Proposal Tips

(These proposal tips are for everyone – but especially if you’re secretly hiring me to photograph the big moment in the St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa area!)

So—you’ve got the ring. You’ve got the girl. And you’ve got me ready with my camera to capture the moment she says “yes!!” Now it’s time to make sure your proposal goes off without a hitch and looks amazing in photos too!

Here are my top proposal tips to help everything go smoothly—based on years of secretly capturing this moment for couples just like you!

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Let’s talk logistics first. Nothing kills the vibe like running late or circling for parking while you’re sweating bullets with a ring in your pocket.

• If you’re proposing in a busy spot (like the beach or downtown St. Pete), parking can take up to 30 minutes—especially on weekends.

• Arrive early and take a stroll or grab a drink to relax before the big moment.

• Download the ParkMobile app in advance and add your car info so you can park and pay quickly.

PRO TIP: If you’re proposing at Upham Beach, budget a few extra minutes for walking from the lot to the actual spot—you’ll thank yourself later when you can stroll leisurely rather than rushing through the soft sand.

2. Set the Stage Naturally

Most proposals are a surprise, but you still want her to be dressed in a way that will make her feel beautiful in photos. There are a few ways to ensure she’s feeling confident in her outfit without giving away your plans! For example, if you’re proposing at Upham Beach, Abercrombie Park or the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, you could:

• Tell her you want to take her to dinner (and tell her a reservation time, so she doesn’t wonder why you want to leave the house by a certain time), but that you want to go watch the sunset at the beach or walk through a park before your meal.

• BUT – make the actual reservation for at least an hour later than what you tell her, so that you have plenty of time for the proposal moment, photos afterward, and some “just in case” buffer time.

3. Optional Touches to Make It Extra Special ✨

Want to add a little something extra to the moment? Here are a couple of sweet (but totally optional!) ideas to elevate the experience and give you some dreamy photos to look back on:

Add a Decor Setup or Arch:
If you’re proposing in St. Pete and want a romantic setup waiting on the beach—think florals, a picnic, or even an arch—you can absolutely go that route! One of my favorite vendors for this kind of setup is Luxe Memories Events. They create the kind of backdrops that make jaws drop and photos pop, and they’ll coordinate it all behind the scenes so everything’s ready when you arrive.

Bring a Blanket and Champagne to Celebrate:
Prefer something simple and low-key? A cozy blanket and a bottle of champagne to pop after the “yes!” can be such a sweet way to soak in the moment together. Bonus: It’s the perfect way to kick off your just-engaged photo session and gives you a chance to slow down and really enjoy that post-proposal glow.

Whether you go big with a floral setup or keep it super chill with a beach blanket and bubbly, these little add-ons can help make your proposal feel even more you. And feel free to get creative – you know your girlfriend better than anyone, so consider what would make it an extra magical experience for her.

4. Think Through the Details

The smallest things can make a big difference—both in the moment and in the photos!

• Try to remove sunglasses if possible, and set down bags either of you are holding—that way your hands are free and you can look in each other’s eyes during the big moment.

PRO TIP: A great way to effortlessly make both of those things happen is to say, “Let’s take a quick selfie on a timer,” and prop your phone up using her purse. Once she sets everything down, suggest taking off sunglasses so she looks cute in the photo. Boom—you’re in position to propose!

5. How to Ensure I Capture the Best Photos of the Big Moment

This one is important! Once you get down on one knee:

• Try to avoid having her back to me. The goal is to get a profile view of both of you,  soI can capture both of your reactions and the moment from a beautiful angle.

• I’ll give you specific location instructions ahead of time to make this easier! And don’t worry—I’ll be quietly snapping away from a distance.

6. What Happens After the “YES!”

Once you’ve popped the question and soaked in that magical moment together:

• You can point me out whenever you’re ready. There’s no rush—take your time and enjoy it.

• Then we’ll do about 30 minutes of portraits together to celebrate your engagement!

Bonus Proposal Tips

• If you’re nervous (understandably!), jot down what you want to say in a note on your phone or practice it a few times the night before.

• Want to include family or friends afterward? Plan for them to meet you at dinner or nearby after the shoot for a second surprise.

• And of course… don’t forget the ring! 😉

You’ve Got This

I know it’s a big moment—but with a little planning and these proposal tips, it will be perfect! And I’ll be there to capture every tear, smile, and “YES!”

If you’re already booked with me—amazing. If not, and you’re looking for a proposal photographer in St. Pete, I’d love to help you pull off the perfect surprise.

Get Inspired

Want to see how other couples have made their proposals feel special? Here’s a little inspiration from past St. Pete moments I’ve captured:

Upham Beach: Sean + Erica | Daniel + Bridget | Grant + Kyla

Abercrombie Park: Nate + Maggie

Treasure Island: Lucas + Ashley

Every proposal is different, and that’s the magic of it. Whether it’s a quiet beach walk or a full floral setup, it’s all about what feels right for you.

Ready to propose? Reach out today!