As a South Florida wedding photographer I also find myself photographing at the best places to propose in South Florida. It only makes sense considering the fact that the proposal must come before the I do’s, right?
If you are ready do ask the big question, and are looking for the perfect place & time, this article should help. Having photographed and arranged many marriage proposals in South Florida I am familiar with all the great locations. The groom in this blog post decided to ask the marriage question at The Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale.
When Mike called me asking questions about proposing to McKenna he had no idea how. He spent lots of time online researching the best places to propose in South Florida. He made plans for a fancy dinner and he wanted the moment photographed. While the place he picked was romantic, it wasn’t private enough and the timing was not conducive to getting the shot of her saying yes or a close up of her face showing her emotions. He had planned on taking McKenna to the beach side dinner at The Harbor Beach Marriott. The problem with him proposing during the dinner was, it was too late in the evening and it was not private enough. So I suggested that they take a walk outside on the hotels Ocean Terrace and propose out there. In addition, I always include engagement pictures taken after she says I do.
I arrived at the Harbor Beach Marriott early and prepared for the moment. This meant, using a long telephoto lens, and a camera designed to capture the action.
After I was ready I sent Mike a text to let him know I was in position and ready for him and McKenna to walk out to the terrace. It took some time and event though we planned on 5:30Pm it was close to 6:00Pm before the arrived on the Ocean Terrace. During the time that McKenna was getting ready for what she thought would be a casual stroll and view of the ocean, Mike was texting me, “She isn’t ready yet”. my reply was, “let her take her time, don’t act like you need to rush. I didn’t want her to have any idea what was soon going to unfold.
As a South Florida photographer with lot’s of experience, I know for a fact that she would never consider that I was there waiting for her. It’s a common sight for photographers to be taking pictures of the ocean, the boats, birds or whatever a vacationer would normally photograph. When it comes to marriage proposals I have done hundreds. I have never ever had a guy walk out with a girl who even suspected the guy with the camera was waiting for her. As I hung out on the Harbor Beach Marriott’s Ocean Terrace I made it a point to talk with other vacationers to make it look like I was also a tourist. Not that it really mattered.
If you are searching for the best places to propose in South Florida then the Harbor Beach Marriott is a very good choice. Here are a few wedding pictures from this awesome location. This one is one of my favorites. Bike riding at The Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale. Also check out this picture. Bride and groom relaxing. I think this picture shows just how perfect the beach is. Keep in mind that since the hotel is private, there is no riff raft on the beach. It’s never fully packed with people and it’s always kept clean. Just look at this picture! Look at how awesome this sand is. The bride and groom look great also. After seeing theses pictures you must admit this is a very cool wedding venue and a great place for a marriage proposal.
I was able to take a good number of pictures before MeKenna finally looked up and noticed I was taking pictures of her. Once again those hand in her eyes really convey the emotion of her special once in a lifetime moment.
