When Jack reached out to me about proposing to Suzie, he had his heart set on the iconic Portland Japanese Garden. It’s a dreamy spot, but unfortunately, the gardens don’t allow photography sessions. That’s when I suggested one of my favorite nearby locations—the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon. With its lush blooms, open spaces, and timeless romance, it felt like the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
After talking through the plan, Jack decided on the pergola in the center of the rose garden as the perfect place to get down on one knee. He even scoped out the area ahead of time to make sure everything was just right. On the big day, I arrived early to set up a sweet picnic with sparkling cider and a mini charcuterie board—plus, most importantly, to help clear the space. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, so the garden was naturally crowded, but with a little encouragement, everyone nearby happily gave Jack and Suzie the moment to themselves.
When Suzie arrived, Jack dropped to one knee under the pergola surrounded by roses, and the look on her face said it all—pure joy and surprise. After she said “yes,” we wandered through the gardens together, capturing portraits among the colorful blooms and finishing with photos of their picnic before giving them space to soak in the excitement. Later, we joined Suzie’s family at her home, where a surprise celebration was waiting with friends and loved ones ready to toast to their future.
As a Portland proposal photographer, moments like this are why I love what I do. Helping couples plan, capturing the emotion, and preserving the little details—like Jack’s thoughtful picnic—make these memories last forever. If you’re dreaming of proposing in Portland, whether at the Rose Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, or one of the city’s many hidden gems, I’d love to help you plan the perfect moment.
