The moment captured in this photo is one this couple will never forget, and neither will I! It's a crisp winter day on the Monon Trail in Indianapolis, Indiana and he is asking for her forever.
This groom had been planning for months to make their fifth anniversary unforgettable. He reached out to me with a clear vision, a surprise proposal that felt authentic to their relationship: simple, heartfelt, and surrounded by the familiar paths they'd walked together countless times. The Monon Trail, with its tree-lined stretches, scenic bridges, and peaceful vibe, was the perfect spot. It's one of Indianapolis's most popular spots for proposals because it blends urban convenience with nature, covering miles of paved trail connecting neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Carmel, and beyond.
We coordinated every detail carefully. He chose a place at an entrance along the trail, where the low winter sun filtered through bare branches and a light dusting of snow added a soft, magical touch to the scene. I positioned myself discreetly nearby, camera ready, blending into the background like any other trail user enjoying the day. Brian was actually hidden in a bush. The couple arrived together but it was no surprise to me as we had been sharing our locations all morning. His heart was racing under his coat, ring safely tucked away.
As they approached the bridge, he dropped to one knee on the cold pavement, pulling out the ring with hands that trembled just a little. She froze for a split second, hands flying to her face in shock, then burst into that radiant smile you see here. The "yes" came instantly, followed by tears, laughter, and the sweetest embrace as the reality sank in. In that frozen moment, everything else faded: the passing joggers, the distant hum of the city, the chill in the air. It was just the two of them, sealing five years of shared adventures with a promise of forever.
Photographing surprise proposals like this is one of my favorite parts of what I do. There's a raw emotion that happens when someone says "yes" without an audience or a script, just pure, genuine love. As a photographer specializing in timeless, photojournalistic moments, I love capturing these candid instants that tell your real story. No posed perfection, just the authentic surprise and connection that make your love story unique.
This couple's proposal shows why the Monon Trail is such a special backdrop for milestone moments. The trail's bridges and wooded sections provide incredible natural framing, stone walls, and leafless trees, creating intricate patterns against the sky. Whether it's golden hour glow in fall, fresh snow in winter like this day, or vibrant green canopies in spring and summer, the Monon offers endless variety for intimate, meaningful photos. It's accessible, low-pressure, and feels personal, ideal for couples who want something meaningful without the formality of a staged venue setup.
After the "yes," we lingered for a few more portraits and a champagne pop as they soaked in and celebrated the moment. Walking hand-in-hand along the trail, laughing through happy tears, stealing kisses with the bridge in the background, these are the images that become treasured keepsakes. We transitioned seamlessly into an engagement session documenting their perfect day.
If you're dreaming of a surprise proposal that feels like you, whether on the Monon Trail, at a favorite park, or somewhere entirely personal, 'm here to help make it happen. From scouting discreet locations to timing the perfect light and capturing every unguarded emotion, I handle the behind-the-scenes so you can focus on your love and the moment. Reach out to start planning your own unforgettable moment. Your "yes" story deserves to be told beautifully.
This image was captured with the Nikon Z9 and a 70-200mm lens in natural light and edited to look like film.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana.