Sarasota Proposal Photographer
Planning a surprise proposal is one of the most thrilling experiences, not just for the couple but for me as a photographer too. There's nothing quite like the rush of capturing the exact moment someone says "yes" to spending the rest of their life with the person they love. It’s a blend of anticipation, joy, and often, a few happy tears—moments that are gone in a flash but stay in your heart forever. As a professional photographer based in Sarasota, Florida, I've had the honor of being part of many such incredible moments, and each one is as unique and beautiful as the couple themselves.
I specialize in crafting timeless, candid images that not only capture the genuine emotions of your special day but also transform your moments into art.
Serving Sarasota and surrounding areas, I’m dedicated to making your photography experience seamless and enjoyable. Let’s create images you'll treasure for a lifetime—contact me today to discuss your vision.
Finding the Perfect Location
Sarasota is full of picturesque spots that serve as the perfect backdrop for a proposal. Whether you’re dreaming of a proposal at sunset on Siesta Key Beach, a hidden corner in one of Sarasota’s beautiful parks, or a location that holds special meaning to you both, the options are endless. One of the best parts of working together is getting to explore these possibilities. We’ll talk about what makes your relationship special, and I'll help you pick a spot that reflects that. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, or perhaps you both share a love for the ocean, making a beach proposal the ideal setting. The goal is to choose a location that will not only be beautiful but will also add a layer of meaning to the moment.
For example, The Ringling Museum is a popular choice for many couples. The historic architecture and serene gardens offer a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to beat. I’ve had the pleasure of capturing several proposals at The Ringling, where the couples are surrounded by classical sculptures and the lush beauty of the gardens. It is the perfect setting for a love story, and the photos are always absolutely magical. Certain locations, like The Ringling, do require a photo permit for an additional cost. Contact me for more information.
At Jonelle Forbes Photography, I believe that love is love, in all its beautiful forms. My commitment is to create a safe, welcoming space for every couple, celebrating the unique bond you share. I’m honored to capture the moments that reflect your love story, no matter who you are or who you love. Inclusivity is at the heart of what I do, and I’m here to ensure your photography experience is as authentic and joyful as the love you share.
I’m dedicated to making your photography experience seamless and enjoyable. Let’s create images you'll treasure for a lifetime—contact me today to discuss your vision.
Planning the Details
Once we’ve nailed down the location, it’s time to dive into the details. This is where we can get really creative. Do you want to include props that are significant to your relationship? Maybe a sign that says, "Will you marry me?" or a string of photos from your time together leading up to the proposal spot? How about a carefully placed bouquet of your partner’s favorite flowers? Whatever you envision, we’ll work together to make it happen.
I also offer suggestions for those who might be unsure about how to incorporate personal touches. Sometimes, simplicity is key, like using natural elements around you, such as the driftwood and shells on a beach, or the vibrant flowers in a park, to create a setting that feels both natural and special. Other times, a grand gesture, like a candlelit pathway or a live musician playing your song, might be the perfect touch to elevate the moment. My job is to ensure that all these elements come together seamlessly, so all you have to focus on is your partner and the big question you’re about to ask.
My goal is to ensure that everything is perfectly set so that when the big moment arrives, you can focus on what matters most—popping the question and enjoying the joy of the moment. Together, we’ll create a proposal experience that’s unforgettable.
I’m dedicated to making your photography experience seamless and enjoyable. Let’s create images you'll treasure for a lifetime—contact me today to discuss your vision.
The Big Day
On the day of the proposal, I’ll arrive at the location early to ensure everything is perfect. This means checking the light, setting up any props or decorations, and making sure I have the best vantage point to capture every moment. The key here is subtlety—I want to be invisible to your partner so that the surprise is 100% genuine.
As you approach the proposal spot, I’ll be snapping away from a distance, capturing the nervous excitement on your face and the unsuspecting joy on your partner’s. Then, when you get down on one knee, I’ll be ready to capture that priceless reaction—the shock, the tears, the laughter, and finally, the embrace. These are the moments you’ll want to relive over and over, and I make sure to capture them all in stunning detail.
But my job doesn’t end there. After the initial proposal, there’s often a beautiful, emotional moment between you and your newly engaged partner. This is when I’ll come in closer to capture those intimate shots—the ones that show the joy, relief, and overwhelming love you both feel in that moment. We can also take some time to do a quick engagement session right there, using the excitement of the moment to create photos that truly reflect the joy of your new engagement. These photos often become favorites because they’re so full of real, unfiltered emotion.
Proposals start at $500
Why Choose Jonelle Forbes Photography?
