March 1, 2020

Allan Gardens Surprise Proposal

This winter has been a long one. With little to no sun in Toronto. It seemed another week of clouds was going to roll by, but almost as though the 6ix had conspired with D’Jean this day, the sun broke out and we had a gorgeous, albeit crisp morning, to greet us. D’Jean had reached out to me a few weeks before and told me about his plan to set up a surprise proposal at Toronto’s Allan Gardens Botanical Garden for his girlfriend Crystal, on one of the sweetest days of the year, valentines.

We soon got to planning and spoke about the best area to take to one knee and pop the question. A place simultaneous spacious and less likely to have heavy foot traffic, whilst also getting the best light and angle for the proposal photos. Crystal knew that a couple’s shoot had been planned, and felt relaxed as she got ready that morning knowing that I would be photographing their romantic Valentine day session. We had already shot together during the spring of last year, and I had gotten to know them both as a couple exploring the streets of Yorkville.

Valentine’s day had finally arrived, and I hopped on a streetcar to make my way to our meeting point. Already on a high from the night before, where D’Jean had surprised (1st surprise!) Crystal with a stay at a fancy hotel which included a bed covered in rose petals, jewelry, and a lovely card, I could see her immediately from the other side of the conservatory, smile beaming.

The plan was in motion. D’Jean said he needed to put the bags down near a bench and get his coat off, so I suggested we go take some solo shots of her further into the gardens. Walking back to D’Jean and the center of the conservatory, where the large roof let in soft clear light, I said I wanted a layered photo of them both. Placing Crystal infront of me and D’Jean standing a little behind, I moved around taking photos, and once her eyes were no longer on me, gave a nod to D’Jean who slowly got out the little red box from his pocket and began to kneel.

She felt something was off, but this was all part of the plan, and slowly turned round to find out what was going on. And there he was, grinning, knee to the ground, arm outstretched, with an engagement ring. Crystal just stood still for a moment, in shock, bringing her hand to her face, and then letting out a giggle. D’Jean held her hand and asked her those four little words. You can have a look to see what she said, little hint, it was a happy ending!

Allan Gardens Botanical Toronto Couples Surprise Engagement Proposal Photography