Love is in the air, you guys!! 🤍 And lately, I am absolutely OBSESSED with photographing surprise proposals. There is just something so special about being let in on the secret plans when one partner is dreaming up something incredible for the person they love. The excitement, the anticipation, the little details that go into making everything perfect… I LOVE getting to be a part of it!
And I will never, ever take for granted the sweet little pieces of people’s lives that I get to witness through my camera. Being trusted to document such a meaningful moment is an honor I don’t take lightly.
Cole reached out to me with a plan to surprise his love, Alana, with a proposal at Crater Lake National Park. These two High School sweethearts were traveling through Oregon from Washington, and Cole wanted to make a little magic happen along the way. We decided on a sunrise proposal, which turned out to be an absolutely dreamy choice!
Autumn at Crater Lake is perfection. The crisp morning air, the quiet trails, the dramatic rock formations, and that incredible blue water make this place feel like something out of a dream. And this was actually my FIRST time experiencing Crater Lake as the sun rose. You guys. MAGIC.
The light slowly spilling across the water and illuminating the rock formations was unreal. Everything felt peaceful and still, and the best part? We had the entire trail to ourselves! No crowds, no distractions, just the two of them and this beautiful little moment unfolding in one of Oregon’s most spectacular places.
Of course, Alana had NO idea what was about to happen.
They were supposedly just stopping to stretch their legs on their way to California. A little break from the drive. Nothing out of the ordinary, right?
Except Cole had a pretty spectacular surprise up his sleeve.
As they enjoyed the scenery, Cole pulled out this gorgeous ring and asked Alana to be with him forever. And just like that, an ordinary stop along their road trip became a memory they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
I mean, COME ON. How sweet is that?!
There is something about surprise proposals that gets me every single time. Knowing that one person has been quietly planning, dreaming, and figuring out how to make this moment special for the other is just the sweetest thing. And then getting to witness that moment when the secret is finally out? My heart!
Sunrise was such a beautiful choice for their proposal, too. The quiet atmosphere made everything feel intimate and personal, and the scenery gave us the most incredible backdrop for celebrating their newly engaged status. After the big question, we spent a little time capturing portraits of the two of them together, soaking in the views and enjoying that just-engaged glow.
If you’re dreaming of a surprise proposal at Crater Lake, consider a sunrise session! While weather and park conditions can vary, an early start can offer a quieter experience and beautiful morning light. Crater Lake has so many gorgeous natural features, from dramatic rock formations to sweeping water views, making it an incredible setting for engagement photos. Autumn is especially dreamy, although it’s important to check seasonal road access and trail conditions before planning your visit.
Cole and Alana, I am SO beyond thrilled that I got to be a tiny part of your story! Thank you for trusting me to capture such a meaningful moment. I hope your life together is full of road trips, spontaneous adventures, beautiful places, and the kind of big, big love that makes everything feel a little more magical.
Here’s to forever, you two! 🤍
