A Hallmark-Worthy Proposal
Ryan and Kelly’s surprise proposal photoshoot at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, Florida, was the epitome of a Hallmark movie moment. Picture it: a charming Christmas tree adorned with white lights and silver ornaments, a crisp December evening, and the love of your life waiting to be swept off their feet. Ryan envisioned creating the kind of magical scene that would make Kelly feel like the star of her very own romantic movie — and let me tell you, he nailed it!
For those of you who don't spend October though December glued to the Hallmark channel (like you should), a Hallmark movie moment is that scene that feels almost too perfect to be real. It’s brimming with romance, heartfelt gestures, and just the right amount of festive sparkle. And thanks to Ryan’s careful planning, Kelly’s surprise proposal was exactly that.
Thoughtful Planning for an Unforgettable Moment
Ryan put so much thought into every detail of the proposal. From coordinating his outfit (a classic, stylish look perfect for photos) to picking the exact moment he’d get down on one knee, he wanted everything to be flawless. Understandably, he was a little nervous leading up to the big moment — but who wouldn’t be?! To ease his nerves, I reassured him with a quick pep talk, affirmed his outfit choice, and sent him photos of the Christmas tree and surrounding gardens so he could picture how everything would unfold. Spoiler alert: Kelly said yes! I'm sure her shocked smile was everything Ryan had hoped for and more.
The Perfect Location
As a photographer, my job is to ensure that my clients’ special moments look as magical in photos as they feel in real life. For this shoot, that meant arriving three hours early to the Florida Botanical Gardens to scout the perfect spot for Ryan’s proposal. The gardens were buzzing with holiday visitors, but I found the ideal angle by the Christmas tree that made it look like Ryan and Kelly had the entire place to themselves.
The Florida Botanical Gardens is a gem in the Tampa Bay area, spanning 100 acres it’s stunning year-round. From lush greenery to vibrant floral displays, it’s the perfect backdrop for any photoshoot. During the holidays, it transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and countless picturesque spots for proposals, weddings, and other special occasions.
The Big Moment: Capturing Their Love Story
When the moment arrived, Ryan led Kelly to the Christmas tree. She had no idea what was coming, which made her reaction even more priceless. As Ryan dropped to one knee, Kelly’s expression was pure joy and disbelief. The look in her eyes said it all: she wasn’t just surprised — she was ecstatic!
After the proposal, we wandered the gardens to capture a series of portraits that highlighted their excitement and love. The festive backdrops of twinkling lights and seasonal decor added an extra layer of magic to their photos.
Why Hiring a Photographer for Your Proposal Is a Must
Ryan’s decision to hire a photographer was one of the best gifts he could have given Kelly. Proposals happen in the blink of an eye, and emotions can be so overwhelming that it’s hard to remember every detail. The photos from this session will allow Kelly to relive that moment over and over again, from the look of determination on Ryan’s face to the joy they shared when she said yes. I'm speaking from experience here, I definitely wish my husband had arranged for a photographer especially now that we're both too old to remember what he said!
Start Planning Your Hallmark Moment Today
If you’re planning a proposal, engagement session, or any special event, let’s make it magical. The Florida Botanical Gardens is just one of many incredible locations in the Tampa Bay area that can set the stage for your story. With a little planning and the perfect location your moment can be as unforgettable as Ryan and Kelly’s.
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