For many of our clients, we have had the opportunity to capture their relationship from the beginning through photography. Engagement sessions, the walk down the aisle, even watching their family grow and photographing the evolution of their love is one of our favorite things.

Sometimes, we even get to be a part of the moment where the rest of forever begins. We LOVE proposal shoots as they are full of surprise and unexpected emotion. These rare and special moments are fun to witness and we are honored when a client asks us to join them on that day.

One reason our past clients loved the idea of having a photographer at their proposal is because they knew they wanted to be able to look back on this special day.

First it starts with the planning. “The usual: ring shopping, talking to her dad months in advance, deciding on the time, place, and method. I chose the upper peninsula of Michigan because it is one of her favorite places and proposing during a routine ‘couple’s photo shoot,’ she wouldn’t see it coming.” Paul, a Derk’s Works groom, thought of every detail. “The best part of preparation for proposing was the intrigue. Early in our dating, we had an agreement that I had the right to not tell her the truth if she asked me poignant questions about proposing.” Coordinating the proposal with Paul was half the excitement of their special day.

Though Paul had a vision of what he wanted his day to look like, some grooms come with the goal and we help with the details. “Benjamin was phenomenal. He made my experience so easy and comfortable… He was helpful and a great guide [for] ideas and thoughts. He’s a true professional in every sense of the word. He brings so many creative and thoughtful ideas to the table [while honoring] your personal story. I knew I was in the right place speaking openly with him about my family and what [the] proposal meant to me.” Another DW groom, Dillon, brought his enthusiasm and love for his future bride and we helped solidify a plan.

When the time comes to get down on one knee, we know that we can expect lots of love, sometimes tears, and smiles all around. Stephanie, a DW bride, was so excited when she found out her, at the time, boyfriend, thought to have the moment photographed. “It showed me how excited [Paul] was about marrying me. It made me feel incredibly special that my fiancé wanted that moment to be something neither of us would forget. The images taken at our proposal are a beautiful reminder of the beginning of our marriage journey, and when I look at them they remind me of the joy and appreciation our marriage is built upon.”

The images that we take of this special moment are a visual representation of the love that two people share. We are honored when we get to be a part of a proposal. Everything it represents: love, relationship, commitment, and intimacy. All of those things our “bread and butter.”

If you are planning on popping the question, we would love to help you remember that day forever. Let us know if we can help.

Thank you to our dear clients, Paul, Stephanie, and Dillon for sharing their Derk’s Works stories.