A Surprise Proposal at Belle Isle in Richmond, VA!


There is something so special about photographing a surprise proposal, and John and Kate's proposal at Belle Isle in Richmond, Virginia was one I'll never forget! To help keep everything a surprise, I brought my 16-year-old daughter, Ella, along to act as my "decoy." We knew that if Kate saw me standing around with my camera, she might get suspicious, so Ella became my model while we waited. We arrived nice and early to scout out the perfect spot on the rocks, and it was perfect timing because the rain had just ended!


While we waited for John and Kate, I took advantage of the beautiful overcast light and did a mini portrait session for Ella. She ended up with some gorgeous photos of her own as a thank-you for helping me pull off the surprise! Kate's sister helped coordinate the entire proposal, so she and I were texting throughout the morning. At one point, I spotted John and Kate walking toward a different set of rocks than we had planned. I was freaking out! I quickly texted Kate's sister to have them turn around. We almost had a proposal in the wrong location, but thankfully they changed course just in time :)


When they finally walked out onto the rocks, everything happened so quickly! I was pretending to photograph Ella while secretly watching John out of the corner of my eye. The second I saw him reach for the ring, I spun around and started shooting. He proposed so fast that I almost missed the moment—but thankfully I caught every second of it!


It was such a sweet, genuine proposal, and after Kate said "yes," we spent some time out on the rocks for a few engagement portraits. These two were absolutely adorable together, and it was obvious how excited they were to begin this next chapter.

One of my favorite parts? Even though the forecast called for rain, we completely lucked out. The clouds gave us soft, beautiful light, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Their images edited beautifully, and I was able to deliver their full gallery just four days later.


John and Kate, thank you for trusting me to capture such an unforgettable milestone. It was truly an honor to be part of your story. Congratulations on your engagement—I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!



Planning a Surprise Proposal in Richmond, VA?


If you're thinking about proposing and want every emotion captured without giving away the surprise, I'm your gal! From choosing the perfect location to coordinating the timing and keeping everything a secret, I'll help make the experience as stress-free as possible so you can focus on the moment. You can even add on a special champagne/picnic set-up to make it even more memorable!


Belle Isle is one of my favorite proposal locations in Richmond thanks to its incredible river views, beautiful rock formations, and gorgeous natural light. If you're planning a surprise proposal in Richmond or the surrounding area, I'd love to help!


Check out THIS LINK to view full galleries!


Planning a SENIOR photography session?


Scroll to the end to see the mini session of Ella that we captured prior to the proposal! Contact me HERE to plan your session!

Man kneeling on rocks proposing to woman in floral dress by river with city bridge backdrop.
Man proposing to woman on rocky riverbank with bridge and rapids in background.
Man kneeling on rocks proposing to woman in floral dress by a river with a bridge in the background.
Man proposes on one knee to woman on rocky riverbank with bridge in background.
Man kneeling on rocks proposing to woman in floral dress near river with city bridge in background.
Couple sharing a romantic proposal moment on rocky riverbank with city bridge skyline backdrop.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with city bridge and skyline in background on cloudy day.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on rocky riverbank with bridge and city skyline in background.
Couple walking hand in hand on rocky riverbank with bridge and city skyline in background.
Couple standing on rocky riverbank surrounded by lush green trees, man in white shirt and navy shorts with woman in floral dress.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on rocky terrain outdoors, woman in floral maxi dress, man in white shirt and navy shorts.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with city skyline and bridge in background on a sunny day.
Couple standing on rocks by a river with a city bridge and skyline in the background.
Couple standing on rocks by a river with a city bridge backdrop, woman in floral dress laughing up at man.
A couple smiles together on rocky terrain, surrounded by lush green trees, man holding umbrella and denim jacket.
Couple gazing at each other on rocky riverbank, woman in blue floral maxi dress, man in navy shorts.
Close-up of woman's hands with light blue manicure and gold ring, wearing a blue floral dress.
Couple smiling at each other on rocky riverbank, woman in floral dress, man in linen shirt and navy shorts.
Couple holding hands walking on rocks by a river with a bridge and trees in the background.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with bridge and trees in background.
Couple holding hands walking on rocks by a river with a bridge in the background on a cloudy day.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with bridge and greenery in background.
Couple holding hands walking on rocks by a river with a bridge in the background on a cloudy day.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with city skyline and trees in background.
Couple holding hands walking on rocky riverbank with bridge and lush greenery in background on overcast day.
Couple holding hands on rocky riverbank with city skyline and bridge in background on a cloudy day.
Couple holding hands walking on rocks by a river with a bridge and city skyline in the background.
Couple embracing on rocky riverbank with city skyline and bridge in background on a sunny day.

And here are some of my beautiful daughter who helped with pulling off the grand surprise!

Smiling teenage girl in lavender top and jeans poses on rocky riverbank with bridge in background.
Smiling teen girl in lavender top and wide-leg jeans poses on rocks by a river with a bridge backdrop.
A joyful woman stands on rocky riverbank with one arm raised, city skyline and bridge visible in background.
A young girl crouches on rocky riverbank with a bridge and city skyline visible in the background.
Young woman in purple tank top and wide-leg jeans stands on riverside rocks smiling with city bridge behind her.
Young woman smiling by rocky rapids with a bridge and city skyline in the background.
Young woman in lavender top and wide-leg jeans standing on rocks by a river with a city bridge backdrop.
Smiling teenage girl with long brown hair wearing a lavender top and jeans, posing by a rocky riverbank.
Teen girl smiling with arms crossed on rocky riverbank, bridge and city skyline in background.
Young woman in pink top and jeans crouching on rocks by a river with a bridge in the background.