CAPTURE THE sweet magic OF "I DO" IN HAWAII
BIG ISLAND, MAUI, AND OAHU surprise proposals
WE’LL TAKE CARE OF every DETAIL
& ENJOY
Pulling off a surprise proposal can feel overwhelming–choosing the right photographer, the right location, what to wear – and planning it across an ocean is even more intimidating. At Wilde Sparrow, we’re dedicated to taking care of every detail, big or small, to help you create the
RELAX
KICK BACK AND RELAX
view our signature proposal scenarios
engagement experience you’ve been dreaming of. To make planning simple, we've laid out three proposal scenario options below. All you need to do is let us know what you’re looking for–we’ll handle the rest.
PRICE STARTING AT $697 VIEW PACKAGES
In this scenario, a photoshoot has been planned, and you and your partner know you are meeting a photographer for a session. It starts like any other photoshoot, except a few minutes in to the session, you will drop to your knee and pop the question to your unsuspecting partner.
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We'll start with a few warm up shots. When you're in the right spot, we'll say the first cue word “romantic” - “Let’s take some romantic photos here!”. When everyone is in position, we'll give the second cue “perfect” - so you know it’s time to propose: e.g., “This looks perfect!”
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Then, we'll suggest taking an artistic photo with you and your partner facing away from each other. While your partner is facing away from you, you'll get down on one knee, with the ring presented towards your partner. Then ask your partner to turn around – and surprise!
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The Vacation Shoot Cover
Scenario 01.
In this scenario, the photographer acts like a stranger on the beach who happens to be close by with a nice camera – exactly what you’re looking for, someone to help you take a nice photo! This scenario requires you to pull out your best acting skills, so you don’t give anything away.
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Your photographer will get to the proposal spot 10 minutes early, pretending to take photos of the beach. You and your partner will arrive at the location shortly after. Once you are in the right spot, you will take a selfie with your partner – this is our cue that you are ready to start the proposal.
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We'll be standing close enough to see the cue and we'll walk up and offer to take a quick photo with your phone. After 1-2 shots with your phone, we'll offer to use our own camera for a great high-res image to send to you later. You will, of course, quickly agree!
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We'll set you both up in the exact spot and angle for the best backdrop and ensure no photo-bombers are around. When everything is perfect and your photographer is camera-ready, the photographer will say, “This looks perfect!” which will be your cue to drop to your knee.
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We'll capture the proposal and the moments following without interrupting, then continue to take engagement photos for the remainder of your session. We like this one because it ensures you are set up in the right light with the photographer's help for the perfect shot.
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The friendly beachgoer
Scenario 02.
In this scenario, we'll have no interaction until after the proposal. All communication takes place beforehand via email and text. At the shoot, we'll hide until the proposal and reactions are finished. This scenario requires great stealth on your part, so your partner isn’t suspicious!
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We'll text each other outfit descriptions the day of the proposal to easily identify each other at the location. We'll be at the proposal location before you arrive. You may not see or notice your photographer but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Just well hidden and/or disguised.
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When you are ready to propose, you will take a selfie with your partner with your chosen backdrop behind you. As soon as your cell phone goes up, this is your photographers cue that the big moment is about to happen and to get into position. Take a few selfies so we have a minute to prepare.
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You will then turn to the side, drop down on one knee, and propose. You should stay down on one knee throughout your partner’s entire reaction until the ring is on their finger. Remember to face the ring box towards your partner and to put the ring on their LEFT ring finger.
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Your photographer will continue to capture the proposal and reactions following discreetly, and after a time, you will point out the photographer and introduce them to your partner. After this, the photographer finishes the session by taking engagement photos for the remainder of the shoot.
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The hidden photographer
Scenario 03.
proposal locations
here's the scoop
There is no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii, as all beaches are public by law. BUT there are some lesser-known spots that we love to shoot at if you're looking to stay away from crowds when you pop the question. After you book with us, we'll give you all a list of our favorite beach locations that offer a bit more privacy.
1. Make a reservation at a nice restaurant for after your proposal. This will make sure you are both dressed up, and your partner will be camera-ready without tipping them off. If you need restaurant recommendations, let us know, we’re happy to help!
2. Practice taking the ring box out of your pocket to make it a smooth movement. During the actual proposal, take it out of your pocket BEFORE getting on your knee.
3. Practice opening the ring box away from yourself so you are confident during the proposal.
4. If your partner has long hair, encourage them to try a style that gets their hair out of their face. We don't want hair to block crucial expressions from the camera if you are on your knee and your partner is looking down at you during the proposal.
5. Remember to be conscious of the camera when you go down on one knee – try to make sure your body is not in between the camera and the ring, blocking the shot.
6. VERY IMPORTANT! Stay down on your knee for longer than your instincts might tell you. The longer you are on your knee, the more chances we have to capture more shots of this special moment. Say any sweet words you’ve prepared and put the ring on their finger, all while you’re still on your knee. Then you can stand up and celebrate!
7. Discourage your partner from bringing a large purse or bag and have them remove any sunglasses or hats during the initial selfie/photo so we can capture your expressions better.
8. Savor this moment and don’t rush through it – these are extraordinary memories you’re making. Take a deep breath right before you drop to your knee and relax: you got this!
WHAT YOU need TO KNOW
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