Last Updated on December 6, 2022

Would you like to learn how to plan a surprise proposal in Yosemite for that special someone in your life? Come and check out this blog and find out how we did it!

When your partner tells you “Hey, remember how you said we should be more spontaneous? Ya… Let’s do that”! As a result, Shaq and Misbah purchased two plane tickets and flew in from Texas to San Francisco International Airport. Once the couple landed; they rented a jeep for a weekends getaway in Yosemite National Park so that they could have their surprise proposal, I mean spontaneous couples adventure photo session.

Choose a local photographer

Shaq reached out on Instagram requesting for A ” Couples Adventure Photo Session” which in terms means a.k.a How to plan a surprise proposal for his beloved girlfriend Misbah. As an elopement & wedding photographer I will always make sure to have a plan of action, planning is extremely essential especially when doing so in a national park; there shouldn’t be any “winging-it” happening.

Finding your dream-exact location

Planning a surprise proposal in Yosemite National Park was the perfect location for Shaq to get down on one knee and ask the women of his dreams if she would make him the happiest man alive. Further, Yosemite National Park was their very first trip they took together, so it was only right to make it even more memorable. So we thoroughly went through locations, sent screen shots, exact google pins, the works. We made sure to cover all the details.

Here are a few things to bring out for your photo session:

• Hand Warmers by HotHands – These are great, not a frozen finger in sight!
• I always bring an ice chest with goodies: This is great for those who are looking to save a little $$$
  • Snacks (Cliff Bars, Slim Jim, Sandwiches…)
  • Water to keep you hydrated (Don’t forget your Liquid IV)!

Lets not forget about the FOOD:

• Curry Village (Indoor seating at the Dinning Pavilion) – Starbucks is right next door!
  • Pizza Deck

• The Ahwahnee Dining Room

• Base Camp Eatery

However, some restaurants may be closed during the winter season.

Coordinate & Logistics

Here are a few suggestions & things everyone should share with one another before the surprise proposal I mean couples adventure photo session:

1. The couple will need to provide a point of contact for emergency purposes
   • Communicate with your family members and friends in regards to your whereabouts.
2. What type of vehicles are you driving?
   • For example, I always give a description of my vehicle such as: Type, Brand/Model, Color, and the crazy girl behind the wheel lol.
3. Know what route you will be taking and what your ETA will be.
4. Ask your photographer for a drop pin. I always use Google Maps for everything!
   • I always send my clients a drop pin to the exact location we will be shooting at, if my clients are unfamiliar with the area I’ll send them coordinates and a general screen shot of the place that way we can confirm the location and no one get’s lost.
   • Make sure your photographer is familiar with the location, you do not want to be looking for locations the day of.
     • Keep in mind, the plan can change at any moment due to weather and road conditions. So please be sure to have a back up plan in the event your desired location is no longer available.

Roleplay

The photographer will arrive earlier to secure parking, get their gear all set up, and get themselves in position. Your photographer can easily get away with taking stills especially if you are in a national park, do you think it would be uncommon to see a photographer taking a photo of Yosemite Lower Falls- I think not.

Once in position, the groom to be will casually ask a ‘random photographer’ if they could take a photo of them with their iPhone, photographer goes yes of course, sure. They did one turnaround and before she knew it he was down on one knee and I their photographer was firing away!

“A Friendship that Blossomed into Separable LOVE! “

– Shaq

Are you planning a surprise proposal in Yosemite? If so, then what are you waiting for? Lets get ya hitched!