Proposal Plan B Becomes Proposal Plan A and it is So Worth It

Ben asks Tori to marry him in a New Orleans location off the beaten path.

While proposal photography never gets old, sometimes locations do. There is something to be said for tried and true locations where I know exactly what to expect (for the most part). But I also love the excitement of a new location. My brain loves it when I shake things up and give myself new challenges.

And that’s why I secretly hoped this backup location would have to come into play for Ben’s late May proposal to Tori.

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is an incredible spot to propose. If you time it just right, the spanish moss glows golden with the setting sun while the branches stretching down to the ground frame a couple perfectly. But it can also be a busy spot filled with tourists and locals alike. Or, worse, a whole ass wedding. There’s no way to look up a schedule of permits for the Tree (trust me, I’ve tried) so I just have to get down there early and see what’s going on. I like to have a backup location planned just in case I ever show up early and find a wedding underway.

When I got to the Tree before Ben’s proposal, there was indeed a whole ass wedding going down. I’m talking 100 white chairs lined up waiting for guests to arrive. I was finally going to get the chance to use the backup location! I’ve used it for a first look and numerous couples’ portraits. But this would be the first proposal. And I love proposal firsts. Squee!

Their Engagement and My… First Date?

Does anyone mind if I interject a personal story here? I hope not because here it comes: Ben and Tori’s proposal was also kinda sorta a first date for me! Lemme explain: I met someone earlier that day when I bought some plants from him at his plant store in my neighborhood. We’d been chatting and it turns out he didn’t live too far from the Tree. I show up early for proposals and wait around a while so I asked him if he’d like to come keep me company and be a photography decoy.

He agreed and our first date was him watching me go into badass photographer mode and witness a New Orleans surprise proposal for the first time (not gonna lie, he got teary eyed). Two months later and we just went facebook official (I know, I know, I’m such a millennial). For years, I’ve been the perpetually single photographer too busy capturing dozens of romantic moments a year to find love for herself. Now I’m the photographer enjoying her own romance while also witnessing dozens of romantic moments. 🥰 So thanks to Ben and Tori for unknowingly being a part of an important day in my life too!

Ben Sticks the Landing

Okay, back to the proposal story. We didn’t have to wait long for Ben and Tori to arrive. Proposals frequently run early as opposed to weddings that frequently run late. I chalk that up to a nervous proposer wanting to get there as quickly as possible! I took some photos of my date so I didn’t look too conspicuous and was perfectly placed when Ben took a knee. Tori was SO shocked! Ben spent a long time down on his knee which gave me time to pivot and catch the setting sunbeams to his side. I LOVE a good lens flare!

Tori was over the moon and Ben was thrilled he’d pulled off the surprise. He was also really happy with the location change! It was completely private (save for me and my soon-to-be-beau) and the light was stunning. We did some portraits around the fountain and I fell right in love with these portraits. I could feel how much they care about each other while even standing 20 feet away behind a row of cast iron plants. I see a long, happy life ahead for this beautiful couple. Scroll through the photos below and you will see it, too.

Ready to plan your big moment?