Some proposals come with butterflies. This one came with thunderclouds.

When Owen contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal to Carrie in Harpers Ferry, we made a plan for me to be waiting near Jefferson Rock, tucked away enough that Carrie wouldn't realize I was there.

Then came the weather forecast.

Heavy downpours were predicted right during the time we had planned for the proposal. Most people would have thought about postponing, but after years of photographing sessions under gloomy forecasts that somehow never actually produce rain, I've learned not to let the weather app make the final decision. So I encouraged Owen to stick with the plan.

That left him with one small challenge: convincing Carrie that spending the afternoon wandering around Harpers Ferry was still a good idea despite the threatening skies. She probably would have preferred staying in their cozy AirB&B, but thankfully, she agreed to the adventure.

And I'm so glad she did!

The Surprise at Jefferson Rock

With its historic stone steps, beautiful views, and setting above the town, Jefferson Rock is one of those places that already feels a little romantic. Owen brought Carrie right where we'd planned. I stayed out of sight, camera ready, and then he got down on one knee.

She said yes!

And that's when we learned Owen wasn't the only one who had been nervous. Carrie admitted afterward that she'd been trembling all day. Maybe she sensed there was something in the air... and it wasn't just the chance of rain.

Once the secret was out, the nerves disappeared and the celebration began. We spent the rest of our time wandering around Harpers Ferry, stopping in some of its beautiful hidden corners for portraits and letting Owen and Carrie enjoy those first moments of being officially engaged.

And that's one of my favorite things about photographing surprise proposals. The actual proposal happens so quickly. There's the realization of what's happening, the question, the answer, the hugs, the laughter—and suddenly this enormous life moment has happened in the span of just a few minutes. A proposal session gives you permission to linger there a little longer. Instead of immediately moving on to whatever comes next, you get to spend some time together being excited, laughing, walking around, looking at the ring for the hundredth time, and letting it sink in: We're engaged.

Owen later left me a review that summed it up beautifully: “She captured perfectly the emotion of the moment and made the whole experience one to remember. Not only did we walk away with amazing photos, but also amazing memories.” That is exactly what I hope these sessions become.

Planning a Surprise Proposal in Harpers Ferry?

Harpers Ferry has so many beautiful places for a proposal, from iconic locations like Jefferson Rock to historic streets, mountain views, river scenery, and quieter spots tucked away from the busiest parts of town.

For surprise proposals, I work with you ahead of time to choose the location and create a specific plan for where you'll bring your partner and where I'll be waiting. My goal is to capture the moment without giving away the surprise.

Then, once they say yes, we can use the rest of our time for engagement portraits, and, more importantly, give the two of you a little more time to live inside that moment before the rest of the world rushes back in.

Oh, and those threatening thunderclouds? They stayed overhead the entire afternoon, but the rain never came. My lucky streak with rainy forecasts lives to see another day!

Congratulations, Owen & Carrie! Thank you for trusting me with such an unforgettable chapter in your story. ❤️