Planning a surprise proposal at the Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, California? As an East Bay proposal photographer, I’m sharing how Keven planned a heartfelt surprise for Sarah, from choosing the perfect spot among the gardens and ivy-covered pagoda to capturing their first moments as an engaged couple. Take a little read!
family and pet Christmas card photoshoot turns into a surprise proposal
When a family and pet Christmas card photoshoot turns into a surprise proposal, you know there is a good story behind it. 😂
Keven reached out to me looking for help planning a surprise proposal to his girlfriend, Sarah. He initially envisioned proposing at a park in Pleasanton, but after talking through a few locations and weighing the pros and cons, we decided the Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek would be the perfect fit.
With beautiful roses, greenery, a gorgeous ivy-covered pagoda, and a quieter, more intimate setting, it had everything we wanted for the proposal. Plus, the gardens gave us plenty of beautiful spots for a family and pet photoshoot beforehand and engagement photos afterward.
The only thing left to figure out was how to get Sarah there without her suspecting a thing.
Planning the Perfect Surprise Proposal
Keven and I had a planning call, followed by messages and emails to work through all the details. We talked about the timing, where the proposal would happen, how I'd capture the moment, and even the signal he'd give me when he was ready to pop the question.
Our plan was to start with what Sarah thought was a holiday Christmas card photoshoot with their two cats. Her sister would come along to help wrangle the cats, and we'd spend the first part of the session capturing family photos before transitioning to the proposal. I have to say, I LOVED IT!!! (Just as an fyi about me, I am a cat mom myself and love pets, so including pets in a session is a win for me!)
And Keven committed to the cover story. He even told Sarah that I worked for JCPenney, which made me laugh because I suddenly had to think about how their outdoor photoshoots worked so I could play my part convincingly. 😂
I love when clients get creative with their proposal plans, and this one was especially fun because the cover story gave us a completely believable reason for everyone to be there with a photographer.
We planned for the proposal to happen about 20 minutes into our one-hour session. I'd guide everyone around the gardens, give the cats breaks when they needed them, and eventually suggest the pagoda as our next photo location.
Once we arrived, Keven would take Sarah's hands. That was my signal to get ready.
The Moment Keven Proposed at the Gardens at Heather Farm
The evening couldn't have been much better. It was warm without being too hot, and the timing gave us beautiful light to work with.
After photographing the family and their cats, I guided everyone toward the ivy-covered pagoda. We took a few photos in front of it, and then Keven took Sarah's hands.
That was my cue.
Keven reached into his sock, pulled out the ring, and got down on one knee.
Yes, he had hidden the engagement ring in his sock! 😂
Sarah was completely surprised, immediately bringing her hands to her face as she realized what was happening. I was there to capture that split second of surprise, followed by all the joy and excitement that came after.
And the best part? Our plan worked exactly as intended. Sarah never figured out what was really happening, and the Christmas card photoshoot successfully brought everyone to the perfect spot without giving away the surprise. Although I did hear from her after that she was slightly suspicious before she saw we were intentionally taking cat photos haha.
Those first reactions are one of my favorite parts of proposal photography. You can plan the location, timing, and logistics, but you can't recreate the genuine surprise of someone realizing that the person they love is asking them to spend forever together.
Celebrating With Family and Engagement Photos
After Sarah said yes, the two of them took a moment to soak it all in. There were hugs, kisses, and plenty of excitement as they celebrated their newly engaged status.
Sarah's family was there to celebrate with them, too, complete with champagne glasses for a celebratory toast. Naturally, I had to capture that moment, along with some family photos to remember the occasion.
Once the family photos were finished, I wrapped up the session with engagement photos of just Keven and Sarah.
I love including time for portraits after a proposal because the excitement doesn't end when the ring goes on. It's a chance for the newly engaged couple to spend a little time together, celebrate what just happened, and get photos that feel a little more romantic and intentional.
We captured a mix of genuine, romantic moments, including the two of them sitting together on benches, hugging, and simply enjoying their first evening as an engaged couple.
My favorite moments from the entire session have to be Sarah's surprised expression and Keven pulling the ring out of his sock. Those are the kinds of details that make a proposal gallery feel like a real story instead of just a collection of pretty portraits.
Why I Love the Gardens at Heather Farm for Proposals
The Gardens at Heather Farm is one of my favorite options for a proposal in the California East Bay Area. It's a beautiful garden setting with roses, greenery, and an ivy-covered pagoda that creates a gorgeous backdrop for romantic portraits.
I especially love photographing here from spring through early fall, when the flowers are blooming and the ivy is thriving. The gardens offer a lovely variety of backgrounds in one location, making it easy to create a gallery that feels diverse without needing to travel between multiple spots.
It's also a great option for couples who want something more intimate than a busy public park. The permit requirement (see more info below) helps make the space feel a little more intentional for a planned photoshoot, although it's still important to plan around the property's rules and availability.
Tips for Planning a Proposal at the Gardens at Heather Farm
If you're considering proposing at the Gardens at Heather Farm, here are a few things I'd keep in mind:
Plan for spring through early fall. This is my favorite time of year for the flowers and greenery, especially the roses and ivy.
Think about your timing. Evening light can be beautiful, but the sun can disappear from certain areas of the gardens earlier than you might expect. I'd plan a little earlier in the evening next time to give us more flexibility with the light.
Check the permit requirements. A photography permit is required, and you have to request and pay for it at least two days in advance. Weekend permits are no longer available under the current rules I was given, so check the latest requirements directly with the gardens before settling on a date. Permits are paid for by the one-hour or two-hour package.
Have a plan for the surprise. If you want your partner to be completely unaware, think about how you'll get them to the location, where your photographer will be waiting, and what signal you'll use when you're ready to propose.
One of my favorite parts of helping clients plan proposals is thinking through these details beforehand. With all my proposal packages I include at least one call for planning. It helps you focus on the person you're asking to spend forever with, rather than worrying about where everyone needs to stand or whether your photographer is ready.
Planning Your Own Surprise Proposal in Walnut Creek?
Keven and Sarah's proposal was such a fun reminder of how much thought goes into creating a moment that feels effortless for the couple. From choosing the right location to coming up with a convincing cover story, the little details made all the difference.
When you book me for proposal photography, you're not just hiring someone to show up with a camera. I offer two main proposal packages with different levels of pre-planning support, including calls to help you work through the logistics. Both packages also include photos after the proposal, so you have time for portraits and can celebrate the moment together.
Whether you're thinking about proposing at the Gardens at Heather Farm, another spot in Walnut Creek, a park in Pleasanton, or somewhere closer to home in Livermore, I'd love to help you create a plan that feels right for you and your partner.
Inquire with me here (make sure to do it ahead of time) and we can talk through your ideas, choose a location, and plan all the little details that will make your proposal special.
And if you'd like to see more of what goes into planning and photographing surprise proposals, follow me on Instagram at @brynpower.photography. I share behind-the-scenes footage from proposals, including the secret setups, the nervous waiting, and the reactions that make every proposal unique.
You might even hear me nervously breathing while I wait for someone to get down on one knee. 😂
