Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

One of the most beautiful things to be a part of planning is a surprise engagement. You’ll want to consider a few things: location, time of day, how you want to ask the question, how you want the photographer to capture the moments (up close, around the corner, hidden, in plain sight, in a couples session turned proposal) — there are so many ways to go about this!

Here’s a list of 10 things you should plan for:

• Location (beautiful view, familiar location, in your favorite type of location, garden, or beach)

• Shoes (hiking shoes, flip flops, heels, dress shoes)

• Attire (formal, casual, dressed for dinner afterwards, or have a nice outfit ready in the car)

• Crowds or choosing a more secluded location

• Hiding the ring box (so that it doesn’t show in your pocket)

• What to do after the proposal (nice dinner, picnic into the sunset, dancing)

• Will anyone else be present for the engagement? (or afterwards?)

• Be prepared for phone calls, FaceTime, and text messages from everyone who hears about it!

• Start thinking about images you for sure want and relay the info to your photographer

• Take a deep breath and smile, this is a big moment!