There is something so special in the moments right after an engagement, where everything else seems to fall away and time freezes. They’re the memories that we try to hang on to but often get lost or jumbled as time goes on. That’s why capturing them is so important.

The Engagement Session Planning

When the groom-to-be told me about his plans to propose to his girlfriend in her hometown in Minnesota at the ice rink where she grew up playing hockey, I knew that it was going to be incredible. Being completely transparent, the bride-to-be is my best friend from college and one of the women in my life who is more of a sister than just a friend. So admittedly, I had a lot of personal emotion riding on this engagement session.

With her family hiding in a locker room and me hiding behind one of the rink walls, he brought her to center ice and presented her with a photo album that had some childhood photos in it with plenty of space for them to fill with new adventures and memories together.

Before he got down on one knee, she figured it out and was the most beautifully shocked I have ever seen someone as they were bring proposed to. Her family came out to the ice and stood back as the two of them shared words and prayers for their relationship.

The Post-Proposal Engagement Photos

After taking some time to celebrate with her family, the two of them and I headed to a library in downtown St. Paul for some engagement photos before dinner with her family. The groom-to-be and I had spent the morning getting things ready for the proposal and these engagement photos, so we had a sequined jumpsuit, shoes, and makeup ready for her to do a quick change. Side note – if you’re planning a proposal like this with photos afterwards, talk to your photographer about how to plan for any outfit changes and what to wear based on your photo location!

Taking photos right after a proposal is so much fun, and it’s clear in the couples’ expressions that they are still riding this high of disbelief, joy, and in this case – utter shock. So being able to capture these memories as they’re happening is something that really can’t be replicated.

Why Proposal Photos Are Always Worth It

Whether you know it’s coming or you’re completely surprised, Proposal Day is a special kind of magic. And having it captured by a professional and being able to have an engagement session right after truly freezes those memories and emotions forever. This day is part of your story as a couple, and being able to look back on it for years to come is something that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.

These two completely embody what it means to be made for each other. They are kind. They are trustworthy. They are fierce, fierce friends. And I can’t wait to capture their love story as it continues for years to come.

If you’re looking to plan a proposal or schedule an engagement session, I would love to chat about capturing your perfect day!

And follow along on Instagram for more love stories!