A Surprise Boat Proposal in Newport, Rhode Island

Don't wait for the "perfect time"—the people you love are worth remembering exactly as they are today.

Some proposals require a little planning. Others require a photographer and a violinist to pretend they're on a first date for an entire boat ride. 😂

When Jonathan contacted me about photographing his proposal to Sophie, who was visiting from Miami with him, he had planned an incredibly romantic surprise: a private boat ride, flowers, a violinist, a gorgeous ring, and a proposal on the water in Newport.

There was just one small problem.

How exactly do you hide a photographer and a violinist on a boat?

On land, I can blend into the crowd, hide behind something, or pretend I'm photographing the scenery. On a boat with only two other people? Not so much.

The solution was hilarious: instead of making it look like Jonathan had chartered a boat just for the two of them, it became a charter for four. The violinist and I were suddenly another couple along for the ride — and, apparently, on our first date.

Nothing suspicious happening here. Just two totally normal strangers who happened to be taking a romantic boat ride together. 😂

Somehow, it worked.

Sophie had absolutely no idea what was happening.

When the moment finally came, I was ready with my camera, the violinist came out for the surprise, and Jonathan proposed.

Her reaction was EVERYTHING.

She was so genuinely shocked and excited that she started jumping up and down on the boat. At one point, I was laughing while photographing because I was legitimately afraid she was going to tip the boat!

Thankfully, we all stayed afloat.

And once the initial shock wore off, there was so much happiness. We had the boat, the water, the flowers, live violin music, and plenty of time afterward to capture the two of them celebrating their brand-new engagement.

This is one of the things I love most about photographing proposals. You can plan every detail — where I'll stand, when I'll start photographing, how we'll keep the camera hidden — but you can never plan someone's reaction.

And Sophie's reaction couldn't have been better.

Congratulations, Jonathan and Sophie! Thank you for letting me be part of such a fun, beautiful (and thankfully dry!) beginning to this next chapter together.
Planning a Newport Boat Proposal?

If you're thinking about proposing in Newport, Rhode Island, there are so many ways to make it completely your own — from a sunset boat proposal to Brenton Point, the Cliff Walk, Castle Hill, or one of Newport's quieter hidden spots.

As a Newport proposal photographer, I can help with more than just showing up with a camera. I can help you think through the location, timing, lighting, where I'll be hiding, and how we can keep the photography a surprise.

And if your proposal happens to be on a boat with nowhere for me to hide?

Apparently, I'm also available to go on a fake first date. 😉

Caitlin photographed my engagement and did an UNBELIEVABLE job, the pictures are amazing and she even played along to make sure my fiancée wouldn’t notice until the time was perfect. She’s super responsive as well, my experience was really the best, highly recommend!

-5 star review from Jonathan