There are few moments more exciting to photograph than a surprise proposal.

Ryan chose a beautiful overlook at Lake Park with Lake Michigan as the backdrop, and everything unfolded just as he’d hoped. When Rachel said yes, we took a walk through the park, capturing a few portraits while they soaked it all in before sharing the news with family and friends.

Those first few minutes after a proposal are always some of my favorites. The planning is over, the nerves have settled, and couples finally get a chance to enjoy being newly engaged together.

Congratulations again to Ryan and Rachel! Thank you for trusting me to capture the beginning of your next chapter together.

Why Lake Park is One of My Favorite Proposal Locations

Choosing the right location is one of the biggest parts of planning a surprise proposal, and Lake Park offers so many beautiful options in one place. The overlook of Lake Michigan is an incredible setting for such a meaningful moment, and just a short walk away you’ll find tree-lined paths, historic stone bridges, and beautiful architecture, giving us plenty of variety for engagement portraits after the proposal.