Old Town Manassas Harris Pavilion Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

I captured this surprise proposal at Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas at night! Shooting surprise proposals at night is very challanging as many times I have to use off camera flash to properly light the couple! Everything worked out perfectly! After the proposal moment we got some great portraits around Old Town Manassas before the newly engaged couple went off to celebrate! 

I received this testimonial from the newly engaged couple! - "I contacted Jon within a week of my intended proposal date. He was quick to respond and extremely flexible in the time, date, and location. Jon was so professional and so involved in making our moment special. The temperature was COLD and it was very windy, but Jon seemed to enjoy every minute of photographing our night. And we received our photos immediately. It was an awesome experience! We look forward to working with him again!"

Washington DC Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

The Lincoln Memorial is the perfect spot for a DC surprise proposal with an amazing view of The Washington Memorial in between the columns of the The Lincoln. I captured this picture perfect proposal in the middle of Cherry Blossom season where we got super lucky with out tourist walking into this amazing shot! After the proposal we walked over to The FDR Memorial and Tidal Basin for some Cherry Blossom photos as they were in peak bloom. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration honoring the gift of the Japanese Cherry Trees to The US from Japan in 1912. The trees celebrated the friendship between the US and Japan. This is a super busy time of year for photographers as many couples schedule engagement sessions and photography sessions at the blossoms! 

Thank you for this amazing testimonial!

"Jon was excellent. Although I wasn't the one planning the proposal (I'm the bride :) ), I cannot get over how amazing the photos were that Jon took. My friends didn't believe me when I showed them the proposal picture and told them that it was taken in the real moment - they thought it was recreated afterwards! Jon was so natural to be around and you can really tell how much he loves taking photos, finding the right angle, etc. My favorite part was how quick he was to send a few photos after the proposal - I was excited to use his beautiful photo to announce my engagement and I was so happy I didn't have to wait long!"

Washington DC Cherry Blossom Jefferson Memorial Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

One of my favorite times of the year in Washington DC is when The Cherry Blossoms are in full peak. So many photographers, couples, and tourist flock to The Tidal Basin area for photos of the blossoms. This year I captured several surprise proposals and engagement sessions at The Cherry Blossoms, this one on one of the busiest days where the weather was perfect! With so many people out we got lucky with no one in the surprise proposal shot! Afterwards I got creative to capture portraits without tourist in them. By walking around to less busy spots and shooting creatively I was able to get some awesome shots! 

Thank you for this amazing testimonial! 

"Jon shot a surprise engagement for us at cherry blossoms up in DC. His efforts were outstanding. Throughout the process (3 months) we kept in contact with him always responding quickly. Jon arrived extremely early the day of the engagement which was good because we got there early as well. Jon knew exactly where he wanted to take pictures but also asked us several times if we had any requests. He sent us a few pictures the same day and we got the full album in less than a week. I highly recommend him."

National Proposal Day 2017! Favorite Surprise Proposals in Washington DC

National Proposal Day is March 20th so I am sharing some of my favorite surprise proposals that I have photographed over the past year! Know anyone planning a proposal? I would love to chat with them! Looking for a unique place to propose? 

Washington DC Jefferson Memorial Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

In front of The Jefferson Memorial is a great spot to propose with an amazing view of The Washington Monument behind you! Congratulations to another newly engaged couple! Love capturing all these images. We had a little snow left over from earlier in the week! My overall favorite image from this session is the silhouette with the ring and monument in the background. Each time I photograph at the memorials I am always looking for a new creative angle. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Surprise Proposal Photography in Washington DC

I love capturing surprise proposals in Washington DC! Not only do I offer photography but a lot of planning is involved as each proposal is different and exciting. If you are planning a proposal I would love to chat with you! Here are some questions I get asked about surprise proposal photography. 

Where should I propose? Think of place that has special meaning to you. Perhaps the location of your first date? Your first kiss? The first time you told each other I love you? Or somewhere that you go often that has meaning? If you are from out of town and traveling to DC perhaps you are looking to propose at one of The Memorials? Here are 5 unique locations for surprise proposals In Washington DC. Need some advice or other suggestions? Feel free to send me an email! 

What time of day should I propose? The most ideal time for photography is the few hours before sunset or a few hours after sunrise for the best light however I have captured at all times of day including at night. If you plan to go to dinner after your proposal this time also works great since you can have an excuse to dress up without having to let the surprise out early. 

How will you photograph my proposal? When photographing surprise proposals I stand back at a short distance to give you privacy for this special moment. I blend in with the crowd and my camera is normally not visible to not draw attention. Depending on each proposal location cirumstances may be differnt. In more public spaces I move around to capture as people are moving to ensure the least amount of people are in the shot. I am always keeping in mind the best angle to capture the reactions and a great background. After you propose I observe to capture more moments: hugging, kissing, smiling etc. It is always in your hands as to when you are ready to move on to do more posed photos. 

What if it rains on the date I plan to propose? If it rains you can either choose to reschedule your proposal if you'd like or choose an indoor location instead. There are some great locations in Washington DC for indoor portraits. Restaurants also work great for a surprise proposal after a nice dinner. Ask about back up options!

Georgetown Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Captured another surprise proposal along The Georgetown Waterfront with The Key Bridge in the background! One of my favorite spots in DC for proposals. I am starting to lose track of how many proposals I have captured here! I loved capturing shots with the birds out on this session. 

Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

The Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite monuments and I have captured many surprise proposals here! Between the columns with a view of The Washington Monument is always an amazing shot with iconic views of Washington DC. After this proposal we walked around the front of the memorial and along the reflecting pool and captured more portrais! Congratulations to this newly engaged couple! 

