Mike and Olivia: New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography
New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography at Jackson Square
Mike and Olivia
The French Quarter in New Orleans is a classic place to stage a surprise proposal. And one of the most requested locations is Jackson Square. Visually, it’s an incredible backdrop for a proposal. But logistically it offers some challenges. For one, a photography permit is required to photograph inside of the park itself. While it only costs $50, it takes at least two weeks to get and doesn’t even guarantee a spot free of tourists. Plus you’re really too close to the cathedral to use it as a decent backdrop in there.
For that reason, I opt to stage proposals on top of the artillery park across the street. There’s a great backdrop of St. Louis Cathedral and no permit is required to work up there. However, it has its own logistical challenges as well! But I’m well aware of them and come equipped with backup plans whenever I head out to capture French Quarter Surprise Proposal Photography at Jackson Square.
When I helped Mike plan his proposal to Olivia, I led him to the Artillery Park. But I warned him about the breakdance troupe that performs at the foot of the stairs at that location. They use loud amplifiers to blast music and crowds always form at the proposal spot. We planned a time when light would be nice and the breakdancers would normally be finished. I planned on arriving early to make sure the spot would work.
But our cover was almost blown a few weeks before the proposal! I got an email from a guy asking if a man had contacted me about proposing to someone named Olivia and if so he wanted to buy them some champagne. I was sooo sketched out. What if it was Olivia doing recon? I had never had a proposee find out before! But I figured if someone was asking she may already knew and responded to the email. It turned out she suspected he might be planning to propose on their trip so she checked his venmo history and saw a suspicious payment to me (Guys! Always send proposal-related-payments as private!). EEK! I confirmed and told the friend that yes, I could provide champagne on their behalf if he thought it would be a good idea but I was worried it might hurt Mike’s feelings. He decided he didn’t want Olivia to know he found out any more about it and he really didn’t want Mike to know she had an inkling. I was relieved, really. I think it was best to let the surprise happen without him knowing she was onto him!
Looks nice but way too loud to propose!
The day of the proposal, I got there early while covertly communicating with Mike. We had a half-hour before the proposal and the breakers had just started a show. I knew from experience they’d be on at least 45 minutes! Shit! On to plan B. I hoofed it over to the gazebo next to the Natchez landing and found it under construction, surrounded by high construction fences. Double shit! On to plan C! I headed down to Jackson Square to see if the side of the square was unobstructed. I do love the gates to the square with their street lamps as a portrait backdrop. Two guys were next to the entrance smoking smelly cigars and yet another break dance troupe was making a ton of noise in front of the cathedral. No go! I had to think fast.
Great spot as a plan D!
Of course it was then that I developed some sort of pinch in my foot. But there was no time to stop and wait it out. I limped over past Cafe du Monde to check out Dutch Alley. It was full of noisy buskers as well. Then I found the perfect spot- the little fountain with the iron statue of a woman inside the alley that runs behind Cafe Du Monde. I snapped a photo of it dropped a pin, and sent it to Mike. Fortunately, they were running a bit late. As I waited for them, I thought I heard quiet in the direction of the Artillery Park. So just to be sure, I drug my busted foot self back to check on the spot. It had been 45 minutes since the breakers started and they had wrapped up their show!! Plan A was back on! I let Mike know and took my position.
A group of photographers were up on the Artillery Park about to take a night photography class from a photographer I know. What a perfect cover! When Mike and Olivia came up, Mike asked if I’d take a photo of them and handed me his phone. I said “oh sure, I’m just waiting for this workshop to start”. But Mike didn’t give me a chance to actually take a photo of them. He hit his knee and I was juggling two cameras AND his cell phone!! Even if Olivia had known he was going to propose, she obviously didn’t know when or how and her face says it all. She was definitely surprised! She said yes, he revealed that I was photographing, and we took a few quick portraits before they were off to their celebratory dinner at Restaurant August.
Having a local who knows the area well is a must when planning New Orleans Proposal Photography. Don’t trust that moment to a cheap national company who claims to know the lay of the land. You need someone you can trust, someone like New Orleans’ only Surprise Proposal Expert (it’s me!).