What sets me apart as a surprise proposal photographer in Sarasota is my commitment to making the entire experience stress-free and fun. Proposals can be nerve-wracking, and I understand how important it is that everything goes off without a hitch. I’m here to help you plan and execute the perfect surprise, offering support and guidance every step of the way.
I also bring years of experience to the table. I’ve captured proposals in a variety of settings—from secluded beaches to bustling public spaces—each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. My expertise in lighting, composition, and timing ensures that you’ll get stunning photos no matter the location or time of day. Plus, I’m a firm believer in the power of candid photography. I strive to capture the genuine emotions of the moment, rather than staged or overly posed shots. This approach results in images that feel authentic and true to your relationship.
Creating Lasting Memories
After the proposal, I know how excited you’ll be to share the news with friends and family. That’s why I make it a priority to deliver a sneak peek of your photos as soon as possible. You’ll have a handful of beautiful images to share on social media or in a text message to your loved ones. Shortly after, you’ll receive a full gallery of edited photos that tell the complete story of your proposal. These images are yours to treasure forever, whether you choose to print them, create an album, or simply keep them on your phone to look back on whenever you want to relive the moment.
And if you’re thinking about the next steps, I also offer full service wedding photography. We’ve already built a rapport, so continuing to work together as you plan your wedding day will feel like a natural extension of the relationship we’ve developed. I’ll be there to capture every milestone, from your engagement photos to the final moments of your wedding reception, ensuring you have a complete visual narrative of your love story. And YES, I do travel for weddings!
Let’s Make It Happen
If you’re ready to create a surprise proposal that your partner will never forget, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll plan every detail to ensure that it’s not only a moment you both will cherish but also one that is beautifully captured in photographs. Whether you’re aiming for something simple and sweet or grand and elaborate, I’ll work with you to bring your vision to life.
Contact me at Jonelle Forbes Photography to start planning your unforgettable proposal. Let’s make your partner’s dreams come true and create a moment that will leave them speechless—a moment that you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives.
Testimonial
“Jonelle did an amazing job with our surprise engagement photo shoot. From the moment I got in contact with Jonelle, she was extremely responsive and aided in planning, and carrying out the surprise engagement. She captured such beautiful pictures of the big day. She also got us back several sneak peak photos later the same evening. I would highly recommend Jonelle for anyone looking for an experienced photographer near Sarasota, Florida!“
-Chris + Cristina
Testimonial
“Jonelle exceeds all expectations. I had a Suprise engagement session that my fiancé planned out. Jonelle did such an amazing job with the set up and making sure to get a few pics to us that night since we were from out of town. I HIGHLY recommend Jonelle!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the session!“
-Melisa + Nick
Testimonial
“I highly recommend Jonelle for any of your photo needs. I live up in NH and my now fiancée had a favorite beach in Florida I wanted to propose to her at. Having never been to the area I had no idea where to go or what to do. I called Jonelle and she spent more than an hour on the phone with me coordinating and planning this special moment. She told me exactly where to go, gave me a layout of the area, and explained exactly what she would provide too as a photographer. Just that alone was worth getting her involved. I went from very nervous to excited for the moment because of her help. Then on the day of the event she was able to hide herself and caught my fiancées and I special moment together as a surprise. We then did an engagement photo shoot and she was super easy to work with. And to top it all off her photos are incredible, she’s provided over 40 pictures, and she’s super easy to get in contact with. If you’re looking for a surprise proposal, a wedding , or really anything, Jonelle is the photographer you want to go with!“
-Joseph M.
Testimonial
“Jonelle not only takes beautiful pictures, she’s also a beautiful person. She arrived right on time and started working quick. In the midst of wedding caos, she remained calm, helpful and taking lots of pictures.
It was so lovely having her as our wedding photographer. Through out our wedding she made sure we didn’t miss any pictures and was on point with our timeline. Couldn’t have asked for a better person/photographer for our special day.
She also did our engagement session. This just reassured us she was definitely the right person for us. I recommend her not only for her gorgeous work, but for her professionalism, dedication and passion.Thank you Jonelle, we are forever grateful.“
-Nicole + Luis
Testimonial
“I am so glad we chose Jonelle to capture our special day! Our pictures turned out better than I could have imagined and she captured so many beautiful moments that we will cherish forever!“
-Paulina + Ruben
Testimonial
“Jonelle is amazing! She was a great communicator through the whole process and was responsive and flexible when we needed to make a late schedule change. She came very prepared and was a joy to work with during the shoot. I could not be happier with how the pictures turned out - she even got my 22-month old daughter to smile in most of the photos! We will cherish these forever. Thank you again!“
-Ellie R.
