Geoffrey proposes to Amanda in Audubon Zoo

Last minute proposals don’t have to be bananas.

Have I mentioned lately that last minute proposals are my jam? No? Well, last minute surprise proposals are my jam!

Surprise Proposals typically book with a shorter lead time than other types of wedding-related photography. While a wedding might book 6-12 months in advance, most surprise proposals only book 2-4 weeks ahead of time. Some a bit longer. And some waaay shorter. Like, 2 days ahead of time! Sometimes, a proposer is waiting on the ring to be ready to know when they can pop the question. Sometimes, the proposal was decided way ahead of time but they didn’t decide they needed a photographer until last minute. Or sometimes, they didn’t even know surprise proposal photography was a thing! Whatever the reason, Geoffrey hit me up a few days before his proposal and while I was booked that evening, he wanted a morning proposal- and I was available! I was really happy that I was, too, because he was proposing at the zoo and I’d never done one there before!

Unlike most proposals where I have to guide people to the spot, Geoffrey had to guide me! I hadn’t been to the Audubon Zoo in almost a decade. He wanted to propose by a fountain near the sea lion exhibit and we planned to meet up there at 11. When I arrived at 10:30, I actually saw Geoffrey and Amanda walking through the zoo ahead of me! It was an absolutely gorgeous December morning and while I really wanted to dilly dally by the Flamingos, I made my way to the spot.

When Geoffrey was headed my way, a family with two young children walked over to the fountain. I started to head to them to see if they would move for the proposal but Geoffrey walked into my view as soon as I started towards the family! So I went back into position and hoped that they’d leave soon- and that Geoffrey would wait them out.

He stalled at the fountain plenty enough time for the littlest tike to toddle out of the frame before he hit a knee. I don’t know what it was about this particular proposal but I got really misty this time! I used to cry every time but after nearly 80 proposals, each one isn’t a guaranteed tear jerker. This one got me though! We did a few portraits together after (and got photobombed by another toddler!) and they were just the sweetest couple. I was so happy to have been available to capture this moment for them!

Here is a selection of images from Geoffrey and Amanda’s Audubon Zoo Surprise Proposal!

Looking to book your own New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography?