Utah Surprise Proposal Photographer
There is something truly magical about a summer day in Park City. While most people think of our world-class ski slopes for winter, the mountains are just as breathtaking when the snow melts, and the wildflowers start to bloom. When Jake reached out to me about planning a surprise proposal in Park City, I knew we had to find a spot that captured that “top of the world” feeling.
Jake and Lauren were visiting family in the Salt Lake City area, and Jake wanted to make the trip unforgettable. We spent weeks texting and hopping on calls to coordinate every detail. As a Park City proposal photographer, my goal is always to take the stress off the person planning the event. From scouting the perfect secluded ceremony deck at the top of the Park City Mountain Resort scenic chairlift to determining the best angle for a hidden video setup, we had a well-planned approach in place.
Of course, Mother Nature sometimes has her own ideas! On the morning of the big day, a summer thunderstorm rolled through Summit County. If you’ve spent time in Utah, you know these storms can be intense but quick. The rain caused the resort to temporarily close the Park City Alpine Slide, which made Lauren a little apprehensive about heading up the lift if they couldn’t get back down in time for lunch.
While Jake handled things at the ticket counter, I was at the top of the mountain chatting with the lift ops crew to ensure they could get down safely. This is exactly why I love what I do—working through the “little things,” so my couples can just focus on each other. Thankfully, the clouds parted, the slide reopened, and the green light was given!
To keep the surprise 100% intact, I went full “ninja mode,” crouching behind a maintenance shed as they walked toward the secluded path. As they headed toward the mountain backdrop, I crept out and followed them at a distance, capturing every step.
When they reached the edge of the ridge with the sweeping views of the ski slopes behind them, Jake got down on one knee. Lauren was completely caught off guard—the best kind of surprise! Through my lens, I got to witness that beautiful moment she said “Yes!” followed by plenty of happy tears and laughter.
After the proposal, we took advantage of the gorgeous, moody lighting from the overcast sky. We wandered through the green hills and wildflowers for some engagement photos that really highlighted the beauty of Park City Mountain Resort.
The celebration didn’t stop there. The couple decided to race each other down the mountain on the Alpine Slide! I hopped on the chairlift and photographed them zooming underneath me—it was such a fun, authentic way to kick off their engagement. We finished the session down in Park City Village, where one of Lauren’s best friends (who had secretly flown into town!) was waiting to surprise her.
Whether you are looking for a Park City wedding photographer or someone to help you pull off a secret engagement session in Salt Lake City, Provo, or Ogden, I’m here to help you every step of the way. From picking the perfect time of day for lighting to finding those hidden gems off the beaten path, Poppy & Hive Photography is all about capturing your real, unscripted love story.
