Surprise Proposal at Mountain Top Arboretum in the Catskills
I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit of a sucker for proposals, especially in places like the Mountain Top Arboretum in the Catskills. There’s just something about the romance and the thrill of keeping it all a secret that gets me every time. Imagine me pretending to photograph birds or even acting like I'm taking pictures of my wife—it’s honestly pretty funny! Being a surprise proposal photographer is such a blast, and every proposal leaves me with wonderful memories.
Recently, I had the honor of capturing Adam’s beautiful and thoughtful proposal to Andrea. When he first contacted me, he mentioned his plan was only two weeks away. Adam and Andrea live in Brooklyn, but they wanted the proposal to be in the Catskills, where they spent a lot of time during COVID-19 and fell in love. When he reached out about surprising Andrea, there was no way I could say no! With limited time to plan, we worked out every detail through calls, emails, texts, and even some fun stick-figure diagrams I sketched to show Adam the right angle to stand when he popped the question.
Adam wanted a private sunrise proposal in the Catskills, somewhere beautiful but close to the parking area, since they aren’t big hikers. This narrowed down the options, and after scouting a few spots, I shared three locations. Adam picked the Top Mountain Arboretum, which was not a sunrise view, but it checked all his other boxes and felt just right. Plus, the Arboretum is quiet early in the mornings, so we’d have the place to ourselves. The night before, Adam confessed he was really nervous, so I did my best to reassure him!
On the morning of the proposal, the Catskills weather was perfect—sunny, crisp, and clear, with the fall leaves showing off their reds and yellows. When Adam and Andrea arrived, they took a short stroll around while I pretended to photograph my wife and the scenery. As they got closer, they paused almost right in front of me. Then, Adam knelt down pulled out a beautiful ring, and Andrea was absolutely stunned, taking it all in. She said yes, and I kept snapping photos to capture every moment. They had this sweet moment where they touched foreheads, completely absorbed in each other, and I just let them have that time together.
Afterward, I ran over to congratulate them, hand them some flowers and champagne, and then start a mini-shoot of their newly engaged selves. I always like to do this right after a proposal so they have a few fresh photos to use for their save-the-dates. We walked around the Mountain Top Arboretum and took some more shots to capture the joy of the moment.
Adam pulled off the perfect surprise proposal, and I was so honored to capture it all.
If you're dreaming of a romantic spot for your proposal, the Catskills is hard to beat! With stunning views, cozy vibes, and endless ways to make memories, it’s a magical place to pop the question or just celebrate love.
Looking for a photographer for your Hudson Valley/Catskills Proposal?
If you’re planning a Hudson Valley/Catskills proposal, reach out. I am a photographer and videographer who capture proposals, elopements, and weddings. Proposing is one of the most romantic things you can do. As your proposal photographer, I'm here to give you pro tips and make sure all the little details are perfect for the best proposal pictures ever! Hudson Valley NY is one of the best destinations to pop the question. Together we can created unique experiences that are personal, fun and romantic and as unique as the two of you.
I will be right by your side to support you throughout the process to relieve you from being overwhelmed!
