Iceland Magical Secret Waterfall Proposal | Iceland Proposal Photographer
Iceland Magical Secret Waterfall Proposal | Iceland Proposal Photographer
HOLD THE PHONE. ARE YOU READY? You are about to embark on the most MAGICAL, FAIRYTALE PROPOSAL IN ALL THE LANDS! This Iceland Secret Proposal is one to top the charts. Being an Iceland Elopement photographer is literally THE BEST JOB EVER.
These Secret Proposal sessions in Iceland are very quickly becoming some of my favorite sessions to be hired for. The way these sessions work is one of the partners reaches out to me because they are wanting to propose to their love and they don't want a cheesy, generic, cliché proposal. They are both adventurous and love to be outdoors. And, they happen to be coming to Iceland for a vacation and I happen to be an Iceland Elopement photographer. SO, THAT'S WHERE I COME IN! After booking me and having a bit of conversation, I come up with a plan that makes sense for the couple and makes sense for the person who doesn't know they are about to be proposed to. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve and I am a fairly convincing person, so once the plan is in place it is pretty easy for me to get the other person to go along with it. Dalton hired me a few weeks before his big trip with Sarah (and her parents!). After a quick Skype meeting, like I do with all of my Iceland Elopement photography clients, we knew we could pull this off. I came up with a plan and a secret location for his proposal after hearing what he envisioned. I location scouted it a few days before to make sure there were not any scary mudslides on the hike back and to get ideas for exactly where I should place them for when he was ready to get down on one knee.
When the day came, I met them in a coffee shop a few minutes away from the start of the pathway. Dalton let Sarah's parents in on the little secret, which I must admit, they helped me be as convincing as possible by asking me questions as if they had no idea. (THANKS GUYS!). I got to the coffee shop a few minutes before we were meant to meet because I like to scout out the environment and figure out the best approach. I got myself a coffee, sat at a table, and just waited for the crew to walk in. Sarah's mom was first and we made eye contact. She gave me a very subtle head nod and eye wink and I knew the plan was on. Dalton walked in next, gave me a bit of an excited glance, with Sarah to follow who didn't look at me at all. It felt very James Bond, like I was a secret hitman waiting for my assignment to walk in. Except, I would be shooting them in a much better way and the only way I want to shoot people. [insert laugh emoji]. I let them mingle for a bit as they ordered coffees and waited to sit down at a table next to me.
After a few minutes, I walked over to the table semi-casually. I said the script that we had decided on to get Sarah to join this random stranger to hike back with. Thankfully, being the adventurous people that they are, the prospect of getting free photos of them walking to a secret waterfall was enough convincing she needed. We chit-chatted for a few more minutes as they finished their coffees, then off we went. Dalton helped on the hike back by whispering in her ear 'I hope she isn't luring us back to be robbed by some big guys' to not give any inclining that he was in on it. We all hit it off INSTANTLY which makes the sessions that much more fun. I could tell that they were 'my kind of people' and her parents were just the sweetest. Her mom was so excited the whole time 'oooo'ing and 'ahhhhhh'ing, taking phone photos, and just being all around stoked to be there. Sarah was equally impressed as we wound around to the different landscapes and into the canyon. I got them climbing on things, making out on top of things, the usual M.O. of my adventure sessions. Once we got to the waterfall, the spot Dalton wanted to propose at, I played double duty in my head. I was directing them and taking photos, as I was secretly screening the area for where would look best given the light during that time of day and the wetness from the waterfall.
THEN. IT HAPPENED. THE MOST GLORIOUS OF GLORIOUS MAGICAL MOMENTS. THE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DREAM OF.
AS I PLACED THEM IN THE SPECIFIC SPOT I DEAMED THE PRETTIEST AND SAFEST- THE SUN CAME OUT. AND THE RAINBOW SHOWED UP. AND I BASICALLY POOPED MYSELF BECAUSE THAT IS TOO MAGICAL TO BE REAL.
There it was! A FRICKEN' RAINBOW appeared over them. I know how these rainbows usually work in Iceland: they are out for a few seconds then vanish as clouds cover the sun again. I COULD NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES. I usually sit back and wait until the person feels ready to propose. You know, takes a few deep breaths, fumbles with the ring while the other person is looking away, says a few words of encouragement to themselves. BUT NOT THIS TIME. NO WAY. I looked at Dalton as Sarah looked over at the waterfall and mouthed very urgently 'DO IT NOW' with a hidden thumbs-up. He reached in his pocket, dropped to one knee, she turned around, and THEN GOT PROPOSED TO NEXT TO A SECRET WATERFALL UNDER A FRICKEN' RAINBOW. I can NOT make this up. And, to make this even more magical than it already is, the rainbow lasted with us until the end of the session! It was like 15 more minutes! So I documented their joy and adventure some more before heading back to Reykjavík.
I have said it so many times already and I will say it again: MY JOB IS THE COOLEST.