Georgetown Waterfront Park Surprise Proposal

Georgetown & Georgetown Waterfront Park is one of my favorite Washington DC locations for engagement sessions & surprise proposals! I captured Spencer's surprise proposal to his girlfriend Amanda over the winter along the pathway directly next to the water. The surprise reaction was picture perfect! Holiday lights and decorations around Georgetown made for some great portrats after the proposal. I am so excited to share these images.

National Harbor Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

National Harbor is always a great location for a Surprise Proposal! The Ferris Wheel makes a great backdrop for portraits especially at night after the lights are very visible. The National Harbor also has a lot of great sculptures and statues to capture photos with. 

Georgetown Waterfront Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

I captured another surprise proposal in Washington DC along the Georgetown Waterfront! The Georgetown Waterfront Park has a great view of The Key Bridge which connects Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia. This is a perfect spot for a surprise proposal with minimal tourist and an amazing view. During the winter Georgetown has it's Georgetown Glow Festival which features many light exhibits scattered around the area which makes for some unique photos. We also stopped by one of my favorite bridges for more portraits. Here are some of my favorite images! I love captureing surprise proposals and the emotional reactions involved! 

5 Unique Surprise Proposal Locations in Washington DC

Looking for a unique location in Washington DC for your surprise proposal? I have captured many surprise proposals all over DC and here are 5 of my favorites! If you need help planning your surprise proposal or are looking to book a surprise proposal photographer i'd be happy to chat with you further! Just send an email by going to the contact form on my website here!

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The Newseum Rooftop Terrace - The 6th floor rooftop terrace at The Newseum in Washington DC has an amazing view of The Capitol making for a great backdrop for any photo! The museum does have an admission fee but the museum and this view it totally worth it! 

The National Zoo - The National Zoo is a fun place to propose! I loved capturing this surprise proposal in front of the African elephants exhibit! 

The National Gallery of Art  - Outside of The National Gallery of Art in DC there are some cool sculptures including the glass pyramids! During the winter the ice skating rink is also a great place to propose! 

Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia was George Washington's home built in 1735. The back of the mansion has a grassy area with a great view of The Potomac River and the mansion. 

Georgetown Waterfront - The Georgetown Waterfront overlooks The Kennedy Center and is a great spot for an afternoon walk along the water. 

Surprise Proposal at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia

Jones Point Park is one of my favorite parks in Alexandria, Virginia for surprise proposals and engagement sessions! The park is right along The Potomac River with a view of The National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Jones Point Park is normally a quiet location with most people there just running or biking through. One of the most popular features of the park is the lighthouse that was built in 1855. It is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. There are many great pathways, grassy areas, and the parking lot under the bridge is perfect for portraits as well. The grounds of the park are open from 6am-10pm but the best time for photos is a few hours before sunset. Each surprise proposal and engagement session I capture at Jones Point Park is different and unique as the park changes each season. 

Jefferson Memorial Fall Surprise Proposal

I always love capturing surprise proposals at the memorials. The Jefferson Memorial is a great location to propose as it is normally not as crowded as The Lincoln Memorial. The surrounding Tidal Basin is always great for portraits and their is a perfect view of The Washington Monument! 

Downtown Washington DC Newseum Surprise Proposal

Souvik proposed to his girlfriend on his birthday during a trip to The Newseum in Washington DC on the 6th floor terrace which overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue with an amazing view of The Capitol! The Newseum is a popular museum in DC that opened in 2008. After the surprise proposal we captured some portraits in front of the museum and across the street in front of The National Gallery of Art. 

Mount Vernon Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Mount Vernon was George Washington's mansion built in 1735 by his father near Alexandria, Virginia. The plantation is right on the edge of The Potomac River and has a lot of trails and trees making it a great location for engagement sessions or surprise proposals. I loved capturing this proposal when Robbie proposed to his girlfriend with a view of the mansion behind them! We walked around and got some greta portraits with the fall colors until we made out way out and were surprise by friends and family there to congratulate the newly engaged couple! 

Dulles Airport Surprise Proposal

I captured this unique surprise proposal at Dulles Airport after Todd arrived on an international flight to come home to his girlfriend who met him inside the airport just outside the arrivals gate! Todd was surprise with flowers from his girlfriend and he returned the surprise with a ring and a surprise visit from her dad. 

Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & National Mall Engagement Session

Dan proposed to his girlfriend during a trip to Washington DC at the top of The Lincoln Memorial! My favorite part of capturing surprise proposals is capturing the reaction to the surprise! As we walked down along The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool towards The World War II Memorial they made a phone call to their close family members to announce the news and I was able to capture some more great exciting emotion! 

So many tourist in the summer!

The Inn at Little Washington Surprise Proposal

Josh proposed to his girlfriend with The Blue Ridge Mountains in the background during a weekend stay at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. The gardens and views made for some really awesome portraits! 

Thank you Josh for this great testimonial! 

"Working with Jon to capture my proposal was a truly great experience. Despite a late inquiry - I initially contacted him about a week before the date - Jon was extremely flexible and accommodating. There were some proposal aspects that I had not decided on with certainty and he set aside more than enough time to ensure that the moment was captured professionally and beautifully. All contractual and payment details were upfront and straightforward - no unexpected costs, no muss, no fuss. As far as the pictures go, I love what Jon produced for us. He was able to frame our photos impeccably with our surroundings - we have received countless compliments from everyone that we've shared them with. His initial estimate was that all our photos would be available after 1-2 weeks, but we received them all in a nicely-presented online album in after 2 days. Highly recommended!"

Jones Point Lighthouse Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Recently I captured another surprise proposal at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia. This time the proposal happen in front of Jones Point Lighthouse which was built in 1855! Jones Point Park is located right next to Old Town Alexandria. The park area goes under the Capitol Beltway.