Planning a surprise proposal in Washington is always an adventure, but when you throw in a last-minute location change, snow play, and a missed cue—it turns into a story worth telling! Recently, I had the honor of photographing a magical winter proposal at Lake Wenatchee for a couple who flew in all the way from Hawaii. Here’s how it all went down.


The Plan: A Winter Surprise in Leavenworth


Patrick reached out to me weeks before his planned proposal, excited to pop the question to his partner, Jaelyn, amidst the winter magic of Leavenworth, Washington. Since they were traveling from Hawaii, he envisioned a dreamy snow-filled backdrop—a picturesque scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. To keep the surprise under wraps, we planned the session as a "family photoshoot" with their kids. This way, Jaelyn wouldn’t suspect a thing!


The Plot Twist: No Snow in Leavenworth!


As the date approached, we ran into an unexpected challenge—Leavenworth had no snow! Knowing how important this winter wonderland setting was for Patrick, I quickly researched alternative locations and found the perfect spot: Lake Wenatchee. This stunning alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offered the dreamy winter scenery they had envisioned. As a Pacific Northwest photographer, I knew this would be the ideal location for their special moment. Patrick was on board, and we made the switch just in time.

A silhouetted photographer captures reflections at a serene mountain lake surrounded by autumn trees at sunset.
A person in blue winter clothing bends down to touch rippling water at the edge of a lake during golden hour.
People walking along a snowy pond bank in winter with golden reflections on the water's surface.
Kids in winter clothing play along a snowy lakeshore with golden sunlit trees reflecting in the calm water at sunset.
Three people sit together on snowy lake shore with mountain and autumn forest reflecting in calm waters.
Three people sit in winter attire on a snowy lakeshore with a snow-capped mountain and forest reflecting in calm waters.
People enjoy a winter walk along a snowy path next to a serene mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forest.
Family wearing winter clothing smiles together by scenic mountain lake with snow-capped peaks and forest in background.

A Family Adventure in the Snow


When the family arrived at Lake Wenatchee, the excitement was palpable. It was the kids' first time experiencing snow, and they wasted no time jumping in, throwing snowballs, and making memories. I captured candid moments of them playing, which added a beautiful storytelling element to their gallery. The whole "family photoshoot" cover worked perfectly—Jaelyn had no idea that something much bigger was about to happen!

Two people walking along a snowy lakeshore with snow-capped mountains and golden autumn trees reflecting in calm waters.
Two people stand at the snowy shore of a mountain lake with snow-capped peaks and perfect reflections in the calm water.
Two people standing by a snow-dusted lakeside with a snow-capped mountain and its reflection in the calm waters.
Two people enjoying a winter landscape at a serene mountain lake with snow and perfect reflections in the water.
Two people stand at the snowy shore of a lake with snow-capped mountains and perfect reflections in the still water.
Two people embrace by a snowy mountain lake with snow-capped peaks and perfect reflections on the calm water.
A winter scene at a snowy mountain lake with two people standing at the shore, and calm water reflecting the peaks.
Two people in winter clothing stand by a snowy mountain lake, one warming their hands while wearing a knit beanie.

The Proposal... Almost!


When it was time for Patrick to drop to one knee, things didn’t go quite as planned—he missed his cue! I had carefully set up a moment for the proposal, but in the excitement, he didn’t realize it was go-time. As a Seattle proposal photographer, adaptability is key, so I quickly found a subtle way to communicate with him. Once he got the message, we set up the shot again, and this time—success!


Patrick proposed, and Jaelyn was completely shocked. The genuine joy and emotion in that moment were incredible to witness and capture. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal in the PNW or a more traditional engagement session, I make sure to capture every raw and beautiful moment.


Engagement Photos in a Snowy Wonderland


After the big moment, we took some stunning Washington engagement photography at Lake Wenatchee. The snow-covered ground, the crystal-clear lake, and the breathtaking reflection of the mountains made for an unforgettable backdrop. Patrick and Jaelyn’s love truly shined through, and despite their initial nervousness about being in front of the camera, they looked amazing together.

A romantic winter moment with a couple embracing and laughing together by a mountain lake.
A black and white landscape photo of snow-capped mountains reflected in a serene mountain lake.
Two people wearing winter hats share an intimate moment while smiling together in cold weather.
Two figures share an embrace by a serene mountain lake with snow-capped peaks reflected in the calm waters.
Close-up shot of two people holding hands outdoors against a blurred winter landscape background.
Two people stand at the snowy shoreline of a serene mountain lake with snow-capped peaks in the background.
A couple in winter coats and beanies share an intimate moment outdoors in the snow.
Winter wonderland scene with a photographer in a snowy forest capturing scenic views among evergreen trees and bare branches.

Client Testimonial: A Picture-Perfect Experience


Jaelyn and Patrick were thrilled with their experience, and their glowing review speaks volumes:

"I don’t usually do reviews, but Andre definitely deserves one! My partner and I usually don’t take photos, we are not 'photogenic' people, so it was nerve-wracking to have a complete stranger that we just met take photos of us. But our experience with Andre was better than what we imagined. He made my partner and I feel so comfortable in front of the camera, we were able to be ourselves without much effort, and the photos turned out amazing! What made the experience even better was that the photo turnaround time was VERY quick!! We got our sneak peek photos a few hours after our photoshoot!!! (So impressive!) and the remaining photos 3 days after that! (Mind blown!) We are so happy with these photos and the quality of them. Andre is an exceptional photographer—he is timely, provides quick responses, and is willing to work with you. He won’t let you down! I highly recommend him for your future engagements and weddings."


Planning Your Own Surprise Proposal in Washington?


If you’re dreaming of a surprise proposal in the Pacific Northwest, I’d love to help bring your vision to life! Whether it’s in Seattle, Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee, Mount Rainier, or the Oregon Coast, I specialize in capturing authentic, candid moments that tell your unique love story.


  • Thinking of a winter proposal in Leavenworth or Lake Wenatchee? Let’s find the perfect snowy backdrop!


  • Prefer something more adventurous? I know some hidden gems in Washington for proposals!


  • Need someone who can keep the surprise a secret? I’ve got you covered.


Let’s create something magical together. Reach out to me at www.weddingsbyandre.com to start planning your Seattle engagement photography or Pacific Northwest proposal photoshoot today!

Two people walk together on a snowy shoreline with snow-capped mountains and a reflective lake in the background.