Joseph and Jess’s Elizabeth Park Proposal
Joseph and Jess’s Elizabeth Park proposal will be one I will never forget. First, I am pretty sure it was the busiest I have ever seen the famous rose garden. Second, with it being so crowded, mostly with other sessions, finding them was an adventure itself.
Confession Time: Out of everything I do as a wedding and family photographer, shooting a proposal is the hardest for me. You haven’t met or spoken to one of the people you need to photograph. I have to basically crash a moment that is so big. I have to get the shots leading up to the proposal without being seen or looking like a major creep. In this case, with it being a busy night flooded with countless cameras, I was able to blend in. Thankfully, this proposal went pretty smoothly.
I have done many a session at Elizabeth Park. I know that location like I know the Wicked OBC Soundtrack (very well). But like I said earlier, I had never seen it that busy. Normally, I can do a shoot there and make it look like only the couple was there. I did the best I could, with a little help from Photoshop.
This proposal was truly a family affair. Joe told Jess that they were meeting his family there for a photoshoot for his nieces. This really wasn’t a lie because we did take many pictures with them (I did not include photos with them because I want to protect their privacy). When they arrived, their family members greeted them, as I tried to blend in.
Once all of us migrated to the center of the rose garden, Joe began his speech, and Jess received the surprise of her life. After many happy tears and an elated man who pulled it off, I introduced myself quickly and let them enjoy the moment with their family. A toast to the newly engaged couple, and then it was time to start the portrait session of the evening.
This is where my knowledge of the park came in handy. I have a spot I usually start with because I know the light is stellar, no matter the time of day. This spot is also pretty private, so whoever is ever getting photographed can feel comfortable without a big audience. With this following a proposal, one half of the couple was not mentally prepared for a full-on photo session, so I like to ease that person with a more private spot. There is also a pond very close by, which was nice for casual photos with the kiddos.
After the family departed, we did a loop of the park starting in the flower garden and ending in a spot that I discovered a couple of years ago, which has tall grass that looks so pretty in photos, especially at suns. Doing this loop later in the session allows the rose garden to filter out the crowd and give a more intimate feel for the newly engaged couple.
And now time for the photos…
Elizabeth Park Proposal Photos
Thank you again to Joe, with help from his mom, for reaching out to me to be a part of this very special moment. It was a pleasure meeting this family, and meeting someone who is obsessed with their nieces like I am. It was nice to learn how you met and talk to you about New Jersey driving. I look forward to seeing what life has in store for you in the future.
More From GEM
Another engagement shoot in Elizabeth Park
Are you ready to propose to your partner and would like photos like these? You can find more info about GEM here
Til Next time
Raina
