A Real Life Rom-Com Story
Jalen and Lucy’s surprise proposal still has me giddy. These two have been together for over seven years with the kind of backstory that sounds like a real life rom-com. They met in high school—a cheerleader and a football player from rival schools. Now that’s a hell of an origin story.
Jalen remembered a something Lucy mentioned in passing years ago–when the time to propose came, she’d love to have a photographer there. That little detail stuck. So when he reached out, he already had the vision: a hike through nature, a completely private surprise, and a cozy cabin weekend tucked deep in the woods to celebrate after.
They’d hiked at Taylors Falls before. It made sense to bring the story full circle. Snow had just melted, trails were a little slick, but the evergreens still popped. Temps hit mid-40s that day—just warm enough to shed gloves but still layered up underneath. Classic late March in Minnesota.
We had the plan down: get her looking out at the view by taking her picture, then have her turn around and drop to one knee.
She did not see it coming.
I hid out across the Saint Croix River, crouched like a forest gremlin with a camera. I was literally in a different state, watching one of the most genuine surprise proposals unfold through my lens.
She didn’t even realize I was there until Jalen pointed to the distant bluff. I gave a wave. That delay made the whole thing feel even more private.
Just the two of them in their own world, completely unaware their moment was being photographed.
The privacy of it all—the bluffs, the distance, the trees—made it even more cinematic.
Tips for Planning a Nature or Hiking Proposal
This isn’t a studio session—this is real life, in the woods, often with limited visibility and zero room for re-dos. Work with an adventurous Minnesota proposal photographer who’s down to hike, location scout, coordinate in advance, and help bring the vision to life without being obvious.
1. Use AllTrails as a Planning Tool
AllTrails is more than a way to pick a trail—it helps you plan the entire experience. Use the topographic maps to understand how steep the hike gets, and scroll through recent reviews for live trail updates (snow, flooding, ice, downed trees). It’s the best way to avoid surprises before the surprise. Save the trail offline. Reception can be unreliable, especially in the state parks.
2. Work With a Photographer Who Knows the Outdoors
An experienced adventure nature photographer isn’t just showing up with a camera—they’re part of the plan. You want someone who’s game to hike, plan, hide, hop on the phone, and document it without disrupting the moment.
3. Scout the Spot in Advance
Just because a trail looked great last season doesn’t mean it works now. Lighting changes. Trees grow in. Snowmelt turns dirt to mush. A real-life scout gives you confidence in the spot, and lets your photographer plan for the angles, hiding places, and best use of light.
4. Communicate Like It’s a Secret Mission
A simple “we’re 10 minutes out” text is gold. It helps me stay hidden, ready, and perfectly timed. Make sure you’ve got your ring secured with you.
5. Let the Moment Land
This is big. Let your partner react. Give them space to cry, laugh, hug, say nothing at all. That shock and joy is gold—and you don’t need to perform or move into photo mode right away. I’m capturing it from a distance, letting you just be. Sit. Hug. Jump. Cry. Laugh. Let the joy feel uninterrupted.
6. Ease Into the Portraits
A good photographer will read the room and gently ease into interacting and directing engagement portraits. I’ll guide gently and keep it candid, so the images reflect that real post-engagement glow without pulling you out of the moment.
Capturing Candid Post-Proposal Portraits
After the yes, the hugs, and the whirlwind of emotions, I packed up my gear and drove over to their side of the bluffs. That just-engaged energy was still hanging in the air—equal parts shock, joy, and “did that really just happen?”
As a proposal photographer, my job isn’t to make you perform—it’s to document the real stuff. I guide things gently, with just enough direction to help you feel comfortable, but most of the time I’m just observing, catching the in-between.
I’m working with both film and digital to capture the laughter, the quiet moments, the “holy crap we’re engaged” giddiness that spills out without warning. The portraits that come next are full of movement, conversation, personality—just the two of you, in hiking boots, flushed cheeks, still buzzing from the moment. Totally yourselves.
Film & Digital Engagement Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally reach out at least 4 weeks before to allow time for planning, location scouting, and trail research.
I’m part of the planning team. From start to finish, I help with logistics, timing, light, location, and backup plans. Think of me as your photographer and behind-the-scenes co-pilot. You can take all the credit though.
Spring brings greenery and quiet trails, summer has golden light and longer days, fall offers vibrant color, and winter adds peaceful solitude and a striking backdrop. I help you choose the timing based on your vision, comfort level, and location.
Looking For A Minnesota Proposal Photographer?
Well thanks for scrolling all the way to the bottom! My name is Brianna Kirk, and I’m a hybrid film and digital engagement and proposal photographer based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’m here for the nature-lovers, the romantics, the planners, and the surprise-pullers. I photograph all types of proposals with a documentary eye and a timeless, cinematic feel. Learn more about the proposal process and what it’s like to work together.
