Cynthia Viola Photography

wedding proposal

Time to Pop the Big Question!

Engagement PortraitsCynthia Viola
Boldness be my friend
— Skakespeare

You’ve got this my friend! And I’m here to help! This day has been building for a long time and I’m sure you’ve thought through every reason why you love this person and every reason why now is the time to pop the question.

What you maybe haven’t thought through as much, is HOW, WHEN, and WHERE to do it! That’s where I come in. I want this moment to be perfect for you and I will do whatever it takes to make your vision come to life. Below you will find a few common scenarios with photos to help you visualize what this might look like for you and your love, but know that I am willing to do something completely different if these don’t quite resonate.

Scenario 1: I am hiding in the Bushes.

In this scenario, you and I will predetermine exactly where I will be hiding, and exactly where you will be standing to pop the question. I will remain hidden through the entire moment, and then pop out of the bushes to say congrats and hello and then take you guys around the area for a few more “posed” photos.

Scenario 2: I am a “Nature Photographer”

In this scenario, I will get into place before you, set up a tripod to look more like a nature photographer who happens to be on location that day. We will have basic greetings when you guys walk close enough to me and I will offer to capture a few photos for you and email them. Once I put you into place and snag a basic photo or two, that will be your cue to pop the question.

Scenario 3: A pre-planned Couple Shoot

In this scenario you have to figure out WHY you’re having a couple’s shoot so as not to alert them. Some have “won a giveaway,” some were “gifted” a shoot from their parents, some do regular shoots together anyway and it’s not out of the ordinary at all. Half way through the shoot once we have reached the location you and I discussed in advance I’ll offer to do individual headshots of each of you and while I have their attention, you’ll get into position.

Other things to consider:

  • Do you want to hike to reach the view, or would you rather step out of the car and not risk getting sweaty or your outfits messy? The three shoots above all have views without the hike.

  • Do you want to be in regular clothes to not alert them, or have an excuse to dress up? (dinner afterwards for example)

  • The weather doesn’t always cooperate. I’m ready to be flexible with date and time and location, but you need to manage expectations if it doesn’t play out exactly like you envision it. Often the crazy mountain weather simply makes for a better story afterward anyway. The cuties below were published in a magazine after the weather we encountered.

Additionally, you may want your day to stand out from the rest. Fancy proposing in a canoe? Want to pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate? Need me to set up a sign or flowers? I’m more than willing to work with whatever you can come up with.

No matter what, it’s going to be perfect. You are going to be nervous and something is inevitably going to have to change last minute, but it will still be perfect. I’ve got you and I’m so excited to help you make it a moment you’ll never forget.

Kim and Will's Surprise Proposal at McRae Peak

Engagement PortraitsCynthia Viola
Go as far as you can see. When you get there you’ll be able to see farther.
— J.P. Morgan
Wedding Proposal at McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain

When you mix your favorite type of hike (challenging) with your favorite type of photoshoot (surprise proposal), you have a cocktail for the BEST DAY EVER!

The excitement of getting connected with Will late the night before started with a frenzied thread in the High Country Photographer’s collective I’m a part of. The photographer originally slated for this session didn’t realize how advanced the hike was and everyone in the group teamed up via dozens of texts back and forth to each other to figure out who was available and who could handle the hike. Once it came across my plate I dropped everything to make it happen! This is literally my DREAM photoshoot!

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you know I am an avid hiker and up for any challenge, and well, surprises are my MOST favorite! I practically ran up the mountain I was so exited to get set up. Will and I texted back and forth all morning to make sure we were on the same page in case it poured the rain while we were hiking or if there was no signal. We had decided that I would be set up already when they arrived and we would just strike up a conversation and I’d offer to take their photo, at which point he’d drop to his knee.

Wedding Proposal at McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain

It was FLAWLESS! He did SO great and she was super excited, and of course said, “YES!” They didn’t realize it, but I actually set up my phone on a mini tripod and recorded the whole thing as well! It’s SO sweet!

Wedding Proposal at McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain

We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking back down the trail together, you can see how it’s a bit more advanced, involving ropes and ladders to navigate the boulders. Kim was overjoyed to show off her ring from very different angle and I was more than obliged to capture it. I simply cannot wait to follow the rest of their journey and hopefully share some more hikes!

Wedding Proposal at McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain

Thank you for trusting me with your memories guys!! I love you already!

Wedding Proposal at McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain