Photographing a surprise proposal has its challenges. Getting the logistics right is very difficult, and even when you plan everything out, things have a way of going upside down and inside out.Â
For example, where are we going to meet? How will the groom recognize me? Will the bride become suspicious of me waiting around with a camera in my hands? How is the weather going to shake out? Is it going to be crowded, and if so, will I get there quickly enough to take photos? All these questions and more; should somehow be answered beforehand. Even then, we have to keep our fingers crossed that it will work out as planned.Â
Photographing a Surprise Proposal for Maggie and Ben
When Ben texted me to inquire if I would be willing to take photos for the proposal, I was a little hesitant for sure. However, so much of wedding photography is about being in the moment and anticipating what is happening next. With that in mind, I texted back to Ben and asked him to give me a call when it was convenient for him so we could figure out the logistics.
The Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Maryland
The Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Maryland, is a vacation spot that holds very fond childhood memories for Maggie. Ben, carefully orchestrated a weekend getaway for him and Maggie and their adorable dog. Somehow he managed to plan it all out without Maggie growing suspicious that a surprise proposal was imminent. Â
"Maggie talks to me all the time about how much she loved the Hyatt in Cambridge and how much fun she and her parents had exploring the Eastern Shore. Somehow, when I told her that I booked the Hyatt for the weekend, she didn't think anything else other than a weekend of fun showing me around the Eastern Shore."Â
Making the Plan
We both sat by our computers, looking on Google Maps to solve the best way for me to photograph the surprise proposal.
The Hyatt Regency features a private beach, and a long pier with a gazebo at the end, on the Choptank River. A private pool, an outside Tiki Bar, and an outside fireplace. All great places for me to potentially hide and wait. After some discussion, we both agreed that the pier would give us the best options. The plan was for Ben and Maggie to stroll down the pier and wait by the gazebo.Â
Photographer in Disguise ?
Our plan was for me to send him a message, once I was about 2 minutes out. Of course, once I was parked, I realized I had no way of knowing how long it would take me to walk there.Â
I also began to worry that I wouldn't recognize Ben and Maggie. Would I know them from the pictures he sent me?Â
Staging the Moment
As soon as I got to the pier, I realized that the nice weather was an invitation for a crowd to enjoy the pier as well. It was nearly as crowded as the boardwalk in Ocean City. My fear of not recognizing them grew by the second. What I didn't think of was that Ben would recognize me. I was the only one holding a camera in my hand, gazing out at the pier. As soon as he saw me, he raised his arm, and we made eye contact.Â
Within a second of us recognizing each other, he dropped to his knees and proposed to Maggie. It all happened so quickly. All of a sudden, I had to scramble to get myself in position. What a crazy moment.
Tears of Joy
I was watching this great moment unfolding and playing out right in front of me. Just as Ben had hoped for, Maggie was over-joyed and completely surprised.Â
When I asked Maggie if she had any suspicion, Maggie told me:
"No, I had no idea! I knew he planned on proposing soon, but it didn't even cross my mind that it would happen this weekend. I packed our suitcases; where did he hide the ring this entire time?"Â
Well done Ben, well done.
Walk About the Hyatt Regency
I asked Ben and Maggie to stage the proposal since everything happened so quickly, and I didn't get all the photos I wanted. After that, we strolled around the grounds of the Hyatt until the rain stopped us from our fun. When it comes to a surprise proposal, Ben and Maggie's afternoon turned out to be exactly as Ben wanted. I was so happy to be able to be part of this day. Seeing Maggie's happy face was completely worth the time we spent planning everything out.Â
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The Hyatt Regency's website Hyatt Regency, Cambridge, MD
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