5 Reasons to Hire a Proposal Photographer | Indianapolis, Indiana

Proposal photographer captures surprise engagement with man on one knee holding ring box towards smiling woman.

An important thing to consider as you’re planning your proposal is if you want to hire a proposal photographer to capture it all. Why should you book a proposal photographer? We know first-hand the value of having a proposal documented because we had ours documented. Let’s jump into what it looks like to book a proposal photographer!

Woman looks up at man smiling while man laughs while looking at proposal photographer.

Josh reached out to us and shared that he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Rachel. Josh was considering photo and video coverage of his proposal with some engagement photos afterwards.

Man and woman are hugging next to the waterfall right before man proposes.
Couple kisses on rock in front of falls after woman says yes to proposal.
Couple is dancing together and smiling at each other.

He knows Rachel and thought this was something she would really love and enjoy. Jonathan and I were 100% on board and basically freaking out with excitement.

Couple laughs and dances together on a rock that looks out over the water at Cataract Falls State Park.

Josh wanted a beautiful spot in nature (he was hoping for waterfalls). He and Rachel enjoying being in nature, and being outdoors is a particularly happy place for Rachel.

Man dips woman and kisses her in front of a waterfall.

When he gave us this information, we knew of an incredible spot that wasn’t very far away from Indianapolis: Cataract Falls State Park.

Cataract Falls State Park during sunset on a beautiful sunny day in May.

In the months ahead, we talked often and planned all the details from the outfits to the stunning spot overlooking the falls, the ring hand-off to the number of poses that would cue the big question.

Couple hugs while woman laughs, looks at proposal photographer, and points to man.
Couple celebrates engagement by spraying sparkling water joyously towards proposal photographer.

During this process Josh shared with us, “This is going off without a hitch and I couldn’t be more thankful for you!” You see, Rachel thought that she and Josh were modeling for us. Little did she know what surprise awaited her.

Waterfall Proposal

On May 7, 2022, Josh proposed to Rachel in front of Cataract Falls with the most gorgeous sunset lighting them. Rachel was so surprised, and their genuine emotion and true joy over their engagement was beautiful to behold. To say that it is an honor to capture epic life moments like this is an understatement.

Couple faces each other and interlaces fingers together with a prism effect around them.

The main thing I loved about my photo shoot with Vallosio Photo + Film was the simplicity of it. Ashley and Jonathan heard my idea and ran with it. They provided multiple venues for me to choose from, they helped orchestrated our attire for the evening, and even brought sparkling water for great photo opportunities. They nailed down all the small details for me, I just had to show up! In fact, my biggest worry was planning it all by myself. I have never planned something as important as proposal/engagement photos before. Vallosio Photo + Film to the rescue!

I would recommend Ashley and Jonathan to anybody. Not only did they plan everything, they are so kind, caring, and thoughtful. It was an absolute pleasure to share the evening with them. We shared lots of conversation and laughs. They really made me comfortable, and that took the nerves out of the equation. So comfortable that we asked them to do our wedding. We are so excited for you guys to capture our marriage, and we look forward to many family photo sessions in the future!

Thank you so much Ashley and Jonathan!

-Josh S.
Man lifts woman by waterfall and they laugh.
Couple laughs while standing on rock looking at one another happily.

Surprise Proposal Photographer

Why should you book a proposal photographer? Below are 5 reasons why we think you should go for it.

Newly engaged couple looks down at ring on woman's hand while smiling.

1. Your proposal is documented in a beautiful way.

This is a big life step and having photos of life events like this are important for you and your partner. Professional photos mean high quality documentation so beautiful moments like this are captured in a way that stands the test of time.

Man gets down on one knee to propose to woman on a rock in front of a waterfall.
Proposal photographer documents man proposing with ring in box and woman has hands on her face surprised.
Proposal photographer captures man proposing to woman in front of waterfall while woman has her hands on her face surprised.

2. It allows you to be present in the moment.

Hiring a proposal photographer takes the pressure off your partner (and you!) to document everything so you both can fully enjoy the moment.

Proposal photographer captures man holding ring box next to girl moments before proposing.

