It’s Just a Photoshoot, Really
One of the steps that we plan with you is HOW to get the “proposee” to the spot without arousing suspicions.
One such scheme is to surprise them with the gift of a photoshoot. “Sweetheart, I thought it would be fun to get some good photos of us on our trip, instead of just selfies, so I found a local photographer . . .”
Funny, but when we talk about photographing a proposal, someone usually asks, “Did she know it was going to happen?”
Well, of course not. Okay, MAYBE she had an inkling or was hoping it would. Even then, the goal is for the person receiving the proposal to be surprised. So, it does not work well for that person to be led to some random spot in the Smokies. In fact, it almost sounds like the beginning of a true crime podcast . . . “honey, we’re just going to wander down this trail into thick woods and behind this bush . . .”
What works better is for there to be a REASON as to why the couple is going to a particualr place and even why they should be dressed “nicely.” In the case of Kasey and Robert, a superstar couple, they had been discussing marriage and when they might become engaged. A weekend trip to the Smokies seemed a likely time - oh but, as Robert told Kasey, he had not gotten the ring, and he was sorry, and he was planning something for next month. But to make it up to her, knowing she liked photos, he “went online” and “found” a local photographer to do a photoshoot with them. And then afterwards they were going “somewhere nice” for dinner.
Reason to be there?
Check!
Reason to be dressed up?
Check!
Reason why there is a photographer?
Check!
By the way, going “somewhere nice” for dinner also serves to plant the thought that IF there was going to be a proposal, it would be at the fancy restaurant, the stuff of Hallmark movies, right?
When we met up at the gate to Cades Cove, the photographer was in “photoshoot” mode, explaining what stops we would make in Cades Cove and the type of settings at each - in this case, first on Sparks Lane, then on to the Primitive Baptist Church, then a stop at the Wildlife Overlook, and finally the trailhead at Abrams Falls.
But, of course, two out the three people involved KNEW the proposal would take place at the Wildlife Overlook - and Kasey was not one of them!
Finally at the Wildlife Overlook - by that time, Kasey was rocking, having fun with her gift of a photoshoot and just happy to be out in beautiful scenery with some very fine weather.
Robert was nervous but now the moment of truth had come. He gave her a card - a gesture that they often did with each other - with the all so impoirtant question: “will you marry me?”
And the answer was an emphatic “Yes!”
A little planning, a little subterfuge can create a wonderful experience. You are not alone in making certain that everyhting goes “just right” for your marriage proposal - we will have a plan in place, including one if it looks like something might throw up an obstacle, such as weather.
“It’s just a photoshoot?” Sure, why not? After all, it is not a lie - it is just one with a happier ending than expected!