Unforgettable Engagement at Jackson Square: The "Lens Cap Off" Proposal

Nick put a personal twist on my signature Jackson Square proposal moves.

I'm about to take you on a ride through a surprise proposal that was nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. While you might recognize some elements from previous Jackson Square proposals, we made sure to include a unique, personal touch that made this magic moment even more unforgettable.

Meet Nick, a man with a glint in his eye, love in his heart, and a strong desire to get things righht. He'd once photographed a buddy's proposal, or so he thought. After the moment was over he realized he had left the lens cap on! He was determined to not to make the same mistake for his own romantic moment. So when Nick enlisted yours truly, he told me that this was him removing the lens cap for his proposal.

Nick and April are two lovebirds from Nashville, Tennessee. They had a classic first date - dinner, a movie, and all those butterflies in the stomach. They couldn't bear to part ways at the end of the night, even though they lived an hour and a half apart. So after the drive home, Nick called April and the date continued over the phone. After dating long-ish distance for a while, they relocated so they could share their lives- and a joy of DIY- together.

The plan Nick and I hatched for his proposal was going to take a team of four to pull off. There was me, your trusted proposal planner and photographer, along with our "traffic cop" Evan, and the dynamic duo of flower-chucking extraordinaires, Heather and Chris. It was also going to require Nick to handcraft a keepsake for April to receive.

Our plan was to have the unsuspecting couple arrive at the railing of the Artillery Park overlooking Jackson Square. As they approached, Evan and I subtly moved aside, making it seem like a casual shuffle to accommodate the lovebirds. Then, with a choreographed precision that would make a dance troupe jealous, Nick would ask Heather, playing the role of a friendly visitor with a warm smile, to take a quick snapshot of them with the majestic cathedral in the background. And not just any camera – April's own phone, ensuring it wasn't in her hands when the surprise unfolded.

While Heather set up for the "photo," she would ask April to set her purse down – a small request to make the picture just right. But here's where the magic happened. As Heather handed the phone back, she paused, mischief in her eyes, and asked, “Are you April?” Instead of the phone, into April’s hands went the surprise Nick had crafted – a stunning pink leather Coach purse clip, engraved with the cheeky “#haleyeah” on one side and the sweet “Future Wifey” on the other.

But hold on, there's more! Just as April was processing the surprise, Chris and Heather, our flower-chucking extraordinaires, would pour a circle of rose petals around them, creating a fragrant, romantic cocoon for the proposal to take place.

The scene we set was pure cinematic romance, aimed to elicit gasps, tears, laughter, and a moment that would replay in their hearts forever. With all the meticulous planning and coordination, we were ready to create pure magic for Nick and April.

September is still heavy with summer air in New Orleans. While our neighbors in northern states experience what most would consider “fall”, we are usually still slogging through high temps and stifling humidity. But when Nick and April’s day rolled around, there was a hint of fall in the breeze, offering respite from a long, sweltering summer. We timed the whole moment perfectly to capture the sky behind the cathedral painted with gentle colors of early sunset. A gentle breeze blew across the Artillery Park which made the team and I breathe a sigh of relief. It was the first truly beautiful evening since May and we were ready to knock this plan out of the (artillery) park.

But as with any well-laid plan, we always have to be ready for a wildcard. This time it was a guy with a karaoke machine. Positioned right in front of Jackson Square, he belted out old Soul and R&B tunes with gusto. To say he was loud would be putting it mildly. Yet, there was an authenticity to his presence that warmed our hearts. It was the spirit of New Orleans in action. But the volume was poised to drown out anything Nick said to April. Even while rehearsing our part, I struggled to hear Heather and I knew what she was saying (because they were lines I wrote myself). I quickly texted Nick, giving him a heads up, but he remained optimistic. “Fingers crossed it won’t be loud when we get there,” he replied. Neither of us really wanted to switch to plan B so we forged ahead and hoped for the best.

As the afternoon sun dipped, casting long golden shadows on the cobblestone streets, the moment drew near. My team and I took our positions. Evan, playing the role of a casual "traffic cop," engaged in conversation with Heather and Chris, blending them seamlessly with the other tourists. We had rehearsed our cues and signals; the choreography was down pat. Every nod, every step had been synchronized and we were eager to pull it off.

The couple's arrival was right on schedule. First I saw an empty pedicab that I assumed had just dropped them off. My heart raced as I looked around for a moment before spotting them and signaling to my team. And as if by fate, our karaoke enthusiast switched to John Legend's "Ordinary People" just as the couple arrived. Not only was the volume much lower but the song's soft, melodic tones felt serendipitous, adding an unexpected but beautiful soundtrack to the moment.

What followed was nothing short of surreal. The choreography we had practiced played out naturally. As Heather handed over Nick's handcrafted gift, a soft gasp escaped April's lips. The shower of pink rose petals that followed seemed to envelop them, creating a cocoon of love and surprise. The scene was vibrant, emotional, and heartwarming. April's reactions – the tears, the joyful scream, followed by peals of laughter – were infectious. Onlookers, drawn into this bubble of joy, cheered and clapped. My team and I were not just observers; we felt deeply connected to their joyous moment, celebrating alongside the couple.

As they basked in the glow of their newly engaged status, we transitioned into capturing their engagement photos (after Nick and April took the time to dry each other’s tears, that is). With the sun setting behind them, casting a golden hue, the world seemed to stand still, focusing solely on Nick and April.

Looking back, amidst all the meticulous planning and coordination, it was the unexpected moments – the serendipitous song, the unseasonably pleasant weather – that added that magical New Orleans touch, making it a proposal to remember. These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do, every single time.

So there you have it, the incredible "Lens Cap Off" proposal at Jackson Square, a true cinematic masterpiece with all the charm and character you’d expect of a New Orleans surprise proposal. After the initial rush had ended and we were deep into engagement photos, I asked Nick if it was alright if I shared with April what he had told me about “taking the lens cap off” for his proposal. He agreed, I told her the story of our first consult call, and she burst into tears all over again.

If you're dreaming of your own unforgettable moment, you’ve come to the right place. I specialize in crafting unique, heartfelt proposals that reflect your love story, just like Nick and April's.

So, if you're ready to take the next step in your journey of love, don't hesitate to reach out. Get in touch today, and let's make magic happen!

Propose in New Orleans