Ryan and Lizzy are literally the cutest couple and also happened to get engaged in front of my camera! Ryan reached out to me on Independence Day to ask if I could capture his proposal to his girlfriend, Lizzy, while they were in Maine. I LOVE photographing proposals, so this was an immediate yes for me. Enter a literal blue sky sunny summer afternoon at Two Lights State Park and it was the perfect recipe for the best day!

Ryan knew exactly what Lizzy wanted: an intimate, meaningful moment in a place they both adored. So, on a hot and sunny July afternoon, with the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline at Two Lights State Park, he made it happen.

I still remember Ryan’s initial message—he had it all planned out with a book nerd twist (my bookish heart was in it)! A picnic on the rocks, a little post-lunch reading session, and a secret proposal hidden in a book. His plan? Casually ask Lizzy to hand him his book, only for her to discover a ring tucked inside.

A SEASIDE SURPRISE

When the day arrived, I got to the park early, blending in as just another photographer capturing the coastal scenery. The sun was shining, the water was glistening, and a warm summer breeze swept through the salty air. Lizzy, looking adorable in her sun hat, climbed hand-in-hand with Ryan to their favorite picnic spot on the rocks.

Ryan, equal parts nervous and excited, popped the question before I could even blink. It was so fast, but the moment was pure magic. As Lizzy gasped in surprise, covering her face with her hands, the sound of applause erupted from the cliff walk above. It turns out, a few hikers and park-goers had the perfect vantage point and couldn’t help but cheer for the newly engaged couple. Ryan and Lizzy, caught in the joy (and comedy) of the moment, waved up at their unexpected audience, laughing as they soaked it all in.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

After a few joyful embrace, Lizzy said “YES!” We then captured some sweet, sun-drenched portraits—Lizzy absolutely glowing, Ryan grinning ear to ear. Their love, easygoing and full of laughter, was a dream to photograph.

Ryan’s proposal was proof that sometimes, the simplest plans make for the most unforgettable moments. A little creativity, a lot of love, and a picture-perfect setting— the best recipe for a sweet proposal!

Congratulations, Ryan and Lizzy! Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and many more seaside adventures together.