Devou Park, Covington, Kentucky
As a photographer, there are moments that leave me feeling incredibly lucky to do what I do. Recently, I had the honor of capturing a surprise marriage proposal against the stunning backdrop of the Cincinnati skyline from Devou Park. It was one of those magical sessions where love and anticipation filled the air, and every shot felt like it told its own story.
It all began with Jordan sending me a message asking if I had availability to capture his surprise proposal. I was thrilled to be chosen for such an occasion, so we started planning right away. He hoped to propose at sunset, with the skyline in the background, and he wanted the moment captured in real-time — a memory they could look back on for years to come.
Cincinnati's skyline, with its mix of modern architecture and historic charm, made the perfect setting. The sun cast its golden glow over the buildings and reflected beautifully off the Ohio River. Jordan had chosen a spot that gave us a panoramic view of the city, creating a romantic and timeless backdrop for this special moment.
Arriving about 15 minutes ahead of the couple, I got into position behind some bushes, keeping an ever watchful eye out for a tall man in a white shirt and blue shorts and a woman with blond hair, as Jordan had described to me over the phone. However, upon realizing that our plan to use the gazebo would not be an option since it had been reserved for a wedding, I alerted the groom-to-be that we would need to go with plan B.
From my new hiding-in-plain-view place on the lawn, I saw the couple arrive and waited for the signal. Due to other wedding parties taking photos in the same location Jordan wanted to pop the question, he led Jenna to a bench where they took in the sunset and waited. I enjoyed a nice little chat with the park ranger about city lights and photography, trying to look inconspicuous while the bride-to-be glanced around the area.
Finally, I sneaked into a new hiding spot, crouching behind parked cars and praying that no one mistook me for a creepy stalker. I was noticed by a small group of teenage girls who asked if I was photographing a proposal because they had noticed a ring in the man's back pocket. Confirming their suspicions, they decided to wait and witness the moment!
While hiding behind a white SUV, I received a message from Jordan when he realized the wedding party wasn't leaving anytime soon. We quickly agreed on plan C, which was to find another patch of grass in front of the skyline with enough space to photograph without other viewers obstructing the scene. He led Jenna over and knelt down on one knee, pulling the ring from his pocket. From my place behind the swings, I captured Jenna's emotional response as she accepted Jordan's proposal for forever.
After the proposal, we spent some time capturing more portraits of the newly-engaged couple against the skyline. It’s in moments like these, where love, excitement, and a beautiful city all come together, that I feel truly privileged to be behind the lens. Capturing a surprise proposal is a reminder that photographs are more than just images — they’re a way of holding onto a feeling, a memory, and a moment in time forever.
Congratulations, Jenna and Jordan, as you enter this exciting time as fiancée and fiancé!
Thanks for reading!
~ Laura
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