Planning the Perfect Proposal
Joe and I spoke several times leading up to the big day to make sure every detail was perfectly planned. From the location to the timing, we wanted this moment to feel thoughtful, private, and full of emotion. I always arrive at proposals about 30 minutes early to make sure everything is ready—and that’s exactly what I did for Joe and Hayley’s day at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.
When I arrived, though, there was a surprise waiting for me: more than a hundred people were taking homecoming photos right in the spot we had originally planned to use. The space was full of bright dresses, tuxes, and laughter—definitely not the private atmosphere we envisioned!
With only a few minutes to spare, I quickly walked around the grounds and found a new area nearby. It was quiet, framed by beautiful trees, and the golden sun was pouring through just right. I called Joe to let him know about the change of plans and made sure he knew exactly where to walk with Hayley.
The Surprise Moment
Joe told Hayley they were parking at the Kimbell because there was construction blocking the road to the restaurant they were heading to for her birthday dinner. It was the perfect cover story. As they walked through the museum’s paths, the soft evening light filtered through the trees and created the most dreamy setting.
When they reached the new spot, Hayley saw me standing there with my camera, and the realization immediately hit her. Her face lit up, and before she could even process what was happening, Joe was down on one knee. She said yes!
The joy on her face said everything. She was laughing, smiling, and even jumping up and down with excitement. At one point she couldn’t stop looking down at her new ring—it was so sweet to see her completely in the moment.
After the Yes
Once the excitement settled, we took a few portraits around the Kimbell’s beautiful outdoor spaces. The light was soft and golden, the perfect backdrop to show off their newly engaged glow. I love capturing these first moments as a couple—it’s pure happiness and relief, wrapped in the excitement of what’s to come.
After photos, Joe and Hayley headed to a nearby restaurant where their family was waiting to celebrate. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening.
Proposals like this are some of my favorite moments to photograph because they combine planning, emotion, and spontaneity all in one. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, but with flexibility and a little creativity, they can turn out even better than imagined. The change in location ended up giving us soft light, open space, and privacy that made the moment even more romantic.
Planning a Proposal in Fort Worth?
If you’re dreaming of proposing in Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum is one of my favorite spots for its architecture, light, and variety of private corners. I’d love to help you plan every step—from choosing the perfect location to making sure your partner never suspects a thing.
You can reach out here to start planning your proposal session.
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