When a national park becomes so familiar that it starts to feel like visiting an old friend, that’s when you know it’s impossible to go too often! When I get the chance to visit it with newly found friends–it’s a no brainer! That’s why I immediately said yes to this Glacier National Park proposal plan. Here’s the story of the day as I remember it of this future groom’s surprise proposal ideas put into action! 

Surprise Proposal Ideas Become an Engagement Story

After dating for about four years, Gabe and Gracie knew that they wanted to get married. Gabe was just waiting for the perfect time and place to ask the big question. He pulled Glacier National Park from his list of surprise proposal ideas because it’s so special to Gracie. He knew it would mean a lot to her even though she was a little anxious during the shoot knowing she didn’t want to be disappointed if he didn’t propose.

We arrived in the park following a fun and giggly 2.5 hour drive together! We made it to Gracie’s favorite spot in the park at a massive rock that overlooks Saint Mary Lake (second largest lake in the park following Lake McDonald). It was so WINDY that none of us could even stand up straight.

Don’t get me wrong, a little wind during a session or an elopement in Glacier National Park can actually be a really good thing! It gives the photos some motion and depth and allows for some fun, unexpected photos. That day, it was the kind of wind where you have to use all of your strength to keep your feet planted. Gabe had to take a different approach!

Plan B on a Windy Glacier National Park Day

We drove back a little to Logan Pass (the highest drivable elevation in the park) where there are some shorter trails. One was chosen that went straight to a boardwalk providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There was little to no wind at all and it was glorious! I started taking photos and had no idea when Gabe was actually going to propose. It felt like the shoot wasn’t even real until she had the ring on her finger so I was trying to give them all the space and time they needed.

After switching them to the prettiest location yet, the sun slowly started setting and Gabe pulled the marriage proposal ring from his pocket. He got on one knee and asked Gracie to spend the rest of her life with him. She immediately started crying and of course said yes!

From Surprise Proposal Ideas to a Real-Life Friendship

We spent the rest of the evening taking photos, crying and giggling together. Gabe shared all of the details surrounding his surprise proposal ideas coming to life on the long drive back! It was one of the sweetest moments I’ve been a part of and I will never forget it!

Before Gracie and I met we had already planned on spending about 10 full days nonstop together. She also had asked me to take photos of her and Gabe, but didn’t know it would be a proposal. We had previously connected as fellow Glacier National Park photographers, so it was the perfect opportunity for us to be somewhere we loved doing what we loved, together!

We went hiking, camping, swimming, and had a complete ball in Montana before Gabe joined us. It’s a good thing we got along or that would have been a long 10 days! Essentially, Gracie and I met in real life for the first time, and less than two weeks later I got to share one of the most special moments of her life!

The photography world is such an interesting one where you can connect so deeply over shared experiences long before ever crossing paths in real life. It’s pretty easy to feel like you know someone long before you really do. Gracie and I have that kind of friendship.

One of the primary beliefs of my photography business is that I am your friend first and your photographer second. It’s more important to me that we connect on a human level before we look at capturing you two through my camera lens. I love making these connections both with other photographers and couples too!

Looking to have your photography session at Glacier National Park or anywhere else? Tell me your ideas!