How I helped plan a proposal photoshoot.. DURING THE ECLIPSE!

The Total Eclipse Proposal: Planning the Shot of a Lifetime

There is a specific kind of adrenaline that comes with a surprise proposal. Usually, I don’t get nervous before a session; I’ve spent years behind the lens, and I know how to find the light. But when Brandon reached out from Florida planning to propose to his girlfriend in Niagara during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, I’ll admit—I had to take a second and thingk hard about this one… Proposals are already high-stakes. And then, adding a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event where the world goes dark for three minutes? That’s a whole different level of technical planning.

The Strategy: Hiding in Plain Sight!

The biggest hurdle with any surprise is the "stealth" factor. How do I get close enough to capture the emotion without her wondering why a photographer is following them into a field?

Since he’s from Florida and it counting on my local knowledge, I got to work scoping out the ideal spot. I chose a hilly spot near a local winery - FeatherStone Winery —perfect for a tasting and a "spontaneous" walk to see the view. Because the eclipse was a massive event, I knew the fields would be dotted with tripod-toting enthusiasts. I leaned into that. I told Brandon exactly what I’d be wearing and set myself up as just another astrophotographer.

As they approached, I "introduced" myself under false pretenses. I asked if they’d mind sitting in the distance to provide a silhouette for my foreground. She didn't suspect a thing; she thought she was just helping a local artist get a better shot of the moon.

Capturing the Totality

When the moon finally covered the sun and the sky turned that eerie, mid-day twilight, Brandon started reaching for the ring. That was my cue. I broke character, ditched the "landscape photographer" act, and moved in.

The technical challenge was wild:

The Silhouette: Capturing the iconic "diamond ring" effect of the eclipse while keeping them perfectly framed in the distance.

The Pivot: Instantly switching settings to overexpose for the near-darkness to catch her reaction, the tears, and the sheer shock on her face.

The Atmosphere: Dealing with thin clouds that added a moody, abstract layer to the totality shots.

Man surprises girlfriend with a proposal in Niagara. During the Eclipse. He's on one knee on a hill with the sky in the background!

Why I Love the Plan

She said yes, and the result was a gallery that felt like a movie. We walked away with a mix of abstract silhouettes against the eclipsed sun and classic, candid emotional shots that captured the laughter and the "is this actually happening?" energy of the moment.

Planning a proposal is about more than just showing up; it’s about creating a space where the couple can be completely present while I handle the chaos of the "how." Whether it’s a vineyard at sunset or a rare cosmic event, the goal is always the same: a quiet solution to a high-pressure moment, resulting in photos you'll keep forever.

Planning a Niagara proposal? Let’s map out your perfect surprise. Get in touch!

Chris and Emma - Punta Cana Destination Wedding

When I first posted about heading to the Dominican Republic for my first destination wedding, I was mostly just running on pure excitement. But being there on the resort and beaches with Chris, Emma, and their 70+ guest crew was something else entirely—it was more than I ever could have dreamed of for a first trip like this.

The week wasn't just about the backdrops; it was about the energy of the people. From the shenanigans on in the pools during the week, to belly laughs during the toasts at dinners leading up to the special day, to the late-night dance floor chaos, every moment felt like a genuine celebration of Chris and emma. Seeing everyone truly let go and enjoy the tropical sun reminded me why I love capturing these stories in the first place.

It was an incredible experience, and honestly, I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to get back out there and do it all again.

Venue/REsort: Dreams Flora Resort & Spa - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Organizing Travel Agent : Jennifer Quinlan - Virtuoso Luxury Travel Advisor
Dress: Enchanting by @MonCheribridals
Alterations: @Alterationsbyginger
Litterally everything else: @Dreams Flora Resort

17 Years, Hundreds of Weddings, and Finally... A destination wedding!

After nearly two decades as a professional wedding photographer, I thought I’d seen it all. I have more than enough beautiful images in my portfolio to prove it. I’ve captured my fair share of tears, first looks, I do’s in almost every local venue (and a few across Canada!) imaginable. But as I sit here, making sure I am not forgetting anything as I pack, I keep asking myself a question that I am sure some of you are thinking too:

If I have been a successful wedding photographer for 17 years, why has it taken me so long to finally shoot a destination wedding?

It feels like some sort of cruel coincidence, doesn’t it? You’d think by year ten, I’d have a permanent tan on this pale Dutch Canadian skin tone and a collection of luggage tags and passport stamps from all sorts of amazing tropical places. The truth is, the “Destination Wedding” has been my white whale - the one box left unchecked on an otherwise very full career bucket list.

The Heartbreak of Hawaii

I was THIS close once. In the early days of the pandemic (sorry to bring that up!) I had the verbal commitment and a promise to “send the deposit at the end of the week when we get paid” for a dream wedding in Hawaii. Yes Hawaii. Then the world shut down, the “booking” became a memory and the wedding was held here in Southern Ontario. No one’s passport left their drawer. It was professional heartbreak that made me wonder if God just had different plans - one just to serve my local community that I have been blessed to serve for so many years.

The Punta Cana Countdown

But the streak officially ends in 48 hours.

I am heading to Dreams Flora Resort in Punta Cana and the mix of veteran confidence, and imposter syndrome jitters is setting in. after 17 years, I am finally asking myself new questions:

- What if I choke, and my stuff is just “ordinary”
- What if I get sick while down there as so many do while in the Carribean and I struggle to get out of bed on the morning of the wedding?
- What if what if what if.

I’m genuinely curious to see how a change of scenery shifts my perspective. There is a certain magic in the unknown where I will really have to put everything into my skills to knock it out of the park and I can’t wait to see how the tropical light and light tones of the beach plays with my style!

I have to give the biggest shout out to Chris and Emma, the Newly Wed’s to be. Thank you for trusting my vision for your big day and for being the ones to finally get me on that plane. You’re not just giving me a beautiful setting to shoot some great photos, you’re helping me fulfill a career-long dream.

Dominican Republic, I am coming for you. Let’s see if 17 years of waiting was worth waiting. Or better yet… I’ll post the images when I get back and you can help me decide!