There is a particular type of magic that only winter can offer, crisp air, twinkling lights, and the feeling that love is wrapped in something timeless. That magic was everywhere last weekend when Drew and Nicki got engaged during their Festival of Silver Lights proposal in Meriden, Connecticut.
Their day began simply and beautifully. Drew made dinner reservations to set the tone for what felt like a holiday date night. Afterward, he led Nicki to Hubbard Park, where The Festival of Silver Lights transforms the landscape into a glowing winter wonderland. Strings of lights reflected across the frozen pond, casting a soft shimmer that felt as though the scene itself was holding its breath.
Brian and I sat quietly on a nearby bench as they walked past, doing our best to blend into the evening. Once they reached the perfect spot, we moved into position. And then, it happened: Drew dropped to one knee.
There is nothing quite like witnessing the exact second when a person understands that the love of their life has planned something so thoughtful. Nicki’s expression – surprised, emotional, overflowing with joy – is the kind of moment that cannot be recreated. It is why proposal photography matters. A proposal happens only once, and having that fleeting moment preserved means being able to relive it forever.
One of my favorite parts of photographing a proposal is when the newly engaged partner realizes their fiancé arranged for someone to be there capturing everything. It is romantic in the purest form, an intentional choice to say: I want us to remember this forever.
After their Festival of Silver Lights proposal, the two took in the magic of the evening as fiancés for the very first time. (I’ll share some of those images soon!) It was the perfect beginning to a holiday season they will never forget.
If you’re planning to propose, whether during the holidays or any time of year, let’s make sure your love story is documented with intention. These are the photos that will become heirlooms.
Reach out to begin planning your proposal photography experience.
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