There is a high likelihood that either you or your significant other take photos of their latte art/food, or the two of you on date night, or other fun things in your lives together. Why wouldn’t you both want photos of your proposal as well?

Couple stands for an embrace in front of a waterfall.
Close up of a woman embracing a man with his arms around her.

Josh told us, “If any other photographer shot this, I would have been a nervous wreck. I kept saying that I knew Rachel would love to have you take photos of us, but looking back on it, I really needed you as well.”

This meant that Josh and Rachel could both be present and enjoy their exciting night together without worrying about documenting it.

Couple is happily walking together holding hands along a rocky trail with trees behind them.
Couple slow dances on a large rock looking over the water.

3. The proposal can be followed up with an engagement session.

A proposal photographer wraps everything up into 1 package and captures all the excitement at once! It takes care of one more thing before you begin planning for your upcoming wedding or elopement.

GIF of smiling couple clinks glasses together to celebrate engagement

4. A proposal photographer helps you plan the details.

This means less stress for you. They will help with location scouting, outfit suggestions, work with you to find an alibi that aligns with the location you choose, and help plan a cue/spot for when/where the proposal will take place.

Focus is on woman's backless dress while she holds man's hand.

You can breathe easily knowing that you have some help and the only thing you have to think about on the day you propose is what you want to say to the person you love when you ask them to marry you.

Woman puts head on man's chest while they dance.

Josh told us, “It’s been a blessing to have you in my corner thinking though the small details. It has made this event so stress-free, and I feel like I can just enjoy it. You’re great at this! Thank you so much!”

Man is down on one kneed and puts engagement ring on her finger in front of waterfall.
Engagement ring on woman's hand while she smiles at man.
Couple smiles while hugging and woman has her head on man's chest.
Woman has a tear on her face as she hugs man after his proposal.
Focus on engagement ring and couple's hands.

5. You show your partner just how much they mean to you.

I can almost guarantee that your partner will be SO HAPPY you hired a proposal photographer and surprised them. Doing something like this is very thoughtful and intentional. It will show your partner that you wanted to plan something incredible for them to sit back and enjoy.

Couple walking together holding hands during a vibrant sunset.

Rachel shared this with me following their session, “My mind is seriously blown! I can’t believe he/you organized all this! I feel so loved and treasured.” Don’t underestimate how loudly actions speak in showing love.

Couple holds hands while talking to one another next to waterfall at Cataract Falls.
Couple holds hands with interlaced fingers and ring is in focus.

Simple Steps for Booking a Proposal Photographer:

  1. You can inquire with us here.
  2. From there, we will contact you to set up a call + talk about package options.
  3. You can share with us your vision of what you want and what is most important to you/your significant other.
  4. We will build some packages for you to choose from as well as pick out the location.
  5. Then you book and pay for your session.
  6. After that, we will continue to chat with you to finalize details and you’re all set!
Man has arms around woman as he stands behind her and they smile for their proposal photographer.

If this is what you’re looking for, you can reach out and contact Jonathan and I here and we can start talking about your vision for asking the love of your life to marry you.

If you liked this post, then we think you would enjoy looking through these as well:

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Summer Kennedy Estate Wedding

Focus is on leaves in foreground while couple holds hands in the blurry background.
Couple walks on rocky trail at sunset towards waterfall.
Couple sits on rock leaning their heads on each other with closed eyes while the sun sets behind them.
Couple joyfully looking at each other and giggling.
Couple kisses while they are dancing together.
Woman and man smile at each other in front of waterfall at sunset.
Man wipes tear from woman's face while they are dancing.
Couple continues to laugh while holding hands and looking at each other.

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We’re Jonathan + Ashley Vallosio,
videographers + photographers in Indianapolis, IN, ready to capture
photos + video of your next adventure.

Contact us at vallosiophotoandfilm@gmail.com.

Image by Made in the Mountains Photo

Image by Made in the Mountains Photo

We’re Jonathan + Ashley Vallosio,
videographers + photographers in Indianapolis, IN, ready to capture
photos + video of your next adventure.

Contact us at vallosiophotoandfilm@gmail.com.