
Capturing Avery and Riley’s Unforgettable Moment in the Tetons
If you’re dreaming of a Grand Teton surprise proposal or a romantic unexpected engagement in the Tetons, Jackson Lake offers the perfect backdrop. When Avery reached out to plan his secret proposal to Riley during their vacation, I was thrilled to help capture this unforgettable moment. As a Teton engagement photographer, I knew this surprise engagement in Grand Teton National Park would be truly special and one to remember forever.
Planning the Perfect Jackson Lake Engagement
Avery contacted me about a month before their trip to Grand Teton National Park, looking for help planning the perfect Jackson Lake engagement. He wanted a private and scenic place where he could surprise Riley, and I was thrilled to help. I had just photographed a surprise proposal in Yellowstone, so I made the drive south through a spring snowstorm to scout a location in the Tetons.
Despite the unexpected blizzard, Jackson Lake was absolutely stunning. With the Teton Range towering above the water, I immediately knew this was the ideal spot. Not only was it gorgeous, but it was also conveniently located near their lodging. I sent Avery photos of the location and we finalized a plan for his Grand Teton surprise proposal.
Learn more about the Grand Teton National Park area here.
Proposal Photography in Grand Teton: Weather, Timing, and Luck
The big day arrived and I traveled back through Yellowstone, taking the scenic route while also doing some light location scouting. As I reached Jackson Lake, the weather grew unpredictable—dark clouds rolled in and out, each time bringing rain. It looked like our proposal photography in Grand Teton might require a last-minute change of plans.
But nature was on our side. About 10 minutes before Avery and Riley arrived, the rain stopped and the light softened, giving us perfect conditions for the proposal.




Capturing the Surprise Engagement in Grand Teton National Park
We had planned everything down to the minute. I would already be on the beach with my camera, pretending to be a casual visitor. As they walked along the shore, I followed from a distance, ready for the moment Avery would drop to one knee.
And he did—flawlessly.
Riley’s reaction was pure surprise and joy. She was completely caught off guard and overwhelmed with emotion. As a Teton engagement photographer, these are the moments I live for—the real, raw, unrehearsed expressions of love and commitment.



Jackson Lake Engagement Portraits After the Proposal
Once the proposal was complete and Riley had said a joyful “yes,” we took a few minutes to capture some Jackson Lake engagement portraits. The soft light, peaceful lake, and towering mountains created a truly romantic atmosphere for these first photos of the newly engaged couple.
From sweet hugs and happy tears to glowing smiles, this session captured every bit of joy between Avery and Riley.






Why Choose a Grand Teton Surprise Proposal?
There are countless reasons couples choose a Grand Teton surprise proposal:
- Epic mountain views
- Quiet, natural backdrops
- Proximity to Yellowstone National Park
- An unforgettable vacation setting
If you’re planning your own engagement in Grand Teton National Park, I’d love to help make it just as memorable as Avery and Riley’s.
Looking for proposal planning tips? Check out this guide from Visit Jackson Hole.





Final Thoughts from a Teton Engagement Photographer
As I watched the sun dip behind the mountains on my four-hour drive home, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Being trusted to document a couple’s once-in-a-lifetime moment in such a majestic place is something I’ll never take for granted.
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal at Jackson Lake or a full engagement session in the Tetons, I’m here to help you preserve it forever.
Ready to Plan Your Grand Teton Proposal?
If you’re dreaming of a romantic surprise engagement in Grand Teton, let’s start planning your day. Reach out to me today and I’ll help you choose the perfect spot, the perfect moment, and capture it beautifully.
📸 Contact Me Here to start planning your proposal or engagement session!

Until the Next Adventure,
Shanna Mae
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