Denver Wedding Photographer – Kelli Nixon Photography »

Men – Do you realize that when you propose, your fiancé (wife later) will hear this question for the rest of her life — “So, tell me how he proposed?” Seriously guys, with the proliferation of great — sometimes superhero — proposals gracing YouTube, the bar has been raised pretty high. Your proposal is one of most important and memorable moments in your life. And it’s one of the most frequently asked questions of us gals.

Just to get you started thinking, here’s the best marriage proposal ever!!

That should get your creative juices flowing fellas!!

This is your job!!

Proposing falls on you guys.  Sure, there are lots of women that propose to their hubbys, but don’t let her one-up you.  You’ve seen the YouTube videos (search “best marriage proposal” and you’ll get lots of inspiration)  Also, if you have any friends who are married, find out how they did it.  I once heard about a police officer having his fiance pulled over on her way home from work.  (your tax dollars at work).   He filmed the whole thing using the police cam on the cop car.  Then, he shows up on the scene and proposes amongst his friends and co-workers. Very nice indeed!

So, how are you going to pop the question?

• To begin with, ignore the traditional, “Hollywood” locations for proposals. You have probably seen all sorts of candlelit dinner proposals and stadium scoreboard proposals in films and on television. And, while these are not necessarily bad places to propose, it is important for you to remember that the largest necessity is to propose in a setting that is special to you and your prospective fiancé.   What do you two like to do together?  What are you both passionate about?  What common thing drew you together?  Start thinking about why you to are made for each other and work that into your proposal.  I once shot a wedding for a couple who loved the University of South Carolina.  They met there, fell in love there and it was their alma mater.  So, when he proposed, he had the USC mascot show up on the scene as he proposed in the empty football stadium on the 50-yard-line.

• Now, here’s where I come in:  When you are going to propose, please consider having me shoot your engagement (if you’re in Colorado). So, how do you go about it and not raise too many suspicions?  Once you’ve planned your day there are a couple of ways to get away with having a professional photographer around.  You could set it up as a “couple’s session” and then propose during the session after saying the secret keyword that let’s me know it is happening.  Or, for an extra measure of sneakiness, you could have me shooting it at a distance with my long lens, then after it is done I can come in and begin your engagement session.  Just remember, these photos will be priceless for you and for your family.  Imagine a time where you have kids or grandkids and they say, “Daddy, how did you propose to Mommy?”

• Last, and certainly not least, be sure to give some serious thought to the engagement ring you pick out for your fiancé!  While it does fall under the category of “material,” this is an extremely important part of your proposal. Spend some time browsing stores like 77-Diamonds in order to find a design that fits both your taste and your budget.  One thing to remember about the engagement ring and ultimately her wedding ring.  She is going to show it off to the world.   There simply is nothing better than having your lady bragging about your proposal to all of her friends and family.  You quickly obtain superhero status and you can proudly wear a big “S” on your shirt.  Seriously, don’t just assume in advance that a basic diamond ring will do the trick – you may be surprised at how many different design options are actually available to you as a consumer.  There are different setting, precious metals and cuts that will make her feel so special and loved.

There is nothing better between bride and groom and their photographers than an instant connection with ease of conversation and laughter. There is a comfort level that will show in the images– one that cannot be mimicked. This “magic” was evident when Bill and I met with Kim and Micheal! They are getting married this 8-5-12, and Bill and I can hardly wait to shoot their wedding.  They are so in love and completely fun!  They truly appreciate the greatness of where we live, and wanted to capture that in their pictures.  We had a fun, urban e-session, and their wedding will capture the sheer grandeur of the Colorado Rockies (you’ll have to wait to see which mountain venue they have chosen!).