Ariah + Alyssa: A Surprise Proposal in the Peonies!

Ariah planned a romantic surprise proposal in for alyssa at a peony farm!

Alyssa’s favorite flowers are peonies, so Ariah knew a picnic proposal in the flowers (at the gorgeous Ovans Peony Farm in Beaver Dam, WI) was going to be the perfect spot to pop the question (and she was right!).

Alyssa had suspected a proposal might be happening, but she was convinced it was going to be the following weekend, and so the surprise proposal really was a surprise! Ariah had a custom-made blanket that said “Alyssa Will You Marry Me?” on it that she rolled out for the picnic (see the pics, it’s adorable!) along with the cutest picnic basket you’ve ever seen, complete with snacks (thanks for the cookies, they were delicious!), sparkling wine and wine glasses!

Alyssa said yes (if it wasn’t obvious by how madly in love these two are), and they celebrated with a toast and some frolicking in the flowers, then headed off to dinner with their families (another surprise Ariah planned for Alyssa) to celebrate more!

Help me wish these two a BIG congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

Ashley + Ayla: A Surprise Anniversary Proposal!

Ashley planned a beautiful surprise anniversary proposal for ayla at the Allen Centennial gardens!

The proposal happened on their 5 year anniversary (June 6th), and even more adorably, Ayla had also planned a surprise proposal for Ashley (with another awesome local photographer Nat Erlin - https://www.naterlinphotography.com/) for the very next day in the same gardens! So there was a lot of joy to go around that weekend!

First, Ashley had two friends (pictured below) that were sneakily in disguise to keep the “proposal bench” clear of anyone for an hour before the proposal happened, and they did so good AND their disguises were *chef’s kiss*. Once we got the word that it was going down, the two co-conspirators hid inconspicuously behind some bushes (that’s dedication), and I pretended to be a flower photographer for a bit until the magic started!

These two were so obviously and deeply in love it made me smile ear to ear despite the 99.9% humidity and the glaring sun trying to bring my vibes down (nice try, humid Wisconsin early summer, love wins)! We excitedly chatted about birds while walking around the gardens and the UW campus for couples portraits after the proposal. It was a beautiful day with an even more lovely couple, and I am so honored and excited to have been able to celebrate with them! Help me wish Ayla + Ashley a BIG congratulations and enjoy the photos of this super sweet couple!

—Sam

Freya + Rowan: A Surprise Proposal at Tenney Park

Freya planned a beautiful surprise proposal for rowan at a place special to both of them

These two often head down to Tenney Park to draw and enjoy the view of Lake Mendota, so it felt like the perfect place for a golden hour proposal (spoiler alert: it was)! The proposal was as lovely as can be, as are these two! Enjoy the sweet photos of this even sweeter couple, and help me wish them a big congratulations!

—Sam

Korben + Storm: A Surprise Double Proposal!

Not just one proposal, but two proposals, at this beautiful surprise engagement session!

When Korben reached out to plan his surprise proposal to Storm, and explained that he had made a choose your own adventure scavenger hunt, ending with a proposal at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building (even hand-making 4 different rings for Storm to choose from in true choose-your-own-adventure style), I was so excited to celebrate with these two, but after Korben’s proposal (Storm said yes!) Storm had a surprise of his own for Korben, which was proposing inside the Capitol Building! Friends and family all helped this proposal go smoothly and a few were even there to cheer the couple on! This was such a joyful and beautiful (if insanely cold) day and I am so happy for these two! Help me wish Korben + Storm a BIG congratulations!

—Sam

Sam + Jam: A Surprise Proposal and Party at Devil's Lake

Sam planned a beautiful proposal for Jam and had Jam’s closest friends there to celebrate!

Jam (they/them) and Sam (they/them) wanted to propose to each other in ways that spoke to each of them. Jam proposed to Sam at Picnic Point (not pictured) and Sam planned to propose to Jam at Devil’s Lake, with some of Jam’s closest friends waiting at a park shelter nearby to celebrate with them! The proposal was short and sweet (even if Jam got adorably distracted by a very cute dog) and the reunion with friends was so lovely to see! These two are now officially engaged (yay!) and I am so happy to have gotten to celebrate with them!

Enjoy the photos of this super sweet proposal, and help me wish these two a big congratulations!

—Sam

Dotti + Kim's Surprise Proposal

Dotti surprised Kim with a proposal at the iconic Madison bar, The Shamrock

There are few things I love more than proposals (maybe weddings), and I have a soft spot in my heart for the Shamrock, so I was all about this surprise proposal!

Enjoy the photos, and join me in wishing Dotti + Kim a big congratulations!

-Sam

Alex + Derek: A Surprise Downtown Engagement

Derek planned not only a beautiful surprise engagement, but stealthy photos as well!

As we waited for Alex + Derek to walk up to the designated spot at the Capitol Building, Ben was acting as my decoy photo subject, and Rob was a ways away with the telephoto lens. Once I made eye contact with Derek, I couldn’t really say anything to Ben without giving it away, so I continued to take photos of him, and then eventually motioned him to move over a bit, as Derek + Alex stopped on the steps of the Capitol, and Derek began his proposal (funnily enough, Ben didn't realize that the folks we were going to be photographing were there already, so he kept trying to get back in front of the camera!)

While I was too far away to hear any details, Derek’s words were clearly having an impact on Alex, and when he got down on one knee, her reaction was priceless. It was so wonderful to bear witness to this super special moment in the rich history that is their relationship, and to be able to capture that in a way they’ll be able to relive forever.

Check out the fun and super sweet photos below (and see if you can spot the moment Alex realizes they were being photographed)!

—Sam