Capturing Proposals on Super 8
Entry No. 4
As a wedding industry professional, here are my top three things to keep in mind:
- Set the Stage
- Props
- Day-of Coordination
Set the Stage
This has to come from you. I’m sorry, but there are no shortcuts here. If you’re drawing a blank, scroll through your camera roll to the beginning of your relationship for inspiration. Wherever you choose to do it–at the beach, on a hike, at a restaurant, or in the comfort of your home–it should be a setting that feels meaningful to your relationship.
This planning phase should be fun. Whether you have a large budget for an extravagant proposal or want to keep it simple and minimal, don’t underestimate the power of being thoughtful and specific to your partner.
The surprise is the best part.
This is probably one of the only times a little secrecy is a good thing. Maybe the only time your partner will cry tears of joy because you pulled it off so well.
Think about how they’ll retell the story when showing off the ring. Flex your romantic muscles and create a moment that feels unforgettable.
Don’t be shy about using Pinterest either. It’s a great tool to help visualize your idea. I love using it with my clients so they can show me what they have in mind, not just for the proposal, but for how they want their photos and video to look.
Here’s my Pinterest if you’d like something to get started.
If you’re still stuck, here are a few ideas for places or scenarios in which to set the stage:
- At home with your pets
- A picnic at the park
- A hike
- A restaurant
- A movie night
- A museum
- Disneyland
- A concert
- A trip
- Making dinner or breakfast together
Props
When I say props, I mean:
- Flowers
- Drinks
- Treats
- Board games
- Books
- Anything symbolic to the two of you or meaningful to your partner
Here’s an example of someone who went above and beyond.
Christian, one of my clients, is a designer. When we were going over props, he said he wanted to keep things simple. Just hanging out with his partner, having a picnic at Dolores Park, and then suddenly proposing.
As lovely as that idea was, as a videographer I needed details to make the video more interesting and give it depth. I asked, “What do you two do together? Play board games? Read books? Draw? Paint? What could be a fun prop?” He said they mostly just talk, which is beautiful and something I can absolutely capture.
But even by thinking about props, he began to think more deeply about the details. He ended up designing and creating their seat cushions and blanket. He brought a picnic basket, and each napkin had a love quote printed on it. He truly went above and beyond.
Play to your strengths. Are you a musician, poet, designer, or tech-savvy creative? Use your unique skills to wow your partner.
The proposal story, with all its details, is what they’ll relive for the rest of their life and retell to friends, family, and maybe even future generations.
Day-of Coordination
You’re not going to want to miss recording this moment. Whether it’s captured on an iPhone or documented professionally on Super 8, this is something your partner will want to watch again and again. Most clients text me after I deliver their film, saying their partner has already watched it more than 50 times.
If you hire a photographer or videographer for a moment like this, choose someone who will truly be in your corner and help guide the process. We’re there to support you on the day itself, keeping things calm, organized, and flowing exactly as planned.
The proposal and ring will already mean so much, but having someone behind the scenes who’s been part of the planning takes everything to the next level. When we document proposals, we love celebrating the thought, care, and intention that went into creating such a meaningful moment.
A Final Note
Try to have fun with the process. Proposals are truly some of my favorite moments to capture, and this is a memory you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives. Make it a story you’ll be excited to tell one day.
