how to propose to your loved one …

Welcome our guest blogger

Today we are so excited to feature a guest blogger, previous bride and client, Madelyn. She had a sweet little wedding last year and we were so pleased to be a part of it.

She married an amazing guy who planned an awesome proposal. But we’ll let her tell the story. -pfe team


Hello lovely people! My name is Madelyn Pike (which is a name this new-wifey is still getting accustomed to!)

A quickie bio about me: I’m 23 years-old. I live in Newburgh, Indiana and I work in recruiting. Things I love include weekend trips, monograms, Chipotle, and I’ve never met a day planner I didn’t like. I firmly dislike alarm clocks and the gym.  My husband’s name is Tyler; I married him because he’s the most charismatic person I’ve ever met, makes me laugh every single day, and looks good doing it. 

Tyler and I married in June 2015 with the help of planning…forever events. During the planning process, I was asked to contribute a guest-blog. Unfortunately, I never found enough time to write. But now that we’re happily wed, I’m ready to reflect on this whirlwind of a planning process!

Proposal Photography

Tyler proposed in downtown Newburgh on June 22, 2014. Being the closet-romantic that he is, Tyler arranged a photographer to capture the most exciting surprise of my life! Having photos of this special moment is something I would recommend to anyone. Like all good things, it’s over in the blink of an eye! And like engagement and wedding photography, Proposal Photos are a way to relive the thrill all over again.

To make capturing your proposal a success, below are some tips for both fiancés-to-be.

1. Work with professionals.

In a pinch, having a close friend or family members snap pictures on their phone works. But 98.5% of the time, those photos will lack the artistic merit of a professional photographer. Do some research, ask for referrals, and find someone who has the experience and portfolio.

If you don’t have the time to research, or don’t know what you’re looking for, contact a wedding planner who specializes in all things wedding. #pfe does offer engagement planning services. They will stay behind the scenes and let the proposer take all the credit! 

burk pike proposal photos 1

2. Have a creative story.

A week before Tyler proposed, he asked me to accompany him to dinner with his parents the following weekend. Later, he mentioned it would be at Victoria National Golf Club. On Sunday, we had an early lunch and he suggested grabbing an appetizer downtown before dinner.

This was all a set-up; a series of nonchalance that ultimately led to my open calendar, appropriate attire for a nice dinner out, and growling stomach. The idea of a proposal NEVER crossed my mind, which added to the surprise. If you’re a prankster like my now-husband, the game of tricking her will be half the fun!

3. If this is a surprise: Be yourself!

If you don’t own a tie and your idea of a fancy restaurant includes the word “Roadhouse,” I do not suggest using a fancy dinner to lure her out. You might as well wear a shirt that says, “Something special is happening tonight!!”

IF you really want it to be a surprise, strategize a plan that fits your girlfriend and your personality as a couple. This is another way that a professional planner can be an asset. For example, I have a friend who is an athlete.  Her boyfriend took her to Indianapolis under the pretense of attending a Colts game. The tickets didn’t even exist, but she didn’t mind when he dropped to one knee at Monument Circle.

burk pike proposal photos 2

3. Encourage a mani.

Part II of that story deserves a certain emphasis. Earlier that day, Tyler noticed my week-old nail polish was chipping (a rarity for me.) With a joke, he called me out. I painted my nails that afternoon. I have never been so grateful! I would have been so mad at myself looking down at my shiny new ring on un-manicured fingers. 

Disclaimer: If your girlfriend couldn’t care less about something like her nails, don’t mention it. Drawing attention to it will only make her suspicious. 

4. Choose a photogenic location.

The last thing you’ll want is a neon McDonald’s sign in the background or random crowds of strangers walking right through your photos.  Start by finding a reasonably low-traffic spot, if possible (obviously you can’t expect to avoid crowds in Central Park or at the Eiffel Tower.) Again, hiring an expert will help you find the perfect spot to pop the question.

burk pike proposal photos 3

5. Consider public versus private.

A public proposal is a fun and vibrant affair. Passerby’s will stop to watch and cheer when they hear, “Yes!” and if your friends and family are present, they’ll love witnessing your happiness firsthand. On the flipside, you can’t beat the quiet intimacy of a private proposal, and the chance to keep it a secret between just the two of you for a little while.

If you can’t make up your mind, do a little of both! My best friend’s now-husband proposed while they were walking along the river in downtown Newburgh. When she said yes, he led her up to Café Arazu where both sets of parents where waiting, having secretly watched from afar.  They were able to have a private and romantic moment and immediately celebrate with their families after.

6. Have a Plan B, C, and D. Maybe even an E.

My husband suggested this one! I have literally just found out that he spent over a month planning how he would propose. I am shocked, but also not surprised. It was truly perfect and makes me feel so special that he put this amount of thought behind it. His advice is to think of it as a game plan (or to hire someone to do that for you.) Then don’t panic if it doesn’t go according to plan; just go with it. It will be perfect.

photo credit: Abby Wendholt

happy proposing! 

5 thoughts on “how to propose to your loved one …”

  1. I guess maybe I’m old fashioned or something but the idea of “proposal photography” just seems strange to me. It seems like something that would be private between you and your partner, not something that you’d want a third party standing in the background snapping photos of. But to each their own, I guess…

    1. Anne, I see your point. However, if the photographer is good, then they are hidden for most of the proposal. Only coming out after the ring is on the finger and everyone wants to shout to the world, WE ARE ENGAGED! It’s not for everyone, but we think it’s cool.

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