After photographing dozens of proposals, this is the first one that made me cry.

Yes, me. The proposal photographer. Getting all misty-eyed and basking in the love of a man who has planned this moment for months, and a woman who was caught by surprise (in the most beautiful backdrops Heidelberg has to offer!)

None of it was accidental.

At the end of the day, a proposal isn't just about the location or the ring. It's about making your partner feel truly seen and loved.

Here are the reasons why I think Alejandro and Laura's proposal in Heidelberg felt especially intimate and intentional, and how you can integrate these elements into your own engagement!

First of all: We used her love languages to help her feel loved & seen.

Every time I photograph a proposal, I love hopping on a call so I can get an idea of what imagining, to learn a bit about you two as a couple, and how we can make all your dreams come true!

One of my favorite questions during the call is: what is your partner's love language?

This may seem small, but it really makes all the difference when it comes to creating a moment where you're speaking to your partner in a way that makes them feel most loved and seen.

During our call, Alejandro told me Laura's love language was gift giving and words of affirmation. With this information, we had the perfect starting point for us to create an experience that felt meaningful and unique to them. That being said...

The build-up of the moment itself wasn't an afterthought - it was intentionally planned.

If your partner highly values words of affirmation like Laura, I highly recommend writing your sweetheart a letter and reading it before the proposal.

This small action makes all the difference in the world - I can't overstate how beautiful of a moment this creates by laying the emotional foundation for a question as important as "Hello, excuse me, would you do me the honor of growing old together?"

From a sentimental standpoint, I think a handwritten letter is especially beautiful. You can frame this beautiful letter or keep it in a keepsake box, and come back to it for years to come.

Since her other love language was gift giving, we arranged that I would bring a bouquet of her favorite flowers to surprise her with. The flowers were also used this as a visual cue so Alejandro knew where to stand for the proposal (to make sure we got *the shot*)

The proposal was less about performance and more about being creating a full day of joy.

Heidelberg was important to them because it was the first trip they took as a couple. Alejandro booked a 2 hour shoot with me for the proposal, which also allowed us to have the time to go around the town at a relaxed pace - enough breathing room to just take in the moment. Afterwards, they had a dinner reservation. Simple, meaningful, intentional - just for them both. It doesn't take a grand performance to do something your partner (and you!) will think back on with love. It just has to feel like you.

keep scrolling for Alejandro & Laura's precious Heidelberg engagement