In the past few years, I’ve had more and more couples reach out to me to photograph their secret proposals—and I think it’s brilliant. There’s something uniquely magical about capturing that split second when one person asks the biggest question of their life and the other says yes. The rush of emotion that follows is raw, honest, and impossible to stage—which makes it some of my favorite work.
I like to say that photographing a proposal is part art, part covert operation. It requires a bit of stealth and reminds me of my early days as a photojournalist for Greenpeace, working behind the scenes, snapping quickly and quietly without being seen. Life as a proposal photographer on Martha’s Vineyard is far less risky, but you can still find me crouched behind a patch of beach plums or lying belly-down in the sand, camera at the ready—sometimes with poison ivy lurking just inches away—waiting for the perfect moment.
For the couples I work with, these are moments they’ll never forget—and having photos to relive that exact instant makes it even more special. Many times, the proposal is just the first surprise of the day. I’ve been part of sessions that end with friends and family suddenly appearing to celebrate, turning the day into an impromptu engagement party.
Over the years, I’ve photographed proposals all over the Island: at South Beach in Edgartown, on private stretches of sand in Chilmark, and even at the iconic Jaws Bridge. Each one has been a little different—sometimes playful, sometimes tearful, but always deeply personal.
If you’re planning to pop the question, think about what places matter most to you as a couple. Is there a beach you love to walk together? A sunset spot that’s “yours”? Or maybe you want to do something completely unexpected. Whatever the vision, I can help you plan, scout, and pull off a proposal that’s as unique as your relationship—and I’ll be there to make sure you have beautiful photos to remember it by.
Need a little inspiration? You can even browse proposal stories over on How They Asked by The Knot—proof that these moments are every bit as moving as the big wedding day itself.
