5 Tips For Planning A “Surprise” Marriage Proposal

Successfully pulled off with the help of Nicole Squared Events and Steven Miller Photography, we have Sean and Olivia's sweet "surprise" marriage proposal for you today! Their magical moment was set up in the middle of Dickson Azalea Park, outside of downtown Orlando! Waiting for Sean and Olivia to arrive {by limo}, both photographers sat "under cover" in specific spots around the proposal location. Finally, Sean leads Olivia to the beautiful and secluded park setting that included flower petals, sunflowers, a blanket, and a bottle of champagne. And before Olivia knew it, Sean had dropped to one knee and popped the question! Guess what ... she said YES! After the proposal, Olivia and Sean took some beautiful engagement pics around the park and, of course, to show off that ring! Congrats to Sean and Olivia--who now have such gorgeous photos to treasure for always!

Want To Plan A Surprise Marriage Proposal?

Dubbed, the #1 Proposal Planners in the world, our friends over at The Heart Bandits  know a thing or two about how to execute a wedding proposal. They even just invented a new product called the Ring Stash--a .5-inch thick flat ring box that will fit in your pocket {NOT awkwardly hidden in your sock} so that you can keep your proposal a surprise! Michele Velazquez {owner, and one of the 2 Heart Bandits} was kind enough to give us a few pointers on how to DIY a joyful and successful wedding proposal. Here are Michele's 5 tips:

1. Hire a photographer

With Social Media now being a part of everyday life, most women want to immediately share their proposal pictures with the world. Sure, you could just snap a photo with your iPhone, but a professional photographer will take much nicer photos that you can cherish for life. These photos can also be used for your engagement announcement--so think of your surprise proposal pictures as an investment.

Surprise Marriage proposal + tips from The Heart Bandits

2.  Prepare your proposal

If you give your woman a beautiful engagement ring and a terrible proposal story, she will dread the question, "How did he propose?" Make sure to really think about the proposal and come up with a way to propose that is personalized to your relationship and will make her think you truly "get her." That way, when she tells the story of how you proposed over and over for the rest of her life, she will be proud to do so. Hire a Proposal Planner if you need assistance with coming up with the perfect idea!

3.   Secure a meaningful setting

One of the biggest parts of preparing your proposal will be to figure out where to propose. Think back to milestones in your relationship for inspiration. Where did you first say "I love you" or the location of your first date may be good options.

Surprise wedding proposal in an Orlando park location

Setting the stage for a surprise marriage proposal

Surprise marriage proposal! She said YES!

She said yes to your surprise marriage proposal

Surprise wedding proposal

She said YES! Surprise wedding proposal + 5 tips on

4. Take time to celebrate!

The proposal can often come and go so fast that your girlfriend will be left wanting more.  After the proposal, plan something that will allow you both to continue the celebration and give her a chance to really let it all sink in.

Relish the moment and show off the ring (surprise marriage proposal!)

5.  Show off that ring—and take some more pics

The two most often asked questions after she announces her engagement is, "How did he propose?" and "Let me see that ring."  Take lots of pictures and relish in the fact that this is YOUR time!

Surprise park wedding proposal

Show off your engagement ring after getting proposed to!

Surprise marriage proposal and engagement session

For more info on what The Heart Bandits do as Marriage Proposal Planners, check out our interview post with them. 

Credits
Photographer:  Steven Miller Photography | Event Venue:Dickson Azalea Park | Event Planner: Nicole Squared Events | via Two Bright Lights