Surprise engagement photos at Burns Park in North Little Rock
Sweet Surprise Proposal at the Covered Bridge in Burns Park
Bryce and Laurel’s engagement session at the covered bridge in Burns Park, North Little Rock, was one of the most heartwarming moments we’ve had the privilege to capture. From the start, this shoot had a layer of excitement that made it stand out—Bryce had a special plan to propose, and we were there to capture every moment.
We kicked off the session with some simple poses by the water, just a short stroll from the iconic covered bridge. These early moments were light and relaxed, with no hint of the big surprise coming. It was important to keep the mood casual and keep Laurel unaware of Bryce’s intentions, so we moved through typical couples’ poses while she enjoyed the moment. Little did she know, something unforgettable was about to happen.
Why Choose Burns Park for Your Engagement Photos
Burns Park in North Little Rock is a hidden gem for engagement and couples’ photography, and it’s easy to see why we often recommend it to our couples. Here are three reasons why Burns Park is the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos:
- Scenic Variety: From the charming covered bridge to the peaceful riverside, Burns Park offers a range of natural settings that add depth and variety to your photos. Whether you’re looking for forested trails, wide open fields, or quaint spots like the bridge, there’s something for every couple.
- Serene Atmosphere: Burns Park’s quiet, relaxed atmosphere allows couples to feel at ease, which is essential for capturing those genuine, intimate moments. The park’s spacious layout ensures you’ll find secluded spots to make the session feel personal and special.
- Timeless Backdrops: The covered bridge is the crown jewel of the park, offering a timeless, rustic feel that perfectly complements engagement photos. The structure’s classic beauty adds a romantic touch, making it the ideal spot for a surprise proposal or a final portrait at the end of your session.
If you’re looking for a location that’s both beautiful and versatile, Burns Park has it all!
The Big Moment: A Proposal to Remember
As we moved up to the entrance of the covered bridge, the anticipation built for Bryce’s big moment. To keep the proposal a secret, we had Laurel do a few twirl poses with her back to Bryce, unaware of what was happening behind her. While she was focused on the fun and light-hearted posing, Bryce was getting into position—down on one knee, ring in hand, ready for the life-changing moment.
When we asked Laurel to turn around, her reaction was nothing short of pure joy. She was completely surprised, and we were lucky enough to capture every raw, emotional second. It was, without a doubt, one of the most genuine reactions we’ve ever photographed during a proposal. The look on her face, Bryce’s excitement, and the overall energy of the moment was a true testament to their love and connection.
This proposal wasn’t just a surprise for Laurel; it was a beautiful reminder of why we love photographing these kinds of sessions—capturing a moment that will be cherished forever.
How to Propose During a Couples Session
Planning a surprise proposal during a couples’ session is a unique and memorable way to pop the question, but it takes a little coordination to pull it off smoothly. Here are a few tips for making sure your surprise proposal goes off without a hitch:
- Keep the Mood Casual: Just like Bryce did, keep the session fun and light-hearted. This way, your partner won’t suspect anything out of the ordinary. Choose poses and settings that make them feel comfortable and at ease.
- Coordinate with Your Photographer: Make sure your photographer is in on the plan! They’ll be able to help you create the perfect moment by guiding your partner into the right position, just like we had Laurel turn her back for a twirl pose. Having a trusted photographer means they’ll capture the moment naturally without giving away the surprise.
- Pick the Perfect Spot: Choose a meaningful location that adds to the significance of the moment. Whether it’s a spot with sentimental value or just a beautiful backdrop like the covered bridge at Burns Park, location plays a huge role in setting the mood for the proposal.
- Relax and Enjoy the Moment: The best proposals are the ones where the person proposing stays present and enjoys the moment. Trust that everything is set up perfectly, and focus on your partner and the excitement of starting the next chapter of your lives together.
By blending the proposal into a couples’ session, you get the best of both worlds: stunning pre-proposal photos and the magic of capturing the proposal itself!
