There’s something so magical about proposals. The anticipation, the emotion, and that once-in-a-lifetime moment when a couple says yes to forever—it’s one of my favorite things to photograph! Recently, I had the honor of capturing a beautiful engagement proposal at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The gardens are such a dreamy spot for popping the question. With winding pathways, blooming flowers, and peaceful wooded areas, there are endless locations that feel private, intimate, and naturally romantic. On this day, the couple strolled hand-in-hand through the gardens, and when the moment was just right, he got down on one knee. Her reaction? Pure joy!

One of the best parts of this proposal was the thoughtful planning behind it. He had arranged for both of their families to be there to celebrate after she said yes! But there was a funny twist—the family actually arrived a little early and almost gave everything away. Luckily, I spotted them first and quickly helped make sure the surprise stayed intact. Moments later, the proposal went off beautifully, and the joy doubled when the newly-engaged couple turned to see their loved ones waiting to celebrate.

What I love most about proposals is being able to preserve those real emotions. From the surprised smile, to the happy tears, to the hugs that seem to last forever—it all unfolds so quickly, and photography makes sure you can relive those memories for years to come. After the “yes,” we took time to wander the garden for some newly-engaged portraits. The light was soft and golden, and the excitement was contagious.

If you’re planning to propose in Pittsburgh, the Botanic Garden is an amazing choice. It offers privacy while still being incredibly scenic, and there’s so much variety for photos—from wooded trails to open meadows and flower-filled gardens.

📷 Thinking about your own Pittsburgh proposal? I’d love to help you plan and capture the moment! I work with you ahead of time to choose the best spot, coordinate the timing, and make sure everything goes smoothly so you can just focus on asking the big question.

👉 Learn more about my proposal photography services here: Pittsburgh Proposal Photography

Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—you deserve to have it beautifully photographed!