A Windy Willow Grove Surprise: Mitchell & Ryli’s Proposal Photo Shoot

When Mitchell reached out to me about photographing his surprise proposal to his girlfriend Ryli, I knew we were about to create something truly special. As a DFW photographer, these are the moments I live for—raw emotion, a beautiful backdrop, and a story worth remembering.

We decided to stage the proposal photo shoot during Ryli’s spring break. Ryli is currently in medical school (can we hear it for the hardworking med students?!), so timing was everything. Willow Grove Park made the perfect setting—peaceful, scenic, and just secluded enough to pull off a surprise.

To keep the moment under wraps, I pretended to be making a TikTok video so Ryli wouldn’t suspect anything. She had no idea I was actually there as their proposal photographer, ready to capture the big moment.

Despite the intense wind and a surprising amount of dirt in the air, the atmosphere worked in our favor. The haze gave the photos a dreamy, cinematic feel—something you really can't plan for but always appreciate when it happens naturally.

The proposal itself? A total success. Ryli’s reaction was everything Mitchell had hoped for, and the joy between them was contagious. We also got incredibly lucky with the timing—a flock of geese flew right over us during a sweet moment, and we caught a perfectly timed shot of them kissing underneath the birds. It was pure magic.

After the proposal, we spent some time capturing engagement photos to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Between the park, the breeze, and the golden tones in the air, everything just came together beautifully.

Mitchell and Ryli’s proposal was a reminder that love, timing, and a little bit of nature’s chaos can come together to create unforgettable memories. If you're planning your own surprise moment and are looking for a proposal photographer who’s ready to blend into the background (or pretend to be a TikToker!), I’d be honored to help you capture the moment.