Anyone who’s been here a minute knows that I absolutely adore photographing proposals—especially the kind where I have to hide in bushes (or behind cars), paparazzi-style. Give me the thrill, the nerves, the shaky hands, the “IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?” energy, and I’m fully in my element. And when that moment happens to take place during a Lake Winnipesaukee proposal, with the lake calm, the air crisp, and the whole world feeling like it’s holding its breath, it becomes even more unforgettable.
So when Ashley—one of my past brides and the sister of the soon-to-be-fiancée—reached out asking if I would photograph Jill and Mike’s proposal, it was the easiest yes of my life.
This proposal wasn’t just sweet. It was MASTERFULLY planned.
The Setup: A Quiet Fall Evening on Lake Winnipesaukee
Mike chose to propose at his parents’ house, right on the dock overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. If you know anything about fall in the Lakes Region… it’s basically romance in HD. Crisp air, soft foliage, the stillness of the water—just absolute perfection for a dockside proposal on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Jill thought she was just heading down to the dock with Mike for a quiet moment outside. Meanwhile, Ashley and I were hiding behind a car like two professional spies with cameras instead of binoculars. We were whispering, peeking, crouching, and trying not to accidentally pop into view too early. (Nothing humbles a photographer like hiding behind a Subaru while clutching a 70–200mm.)
The Moment It Happened
And then… it happened.
Mike got down on one knee on the edge of the dock, fall colors behind them, lake water glowing, and Jill’s sweet baby Stella right there for the moment. The second she realized what was happening, her whole face lit up. It was one of those proposals where the joy hits instantly—the full-body “YES!” kind of moment that makes you emotional even from behind a parked car.
As soon as she said yes, Ashley and I jumped out from hiding, cheering, shouting, and photographing like the world’s most enthusiastic secret agents. There’s nothing better than capturing that first moment of “Oh my gosh, you saw that! You were HERE!”
Because Good Proposals? They Have a Phase Two.
And the next part of this Lake Winnipesaukee proposal was just as perfect.
After their dockside moment, a boat arrived to pick them up—like a literal movie scene. They hopped on board and headed across the lake to Church Landing, where their closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate.
Imagine getting proposed to… your baby in your arms… your partner glowing… then being whisked across Lake Winnipesaukee by boat, golden light hitting the water, and a crowd of your favorite people waiting on the shore? Elite behavior from Mike and Ashley. Truly.
Watching It All Unfold Was Pure Magic
As a photographer, these are the sessions that stay with you. Proposals are quick, high-energy, full-adrenaline moments. They’re emotional and intimate and wildly exciting. There’s no re-do, no second take, no improvising later—you’re capturing a moment that changes someone’s life.
Watching this fall Lake Winnipesaukee proposal unfold felt like being part of a family secret that was finally ready to be shared with the world. The love, the planning, the anticipation—every piece of it was so intentional and special.
I’m still smiling thinking about it.
Planning Your Own Lake Winnipesaukee Proposal?
If you’re dreaming of a Lake Winnipesaukee proposal—on a dock, a boat, a mountainside, or anywhere in the Lakes Region—I would love to help you plan and photograph it.
From hiding spots to timing to lighting to logistics… I’ve got you. Inquire here!
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