Xavier & Emily get Engaged!
Planning the Perfect Proposal
This summer, I had the honor of photographing Xavier & Emily’s proposal—one we had been planning for months! Xavier first reached out to me with his idea back in April, and together we worked out the details to make sure everything would run smoothly when the big day arrived. He did the heavy lifting when it came to planning, and I was there to guide and help him feel confident that the moment would be beautifully captured.
A Summer Day Full of Surprises
We had backup plans in place in case of rain (always a good idea in Northeast Ohio!), but thankfully the weather held up. Instead, it ended up being the hottest day of the year. On top of that, Emily surprised us by walking down from the opposite direction we expected, which meant I had to adapt quickly in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Even with the challenges and a slightly rushed timeline, the excitement of the moment made it all worthwhile.
From the Gardens to the Museum (and Beyond)
The proposal itself took place at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, surrounded by summer greenery and sunshine. After Emily said yes, we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Art for a mini engagement shoot, followed by rooftop photos in Cuyahoga Falls—a spot that holds special meaning for them since it was the location of their very first date.
Behind the Camera
Admittedly, this was my first time photographing a surprise proposal and I was SO nervous. I had a really hard time at first adapting to the polar opposite dappled lighting conditions under the foliage in the gardens, but after a few deep breaths and adjustments I got it under control and everything went pretty well after that. A little cloud cover would’ve made everything so much easier, but we all know that when it comes to outdoor occasions you get what you get… Gotta love full sun!
My husband Cody joined me for this session, trying his hand at second shooting and videography for the first time, which made the day even more memorable. He was able to get a video of the proposal and some awesome BTS footage of me taking pictures. Having him there was so fun and helped him understand what goes into a shoot too. Hopefully he will end up working with me more regularly someday!
One of Cody’s shots – I’m so proud of him!
Why I Love Photographing Couples
What I love most about proposal and engagement photography is capturing the real, in-between moments—the laughter, quirks, and subtle expressions that truly show the connection between two people. Xavier & Emily’s proposal was full of those moments, and it was such an honor to document the start of this next chapter in their love story.
Looking for a Proposal or Engagement Photographer in Cleveland?
If you’re looking for an affordable proposal or engagement photographer in Cleveland, Eastlake, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, I’d love to help you plan and capture your special moment—whether it’s a surprise proposal, updated couples portraits, or even a seasonal fall or holiday shoot.
