There's something so special about photographing a surprise proposal. I get to the location extremely early, so let my jitters out and find the perfect hiding place. And then I know everything is about to change for the arriving couple.


On June 6th, I found myself tucked away near the gazebo at Riverwinds in West Deptford, NJ, camera in hand and heart racing, waiting for Pauly and Abby to arrive. Abby thought they were headed to an early birthday dinner but Pauly had something unforgettable planned first.


As they walked along the path toward the waterfront, the June sun dipped low, painting everything late spring yellow sunshine. Then, right by the gazebo, Pauly got down on one knee. Abby's reaction was PURE joy. What followed? Screaming, laughter, happy tears, and her easiest "yes".

Elegant white gazebo decorated with floral garlands and sheer fabric overlooking a waterfront venue for a wedding ceremony.
A couple sits together on a brick patio overlooking a scenic view with white gazebo and trees in the background.
A couple walks past a white gazebo decorated with floral garlands on a sunny summer day.
A romantic couple strolls along a waterfront gazebo walkway during sunset.
A romantic proposal scene unfolds in a white gazebo decorated with floral arrangements and flowing curtains by the waterfront.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a white gazebo decorated with floral arrangements by the waterfront.
A couple shares a special moment in a decorated gazebo overlooking a serene waterfront during sunset.
A romantic marriage proposal scene unfolds under a white gazebo by the waterfront at sunset.
A joyful engagement moment captured in sequence at a lakeside gazebo adorned with white drapes and pink flowers.
A romantic proposal moment captured at a waterfront gazebo with a yellow dress and kneeling pose.
A couple dances together on a wooden deck overlooking a lake at sunset, creating a romantic silhouette.
A romantic couple shares a tender dip dance pose against a waterfront backdrop with railings.
A black and white photo sequence shows a romantic first kiss moment between a couple at their wedding ceremony.
A couple shares a joyful moment together under a decorated white gazebo by the water.
A romantic moment captured between a couple sharing a kiss on a waterfront gazebo during sunset.

Afterward, we wandered by the waterfront, capturing their first portraits as an engaged couple. Every image was full of that just-engaged glow with a mixture of surprise, excitement, and love that cannot be planned or posed.


Pauly and Abby have spent the past 3+ years adventuring together. They love hiking, kayaking, and visiting the Outer Banks with their little one. Getting to document this next chapter for them felt like the perfect continuation of their story.

A couple shares a tender moment on a beach with driftwood and trees in the background.
A couple walks together on a rocky beach shoreline during golden hour sunset.
A couple shares intimate moments on a rocky shoreline during sunset.
A wooden bird house mounted on a pole stands against lush green foliage in a garden setting.
A romantic black and white photo series showing tender moments between a couple outdoors.
Couple walking together on a scenic coastal path during golden hour with water views.
Couple sharing an intimate moment together on rocky coastal terrain at sunset.
Two people share an intimate moment on a beach path at sunset with blue skies overhead.
A couple in casual attire poses together on a rocky beach landscape during sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset while sharing a tender moment together.
A couple strolls hand in hand along a rocky beach shoreline at sunset.
A romantic couple shares intimate kisses while sitting on rocky beach terrain at sunset.
A couple shares intimate black and white moments on a rocky shoreline.
A couple walks along a rocky beach at sunset holding hands and enjoying the peaceful coastal scenery.
A romantic embrace captured during sunset at a waterfront location.

Thinking about popping the questions?


If you're planning a surprise proposal and want to have it beautifully documented, my proposal package is designed just for this moment.


This package is perfect for when you're ready to pop the question but don't want to miss the reactions, the details, or the joy that follows.


Proposal Package Includes:


💍 up to 60 minutes of photography coverage - capturing the proposal and portraits afterwrds

💍 Online gallery for easy sharing

💍 50 professionally edited, high quality images

💍 Digital Downloads


Whether you're proposing along the South Jersey waterfront, in Philly, or along your favorite hiking trail, I'll help you plan the perfect set up and photograph it discretely, so you can relive the moment again, and again.


Ready to make it happen? Submit an inquiry form here.