Proposal · New England Botanic Garden
New England Botanic Garden Proposal — Colin & Nikkie
"Short notice. Big surprise."
- Location
- New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston
- When
- Spring bloom
- Type
- Surprise proposal + portraits
- From
- South Dakota, with friends
- Notice
- Short
Colin's friend reached out on short notice — Colin had the whole plan in his head, he just needed someone to make it happen on the day.
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Short notice, real plan
We coordinated quickly: the timing, the path through the garden, where I'd be hiding, the backup if they got delayed. They'd flown in from South Dakota with friends to visit the New England Botanic Garden together, which made the visit itself the cover — a group walking the gardens is the most normal thing in the world there, and the gardens have concealment almost everywhere.
The moment
On the day, they wandered through and I was waiting out of sight. Colin went to one knee, Nikkie said yes — completely surprised — and the friends who'd been keeping the secret got to see it happen. Nikkie's review afterwards asked for 'a sneaky photographer', which is about the best job description I've had.
Portraits after
We celebrated among the spring blooms before walking the gardens for portraits — the ring, an embrace in the flowers, the paths, a final engagement portrait. The Botanic Garden is an hour west of Boston, and the drive is worth it for exactly this: color, space and quiet you can't get in the city.
If you're planning a proposal at the New England Botanic Garden
- Buy timed-entry admission online in advance, and check the Garden's photography-session booking for your date — that's a separate item.
- Spring bloom is the draw, but timing shifts by weeks year to year; give me a flexible window rather than one locked day.
- Short notice is fine when the plan is clear. A friend can set it up on your behalf — Colin's did.
- The four best spots, the Orangerie in winter and the practical logistics are in the New England Botanic Garden proposal guide, and proposal photography starts at $699.
"He worked with us on short notice to make this day special. We were very appreciative of what he did to make this moment memorable. Would highly recommend for a sneaky photographer."
— Nikkie, Google review