Capturing the Details: Laurel’s Stunning Engagement Ring
After the excitement of the proposal, we took some time to focus on one of the most important symbols of the day—Laurel’s stunning engagement ring. Capturing detail shots of the ring is one of our favorite moments during engagement sessions because it adds a layer of storytelling to the images.
Laurel’s ring was beautifully unique, and we made sure to showcase it in natural light, using the rustic charm of the covered bridge as a subtle backdrop. Detail shots like these not only highlight the beauty of the ring itself but also serve as a reminder of the personal thought and love that went into choosing it.
The close-up shots of the ring, along with Laurel’s joyful expression, helped to create a narrative of their proposal that can be relived for years to come. These little details are the ones that often make a gallery feel complete, adding depth and personal touches to the overall story.
Fun Poses to Add Personality to Your Session
After the surprise proposal, it was time for Bryce and Laurel to relax and have fun with the rest of the session. One of our favorite things about engagement photoshoots is being able to capture a couple’s unique personality, and we find that playful poses often bring out the most authentic reactions. For Bryce and Laurel, we chose some of our go-to poses that encourage laughter and connection, like the classic piggyback shot.
Poses like the piggyback or playful twirls allow couples to let loose and be themselves in front of the camera. Not only do these poses lighten the mood, but they also capture the fun side of a relationship—the moments that often reflect real life. These kinds of shots are great for couples who might feel a little camera-shy at first because they help break the ice and bring out natural, candid smiles.
For Bryce and Laurel, these playful moments added a joyful layer to their gallery, making it clear that they were having the time of their lives, soaking in the moment and celebrating their engagement in a way that felt true to them.
Iconic Moments at Burns Park’s Covered Bridge
As the session came to a close, we headed back to the covered bridge for one last series of shots. This time, we wanted to capture something timeless and iconic—photos that Bryce and Laurel could look back on and remember not only the proposal but also the beauty of the day itself. The bridge provided the perfect backdrop for this.
We set up a shot of the couple walking hand in hand through the bridge, the wooden beams framing them beautifully as they strolled together, soaking in the joy of their engagement. This was one of those moments that felt completely natural, and it was David’s favorite shot of the day. There’s something about capturing a couple in motion that feels so authentic, as if we’re preserving a candid moment in time.
We wrapped up the session with a few final photos of Bryce and Laurel sharing a kiss over the wooden fence, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon light. These moments were a perfect way to close out the session, encapsulating the love and excitement of their engagement in a series of sweet, intimate images.
Planning Your Perfect Engagement or Proposal Photoshoot
Planning an engagement or proposal photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but with a little thought and preparation, it can be a fun and memorable experience. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal like Bryce or simply looking to document your engagement, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Choose a Meaningful Location: Picking a spot that has personal significance or offers beautiful scenery can make your photos that much more special. Locations like Burns Park, with its covered bridge and natural beauty, provide a timeless and romantic backdrop.
- Communicate with Your Photographer: Having a clear plan with your photographer is essential, especially if you’re planning a proposal. Discuss the timing, poses, and any surprises ahead of time to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Embrace Your Unique Style: Whether you want playful, fun poses or something more intimate and quiet, make sure your session reflects who you are as a couple. Don’t be afraid to let your personalities shine through in the photos—these will be memories you’ll cherish forever.
- Trust the Process: The best photos come when couples are relaxed and enjoying themselves. Trust that your photographer will capture the magic of your day, and focus on the moments you’re creating together.
If you’re interested in planning your own engagement or proposal session, check out our photo sessions page to see more of our work and get inspiration for your session. We’d love to help you capture those special moments, whether it’s a surprise proposal or an intimate engagement shoot.
Ready to get started?
If you’re looking to capture your own engagement or proposal in a way that feels authentic, personal, and unforgettable, we’d love to help make that happen! Whether it’s an intimate moment at a local park or an adventurous session in the mountains, we’re here to document your love story in a way that reflects who you are as a couple. Get in touch with us today to start planning your perfect engagement or couples session through our contact page!
