Surprise Proposal at Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO
Neel & Reena’s Surprise Proposal at Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO | Epic Mountain Hiking Proposals | Colorado Engagement Photographer | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography
I just love a good proposal and this one was one for the books! It’s hard to get a better mountain backdrop than Lookout Mountain and it’s epic views. I was so excited when Neel contacted me with his plans to proposal to his girlfriend, Reena, while they were on their vacation. I love working with people to coordinate awesome proposals and helping them to navigate timing, locations, and details— especially when they aren’t local and maybe haven’t been to the spots before.
Proposals are also one of the only times that I ever get a nervous sort of excitement when I’m working! Most of the time, even though I’ve shot over 100 weddings, I still get the jitters in the morning before I’ve left for the venue. Maybe it’s all of the coffee I drink, but I usually get a little buzzy in the mornings before a wedding. I’m running through shot lists, timelines, points of contacts, questionnaires, and other details. But the moment that I arrive at my weddings and begin actually shooting, the nerves totally dissolve. I get into my zone and get right into my groove. It’s awesome and I love it.
But proposals are almost the opposite for me! I arrive super-duper early and am usually creeping in a bush, car, or behind a tree trying to stay incognito. It’s not always easy to blend in, especially when NOBODY else is around (think off-grid mountain hikes) and the big ass camera is usually a dead giveaway. So I have to get crafty, and it’s a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of pressure to not be the one to blow the surprise. I’ll get all settled in (oftentimes if it’s not a well-known exact location, I’ll work with GPS coordinates to make sure we are 100% in the right place) and get my test shots out of the way.
Proposals from a Photographer’s Perspective
So here I am, crouched down in a bush for the last twenty minutes. I’ve been discretely texting with the proposer “HERE” and “READY”. The couple arrives and I almost pee my pants — I’m dead serious. I’ve shot dozens of surprise proposals and it is always the same. Don’t worry, I’ve never actually peed myself and I’ve always nailed the shots!
The proposer always thinks that he/she will take a lot of time to set the mood before actually popping the question. In real life, this NEVER happens! I guess it is part nerves / part excitement, but it is always so much faster than expected. Before long, it’s happening! I love watching the reactions and the celebration afterwards because it is such a special moment.
My Reveal
Will you marry me? Omg yes! Kiss kiss, hug hug, it’s amazing. Once the right moment presents itself, I’ll sneak out of the pricker bush or out from the park bench that I’ve been hidden behind and introduce myself. It’s really fun because oftentimes I am the first one to actually congratulate them! It’s like I’m in on the fun news before anyone else (which never happens) and for a moment, it’s our little secret.
It’s fun especially when I haven’t met either partner yet. A lot of the time, because proposals will happen on destination trips or vacations, it is not practical or feasible to actually meet in person. So it’s fun to witness and capture one of the most exciting times in their lives, and then actually introduce myself! We always do some shots afterwards to get a fun mini-engagement session and celebration!
Neel & Reena’s Proposal:
Colorado Proposal Photography: Heather Huie for Apollo Fields
Proposal Location: Lookout Mountain, Golden CO
Surprise Proposal at The Glen Eyrie Castle
Nicholas & Eden's Surprise Proposal and Engagement Session | Glen Eyrie Castle | Colorado Springs | Destination Engagement Photographer | Fairytale Proposal | Apollo Photo
Talk about rolling out the red carpet for an epic proposal! This beautiful Castle in Colorado Springs is a super popular attraction for visitors, but because of its fairytale aesthetic, it is also a great place for the kind of proposal that is sure to land a big “I SAID YES”.
Nicholas was so sweet about his plans to proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Eden. He didn’t miss a beat! They are a great couple from Florida and were visiting Colorado on a vacation. Nicholas wanted to do the proposal towards the beginning of their trip so they could celebrate the rest of their vacation, so this evening they had fancy dinner plans which got Eden to dress up and look her best — without knowing — exactly what for!
The Glen Eyrie Castle staff was great to work with, as well. They had the back patio set up with a beautiful rose petal staircase, a private table with a little bubbly and flowers set up, and best best view. Nicholas had arranged for a private violinist to play their favorite song and a dove release for the big moment. I was tucked away into the corner snapping my heart out and just loving this moment as it unfolded. As soon as Eden came walking down the stairs, I think she had that is-this-really-happening face and before she knew it, Nicholas was down on one knee!
Of course, a big “yes” came next and this happy couple celebrated away! Eden’s best friend had also secretly flown out for the big moment and unveiled herself to join in the well-wishes. We were able to make the most of this epic moment and beautiful evening to capture some great announcement photos and I hope that this fun loving couple will always remember the fairytale proposal that evening when they look back on these beautiful pictures!
