By Shanna Mae Photography
Read the story of a surprise proposal in Yellowstone National Park captured by Shanna Mae Photography—from stealthy planning to sunset portraits in the wild.
Planning a Surprise Proposal in Yellowstone National Park
Some photo sessions are full of love. Some are full of laughter. And then—every once in a while—one comes along that’s full of stealth, adrenaline, and total magic. This was one of those.
Kasey reached out to me with a very specific vision: he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Ashlyn, in Yellowstone National Park with stunning views, perfect timing, and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting for them after she (hopefully) said yes. He had the location in mind, the time of day, and we even talked of backup plans if weather became an issue—which, in Yellowstone, can shift from sunny to snowstorm in minutes.
Obviously, I was all in.
Executing the Perfect Yellowstone Proposal Plan
I drove into the park early that day to check the trail, confirm the location, and make sure nothing had changed. The weather? Absolutely gorgeous. We were off to a great start.
Kasey also told me he and Ashlyn love traveling with a Polaroid camera, and he asked if he could sneak it to me ahead of time so I could capture one old-school snapshot of the moment. Of course I said yes!
So, in true ninja fashion, we arranged to meet in the same parking lot—without Ashlyn knowing. Kasey casually placed the Polaroid by their car, and I swooped in to grab it. Mission accomplished.
But… there was just one little problem: I had never actually used a Polaroid before. Cue me sitting in my car, searching “How to use a Polaroid camera” and laughing to myself. Hey, photographers have to stay adaptable!
Plot Twist: Our Trail Was Closed
With the camera mystery solved, I headed to scout the original trail. But… surprise! It was still closed due to lingering snow.
This is why I always prep for curveballs.
I spent the next hour hiking and driving to alternate spots, texting Kasey updates (in secret, of course), and crossing my fingers that Ashlyn wouldn’t see anything suspicious. Eventually, I found the perfect Plan B location with a similar view—and no one else around. Jackpot.
I marked the exact proposal spot, tested my gear, checked the Polaroid one more time, and even set up my phone to take video. The light was beautiful, the location was quiet, and the champagne was chilled.
Now all we needed… was the couple.
She Said Yes! Capturing the Moment
Kasey texted to say they were parking and would wait a few minutes before starting the trail—giving time for a large family group to clear out. I was so excited I could barely stand still. I live for this kind of adrenaline.
As they walked down the trail, I pretended to be casually photographing trees and waterfalls. Totally normal tourist stuff, right?
Then… the moment.
Kasey led Ashlyn to the marked spot, paused, reached into his pocket, and dropped to one knee. 💍
Ashlyn gasped and smiled and—of course—said YES!
I captured it all: the joy, the laughter, the shocked grin on her face, the kiss, and the ring. We celebrated with champagne, took beautiful portraits with the Yellowstone landscape behind them, and soaked in the golden sunset.
A Sunset, a Celebration, and a Sky Full of Meteors
As I packed up to leave, my heart was full and my face hurt from smiling so much. Surprise proposals are one of my favorite types of sessions—part adventure, part secret mission, and all heart.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t be more magical… two massive meteors streaked across the night sky, lighting it up like a firework show from the universe.
I’ll never forget this day, and I hope Kasey and Ashlyn never do either.
Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.
To be part of your story. To witness raw, joyful emotion in wild places.
And to occasionally Google “how to use a Polaroid” from the front seat of my truck.
Until the next adventure,
Shanna Mae
Thinking of Popping the Question in Yellowstone?
If you’re planning a surprise proposal or engagement in Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park, I’d love to help you make it unforgettable. From secret coordination and location scouting to capturing the moment with emotion and authenticity—I’ve got your back.
Let’s make magic in the mountains. 🌲💍📸
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