.

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