New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography

The very best of a record setting year of Surprise Proposals in New Orleans.

In many ways, 2021 felt like 2020 2: The Sequel. So much of last year remained eerily similar to the year before. But one thing that I didn’t mind staying the same was the surge of couples who wanted to propose in New Orleans- and wanted me to be their guide.

I started photographing surprise proposals in November 2013 when I literally hid in the bushes to capture Frank proposing to Paola. My heart was beating so hard I’m pretty sure I can still hear it echoing 8 years later like something out of a Poe story (only more romantic and less tell-tale-heart-y).

Flash forward to 2020 and the quarantine it brought with it. After spending a whole lot of uninterrupted time together, many couples came to one of two realizations: they were either not cut out for each other or they were absolutely meant to spend the rest of their lives together. And with that, the great proposal boom began!

I had the honor of helping dozens of hopeful proposers craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the people they loved in 2021. It is impossible to pick one favorite- they were all wonderful in their own way! But here are some “awards” for just a few of my favorites!

Giggliest Proposal

Laura started giggling when she found Kent on one knee by the fountain. And then Kent started giggling too. And then they both giggled together and didn’t stop for the entirety of our engagement session. It probably goes without saying but Kent and Laura win Giggliest Proposal of 2021.

Sweetest Proposal

On one side of the fountain, Jordan and Nikki encountered a musician playing their song. On the other awaited an array of sunflowers and “Nikki, will you marry me?” on a chalkboard sign. Jordan was trying so hard not to cry when he popped the question and I was definitely in tears. This twilight proposal lands as the sweetest of 2021.

Most Romantic Proposal

John rented out Felicity Church and hired a cellist to play romantic music to set the stage for this epic surprise proposal. He and Vanessa arrived on the scene of what looked like something out of a romcom- there hundreds of candles and a red rose petal trail leading to the ring waiting at the altar. This one was the most difficult to photograph but definitely wins most romantic proposal of 2021.

Most Elaborate Proposal

Jamilah wanted her two kids to be a part of her proposal to Mae. So we cooked up a plan to have a balloon twister slip a note into a balloon that the oldest kid would pop while Jamilah and Mae listened to a custom medley performed by a local musician (whew! That was a mouthful!). The whole surprise hinged on a nine year old and I was REALLY worried things wouldn’t go to plan. Well, they didn’t. But it still ended up being wonderful, surprising, and the five year old stopped pouting as soon as she realized that Mae was joining the family. It also had some of my favorite portraits of the year after. This Armstrong Park Surprise Proposal wins Most Elaborate of 2021.

Most Magical Proposal

Two years before returning to New Orleans to propose, Anthony and Gracie met a magician at a Pelicans game that gave them memorable relationship advice. I just so happened to know said magician and I got him on board to make some magic happen for this French Quarter Surprise Proposal. They “happened upon” Lucky stationed outside of a colorful Royal street gallery where Lucky magically made a card appear with “turn around” written on it. And when she did, Anthony was waiting with the ring. I’m not crying, you’re crying! This one wins Most Magical Proposal of 2021.

Most Fun Proposal

I had to re-work Tony’s proposal to Ashley so many times that I created the rule to never plan a proposal more than a month in advance. But all of the work was well worth it because Ashley scream/laugh/cried when she realized what was happening. I had such a fun time working with these two that I even hung out with Ashley in Denver while I was traveling a few weeks later. This was the first time I had done a surprise proposal in a restaurant and it wins the Most Fun of 2021.

Most Beautifully Lit Proposal

Stephen asked Ellicia to marry him just as the setting sun was lighting up the moss at the Tree of Life. This was, of course, exactly what I had in mind. But as my first ever Tree of Life surprise proposal, I had no idea the light was going to be so incredibly stunning! This Alaskan couple wins Most Beautifully Lit Proposal of 2021.

Most Unique Proposal

Billy was the first time a man had contacted me about proposing to his boyfriend. I had photographed a number of lesbian proposals at that point but Billy and Mark were a first for me! I loved this simple and sweet proposal so much that I definitely cried (so did the friends of theirs that were waiting to jump out with champagne after!) They were the first and only gay couple to give me the honor of capturing their surprise proposal in New Orleans. These two lovebirds win Most Unique Proposal of 2021.

Most Collaborative Proposal

Diana gave me the opportunity to bring in a number of local artisans to make her surprise proposal to Kelli extra special. Kendra Lemoine of Reclaim Nola made a stunning, custom charcuterie board for Kim of Reunion Boards to design a gorgeous charcuterie display on. And Chris of Piety and Desire Chocolate provided some hand-crafted chocolate bonbons for the couple to enjoy. Kelli snuck me a bunch of pillows and cute stuff ahead of time and Kendra helped me set it up making this wonderful moment the Most Collaborative Proposal of 2021.

I really could give an award to every one of the 46 women (and one man!) who said “yes” in front of my lens in 2021. Each surprise proposal was sweet, joyful, and memorable. It may be my job but proposals rarely ever feel like work. Here are a few shots from every single surprise proposal of 2021! Many thanks to all of these proposers who trusted me to help them pop the question! <3

Want to throw your surprise proposal into the hat for the 2022 Awards?

Plan Your Proposal!