Why on Earth would we blog about an Acadia proposal oopsie? Well, because in more than ten years of photographing proposal in Acadia National Park, this was the first one that had a major hiccup, and we still got great photos! We like being transparent. We also like learning from experiences. So, what happened?
Mike contacted us two months prior to plan his Acadia proposal. Privacy and an iconic Acadia backdrop were his priorities. Based on this, where they were staying, and sunset being at 8pm, we chose a spot along the Park Loop. It’s lesser known, easy access, and provides both privacy and views. He loved the photo references we sent, and was all in.
So, we sent detailed directions including a GPS pin, written directions, satellite view, and video. Everything we could to orient him to make it as simple as possible on the night of. Well, nerves can get the better of some people. Wine tasting prior may not have helped either. But, here’s what saved us. We suggest sharing location by phone an hour prior. This allows us to see you arriving, and ensure we are there waiting. Chances are, you’re not able to have the access to be checking our location without being caught, so we do the monitoring.
Well, instead of using the GPS pin, Mike entered “Ocean Path” into GPS. This was the “oopsie”! Many points in Acadia are not marked accurately in Google Maps. For the longest time Beech Mountain trailhead was over a mile away from the actual spot and in someone’s driveway. Ocean Path is a long walking trail spanning from Sand Beach past Otter Point. Beside the most frequently traveled road in Acadia. With so many access points, there is no real start to the trail, which meant using it as a GPS pin wouldn’t work. What’s more, it sent Mike and Haley to the far end. With Park Loop being one-way, this meant there would be no easy backtracking. To get to an earlier part of the trail would mean driving back into town and a thirty minute delay. The sun waits for no one. And it would have been a tough sell to an unsuspecting girlfriend.
Instead, we were able to see his pin in real time and track him down. He had found a quieter spot in a busier area, though we had to be some distance off not to be seen as it was wide open on the rocks. Normally this wouldn’t matter, but Mike had asked for a secret proposal photo session. Meaning Haley would not know it was happening until down the road when Mike showed her photos. We have long lenses, and with the two of us staging ourselves in different spots, we were able to ensure sneaky pics.
We texted Mike letting him know we were in position, and the rest was up to him. Whew! The silver lining? We learned of a new spot that gets wonderful evening light. It’s perfect for right before sunset. So, we consider this an Acadia proposal oopsie turned success! And now explain more clearly not to rely on Google Maps!
Let us help you plan your own secret Acadia proposal:
It really is our favorite place on the planet and certainly one of the top National Parks in the country! Our process for Acadia proposals starts with getting to know the proposer and understanding what their vision of the event is. We’ll then work with you to find the best location and time of day to propose in Acadia and work with you in any way we can to help with the remainder of the planning and keeping it a secret.
If proposing in Acadia along the Park Loop at sunset is what speaks to you, then we’re all for helping you plan it. And we can help you find the perfect spot with fewer people and stress-free parking. Kate has been visiting Acadia every year since she was a child and introduced Keith when they shot their first wedding together there. We now spend the majority of the season exploring the park while we stay at our family’s home in Somesville. It is with this passion and knowledge of the park that we can find the perfect place for your surprise proposal in Acadia National Park and be there with you to photograph the first chapter in your wedding story.
We intentionally don’t give out too many of our secrets here for the benefit of our couples. If you’re interested in working with us to photograph your surprise proposal in Acadia we’d love to chat with you! Let’s start making plans! Contact us now!
View more of our Acadia National Park proposals, engagements, and wedding photos!
Get more information about Acadia from the National Park Service