Their proposal
Luciano proposed to Jenna on a beautiful January afternoon at World's End in Hingham, MA where they'd often go to walk their dog. It is a special place for them, made even more special by the fact that this will now always be the spot they agreed to spend the rest of their lives together.
Luciano contacted me a few weeks before he proposed to Jenna, saying "I guess in America it's a bigger ordeal than in Italy!! Will you capture our proposal?". I absolutely loved that he was learning what his future fiance would want, and boy did he deliver!
It's not often the person getting proposed to is TRULY surprised, but Jenna was in total shock when Luciano pulled out the ring box. She admitted afterwards that she didn't think he was actually proposing because he'd often get on a knee... and then tie his shoe, or do something else to tease her. But when he DID pull out that ring box, and asked her to marry him, wow did she say yes so fast and so loud!!!
It's a wonder how it was a surprise, because Luciano had actually told her family and all of her friends that he was planning to propose!! That way, they could spoil her all the of "future Mrs." goodies the very next day.
One of my favorite questions is "where did you hide the ring". Luciano stashed his in the pocket of one of his old suit coats in the closet. Ayyy, smart spot!!
Thoughts on being a proposal photographer
One of my favorite things when photographing proposals is being able to provide documentary images; images where I do no staging or posing, and just capture the true emotions of the moment. Jenna was in total shock, and totally in the moment, resulting in the absolute cutest photos! I'm a big fan of giggles, sinking into each other, and just saying "oh my gosh" over and over while looking at the new ring.
They were so connected and in the moment that my presence didn't distract them from being their true selves - although their dog Nolita sure saw me!!! I love how she positioned herself between me and her owners, standing guard during one of the biggest moments of their relationship. Although it looks like she may be protecting them, she is the biggest sweetheart!!!
After Jenna spotted me I ran over to introduce myself and congratulate them. But rather than chatting it up too much, I let them know I was going to go off to the side and I wanted them to continue celebrating with each other!! While I want to document their story, I don't want to be PART of it. I didn't want them talking to this stranger with a camera deter from the moment. So I shared where I was going, and let them know that whenever they were ready to let me know and we could start their mini engagement session!
How they met
Luciano and Jenna met on a dating app when they were living in New York. They had scheduled their date for the afternoon as each of them already had another date lined up for that night. And just as planned, after their date they proceeded to go on those second dates.
I had asked Jenna if they considered canceling that second date if after meeting each other, and the answer might surprise you!
Jenna shared that while it took her a little bit longer to realize he was 'the one', Luciano admitted he knew right away - "30 minutes into our first date I knew". All good things happen in time :).
Choosing World's End for the proposal
When Luciano and I first discussed location ideas, he was thinking potentially somewhere in Boston. However, after I asked if there was a certain location that was special for the two of them, he dug a little deeper and shared that World's End is one of the places they like to go to walk their dog. Being from New York, especially living near Manhattan (the Nolita area... who their dog is named after!), it's nice for them to live so close to such a beautiful area as World's End. PLUS, doing it there would afford them the option of having their dog with them!! After all, she's family.
So he went about a week before and scoped out exactly where he wanted to pop the question; near a specific bench that overlooked the Boston skyline. If you look closely at the first picture on this blog, you can see the little skyline in the background!
On the day of the engagement, I had Luciano share his location with me. As I saw them approach on the map I prepared myself on the hill across the trail from the bench and waited for them to arrive. Preparing to photograph a proposal is so exciting, I get almost as much butterflies as when I got proposed to myself!!! The anticipation I feel, and knowing the person proposing is feeling, and soon enough the excitement the person being proposed to will feel makes my heart beat! Oh man, it's wild to be an empath.
I think World's End was the perfect spot for their engagement session afterwards because it's a big enough park where, even though it's popular, it didn't feel overrun with people. Plus, we were able to walk to a bunch of different spots to get some versatility in the images. AND, I could collaborate with them to go to certain locations that they felt more connected to.
If you're also searching for a location to propose near Boston, here are a few proposal blogs to get a recommendation / inspiration:
I'm so honored to have photographed their story!! Proposals are one of my very favorite things to photograph.
Are you considering proposing to your partner soon? Reach out and let's make a plan!!
xx,
Tam
Tamara Merri Photography
hello@tamaramerriphotography.com
