A surprise proposal - karina & Frank


Capturing the Magic


There's something truly electric about a surprise proposal. The anticipation, the planning, the emotion that floods the moment

when one heart quietly asks another to be theirs forever. This one took place on a hot Saturday night in June. The kind of evening where the heat clings to the air, but love feels even thicker. Frank reached out to me nervously about a month before, his message full of excitement and care. He knew this moment had to be perfect. Not extravagant, but meaningful. Addison, Illinois

held deep significance for them, and he had already chosen the perfect spot: right in front of a water fountain in a beautiful park area.

I scouted the location earlier that day and waited nearby as the sun began to sink. The park was nearly empty. Most people had stayed home to escape the heat but that only made the moment feel even more intimate. I saw them approaching, and I knew instantly it was them. Karina wore a bright, beautiful dress that danced in the wind, and the way Frank looked at her was all the confirmation I needed.


As they passed by, I quietly followed, doing my best not to draw attention. Her hair whipped around her face from the breeze, but when Frank knelt down, her body said everything her expression couldn't. She lightly shuffled her feet, caught between surprise and pure joy. Time stood still. And then came the moment - the "Yes!" — small, soft-spoken, but ringing louder than anything else around us. The emotion in Frank's face told the whole story. The love, the nerves, the happiness bursting out of him with every laugh and smile. She, gentle and graceful, wrapped him in a kind

of quiet wonder. They were opposites in many ways. Her softness meeting his wild, fun energy but together, it was magic. And I had the honor of freezing that moment in time. After the proposal, we moved into a small celebratory photoshoot. The sun turned golden, the wind still playing with her dress, and the two of them glowing in the kind of joy that can't be posed.

Authentic - Real - Timeless — it just exists, and I'm there, so happily to capture it!


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Let's Get Started

Not sure how to make it a surprise? Worried about timing, location, or light? That's what l'm here for. I'll help you every step of the way-from choosing the perfect spot to figuring out how to keep it all under wraps. As a proposal photographer serving St. Charles, Bloomingdale, Chicago, and beyond, I'm familiar with some of the most beautiful and meaningful spots to pop the question -fountains, gardens, quiet trails, and open fields. Whether you're envisioning a golden hour proposal under the trees or a more editorial moment in an urban setting, I'm here to help with everything from scouting the location to the final edits. Ready to start planning your story? Let's create a memory you'll hold onto forever. Reach out today to inquire about proposal photography packages, availability, and how we can capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment in a way that's meaningful, authentic, and completely you.

what are you waiting for?


The Perfect Proposal

Photographing proposals is one of the most rewarding things I do. These once-in-a-lifetime moments deserve to be preserved with intention and care-and I'm honored to be part of them. As a Chicago-area proposal photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, joy-filled images that reflect your love story in a natural, timeless way.

From our first message to the final delivery of your gallery, I'll walk you through the entire process step by step. You won't have to stress about logistics, angles, or timing. l've got it covered!

Whether you're planning a quiet moment tucked away in a DuPage County, IL, park or a more public celebration in front of Chicago's skyline, I'll help bring your vision to life.



To make sure your day is perfectly tailored to you, I offer three thoughtfully crafted proposal photography packages:




The Intimate Moment

Blush - $200

Proposal / Couple

Includes 1 hour / 15-20 photos


For the couple who wants a quiet, meaningful proposal in a special location. Just the two of you, with candid, documentary-style photography. Ideal for a private, heartfelt proposal at a meaningful location.


  • One location
  • Online gallery with high-res downloads
  • Planning consultation & location guidance



The Family Affair

Pearl - $400

Proposal / Couple / Family at proposal spot

Includes 2 hours / 40+ photos


Includes the proposal itself, followed by candid shots of your closest loved ones joining you to celebrate-capturing raw reactions and the joy that follows the "yes.". Proposal coverage plus family/friends joining right after for hugs, tears, and happy dancing. The best of both worlds.


  • One Location
  • Proposal + reaction photos
  • Online gallery with high-res downloads
  • Family coordination + shoot planning


The Full Celebration

Gold - $600

Proposal / Couple / Family / After-Party

Includes up to 4 hours / 2 locations / 80+ photos


From the moment you drop to one knee to the clinking of glasses at your after party, this package covers it all. It's perfect if you want a full story of your engagement night-from proposal to event photography in one seamless experience.



  • Proposal + family + event photos
  • Online gallery with high-res downloads
  • Full timeline planning support


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@emeraldaster.studio