Today, I'm going to share the story of a very special marriage proposal. Rebecca, Marissa's sister, was looking for a photographer to capture her sister's proposal by James. We talked, she liked my portfolio, and then it was time to coordinate all the details with the future groom, James.

After several conversations and many details sorted out, everything was ready for the big day. The proposal would take place at the luxurious and wonderful Encore Hotel in Boston. The day before, it had rained a lot, with strong winds and terrible weather, but not on that day. A beautiful sunset occurred, and it was time for the surprise proposal.

Circular gazebo with white columns lit up at dusk near modern buildings.
Silhouette of vintage lamppost against sunset skyline in Boston.

The other surprise that the bride really didn't expect was that, in addition to the proposal, family and friends were there to witness this special day for the couple. The couple, family, and friends are originally from Connecticut. James chose Boston for this proposal because it is a special city for the couple; since they started seeing each other, they always come to Boston for dinners, weekends, Red Sox, and Celtics games. It's a very special place for them.


To "trick" the future bride, James told an elaborate story to maintain the surprise until the final moment. The couple would come to Boston, accompanied by three couples of friends, and while the boys would watch a Celtics game, the girls would walk around the harbor and then have dinner at a fancy restaurant. Also, the family turned off or stopped sharing their location on their phones, just in case Marissa couldn't see where they were. They thought of every little detail!

Couple sharing romantic moment in illuminated gazebo at night.
A proposal moment captured in a beautiful gazebo setting at night with city lights in the background.
A romantic embrace under a columned structure with nighttime city views.
A candid moment of surprise and joy captured in an outdoor gazebo setting.
A tender moment shared between a couple in winter coats beneath illuminated columns.

The plan was perfect! Marissa's friends walked with her to the harbor, and there, where a beautifully decorated gazebo adorned with flower petals and candles awaited. There, James and I stood, eagerly awaiting Marissa's arrival. As for the moment, the photos speak for themselves. It was pure emotion and many tears of joy!


Meanwhile, the family remained hidden, ready to emerge and join the celebration after the proposal. Their sudden appearance added to the magic of the moment, marking the second surprise of the night.

Group of friends celebrating with excited poses under outdoor lighting.
Emotional embrace shared between two people wearing camel and black coats.
Group sharing hugs and celebrations in an outdoor garden setting at night.
Close up of hands showing off new jewelry under outdoor lighting.
Group photo of celebration attendees gathered in illuminated outdoor rotunda.
Four friends showing off ring and celebrating together under outdoor lighting.
Four friends in winter coats strike dramatic poses while laughing together outdoors at night.

Thank you deeply, Marissa, James, and to all your family and friends who made this moment so special.


Couple embracing at night with Las Vegas casino lights in the background.
An elegant gazebo proposal scene with white candles arranged in a circular pattern on the floor.
A black and white engagement portrait showing joy and excitement.
A romantic evening moment captured between two people in casual winter wear.
An intimate close-up moment shared between a couple showing genuine emotion.
A couple sharing a joyful moment in an illuminated gazebo surrounded by trees.
A black and white photo of two people celebrating in a candle-lit circular gazebo.
Couple sharing an intimate moment in a gazebo at night with romantic lighting.
Close up of an engagement ring exchange under a gazebo lit by string lights.