Casey & Shenay’s Surprise Proposal at Lake Samsonvale

Shenay thought she was going for a picnic.

That was the plan Casey had given her anyway.

What she didn’t know was that Casey had arranged for me to hide nearby, camera ready, waiting for the perfect moment to capture his surprise proposal.

I always love being involved in a surprise proposal, but there is something extra special about being completely hidden and watching someone arrive with absolutely no idea what is about to happen.

Lake Samsonvale was the perfect setting. The lake, the greenery and the mountains in the distance made such a beautiful backdrop, but more importantly, it gave Casey the quiet and relaxed setting he was looking for.

I found my hiding spot and waited.

Then Casey proposed.

Shenay’s reaction was everything. The surprise, the excitement and that moment when it all sinks in that you have just got engaged. These are the moments I love most about photographing proposals because there is nothing forced about them. You are simply capturing something incredibly real.

Once Shenay knew what was going on, I could finally come out of hiding and we could actually start their engagement session.

We spent some time exploring around the lake and taking photographs together, mixing in some relaxed, natural moments with a few portraits. They were still riding the excitement of the proposal, which made everything feel really easy and natural.

And of course, we had to make the most of that view.

The mountains across the lake were such a beautiful backdrop for their engagement photos and gave us some of my favourite images from the afternoon.

I think one of the best things about photographing couples is that you get to meet them at all these different stages of their lives. For Casey and Shenay, I got to meet them on the day they went from boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancés.

Not a bad way to start an engagement session.

If you are planning a surprise proposal around Brisbane, I would absolutely recommend thinking about having a photographer there to capture it. You only get one chance to see that reaction, and having those photographs afterwards means you can relive it for years to come.

And if your partner thinks they are just going for a picnic...

Even better.

Congratulations Casey and Shenay. It was such a privilege to be part of your surprise and to capture the beginning of this next chapter for you both.