October 5, 2023

Couples

Lake Havasu Surprise Proposal Session at Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge

newly engaged couple excited about getting proposed to
Created by Ali Coşkunfrom the Noun Project

lake havasu surprise proposal at bill williams wildlife refuge

If you guys don’t know already, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE planning and photographing surprise marriage proposals. I recently got to spend approximately (part of) an afternoon with John and Alyssa for their Lake Havasu surprise proposal session at Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge!

John and I planned for nearly a month, making sure all was perfect for him to ask Alyssa to marry him during their vacation here to Lake Havasu. But of course, what’s that saying about the best laid plans going awry? Well, that’s exactly what happened! 🤣

We planned for John to take Alyssa for a romantic evening hike to watch the sunset, where he would walk with her hand and hand until the perfect spot. He would then turn and make eye contact with me (because I’d be trailing them from a safe distance), and get down on his knees to ask Alyssa for her hand in marriage. Then, we would celebrate with some freshly engaged photos until the sun went down, and they would go out for a fancy dinner together afterward.

That was the plan. That was not exactly what happened though. 👀

First, an out-of-nowhere evening storm came and covered the sky with dark clouds nearly an hour before expected sunset time. Then, their Uber driver drove 5 mph under the speed limit and took for-ev-er to get them down to our location, so they arrived several minutes late.

And, of course, it started to lightly sprinkle just as John was down on his knee, slipping the most beautiful ring onto Alyssa’s hand. We had less than 10 minutes of the most incredible golden orange and red sunset light from that point, and by the time we got back to our cars to head home, the light sprinkle turned into a crazy downpour.

What in the world!?

But you know what? It was beautiful and perfect just the way it happened. I got to witness one of the most special moments of their lives, and we got some wonderful photos that I know they’ll treasure forever. Congratulations John and Alyssa, I’m so excited for you both!

John and Alyssa

Lake Havasu Surprise Proposal Session at Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge

couple walking together hand in hand by the lake couple walking together hand in hand by the colorado river couple walking together hand in hand at bill williams couple walking together hand in hand at bill williams man about to propose to girlfriend man about to propose to girlfriend man on one knee, proposing to girlfriend at sunset with mountains in the background man on one knee, proposing to girlfriend at sunset with mountains in the background man hugging girlfriend after she accepted his proposal woman jumping into the arms of her new fiance

This one made me giggle, this when John pointed me out to Alyssa.

man pointing out surprise marriage proposal photographer couple walking together with the most incredible arizona sunset man kissing fiance on the cheek couple standing together with the most incredible arizona sunset newly engaged woman showing off her ring surprise marriage proposal photographer in lake havasu city newly engaged woman showing off her ring newly engaged couple excited about getting proposed to newly engaged woman showing off her ring newly engaged woman showing off her ring couple cuddling together by the colorado river

Are you looking for a surprise marriage proposal photographer in Lake Havasu City?

Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a Lake Havasu City engagement photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and classic family portraits that capture the fun, beauty and realness of your love together. I am happy to serve couples all over Arizona, Southern California, Southern Nevada and anywhere else I can fly or drive. You ready to have an incredible time together for your session?? Message me today!

© ashley durham photography