Planning an LGBTQ proposal in Savannah is already nerve-wracking. Planning one in another city, around a family trip, while waiting for a ring to arrive and secretly coordinating with a photographer? That takes things to another level.
When Gillian first reached out to me about proposing to Macy, Savannah wasn’t even part of the plan. They were coming to Chattanooga for Macy’s birthday, but as the weekend got closer, the pieces weren’t fitting together. Gillian really wanted Macy’s mom and son there to celebrate afterward and be included in photos, and they couldn’t make the trip. On top of that, the ring still hadn’t arrived.
Then I got an email that was essentially, “I think I’m gonna do it during a family trip in Savannah. Do you travel?”
My answer?
Fuck yeah.
Turning a Chattanooga Plan Into an LGBTQ Proposal in Savannah
Serendipitously, I had blocked that exact week for my partner’s family reunion in Pennsylvania, but the dates had changed at the last minute. Suddenly, I was free to head south instead.
Gillian, meanwhile, was stressed.
That’s part of planning a surprise proposal. You’re coordinating a huge emotional moment while trying to act completely normal around the person who knows you incredibly well. Add travel, family schedules, an unfamiliar city and a late-arriving ring, and there are a lot of moving pieces.
My job as a destination proposal photographer is to take as many of those pieces off your plate as I can.
Planning a Lesbian Proposal at Lafayette Square
After going back and forth about locations, we chose Lafayette Square. It gave us the Savannah atmosphere Gillian wanted without putting such a personal moment in the middle of a huge crowd.
I arrived the night before and went straight to the square to scout it. I checked the golden-hour light, found the best angle around the fountain and sent Gillian photos showing exactly where she needed to go and where I planned to be.
For a lesbian proposal, we also had to consider something straight couples may not think twice about: how comfortable they would feel sharing such a vulnerable moment in a public space.
And then, despite all that planning, Savannah threw us a few curveballs.
People were sitting where I planned to wait, so I ended up on a bench facing the opposite direction. Another photo session was happening around the fountain minutes before they arrived. Then a woman began circling the fountain just as Gillian and Macy were crossing the block.
I was ready to intervene if I needed to. Luckily, everything cleared just in time.
“I Just Got Engaged!”
Gillian and Macy reached the fountain and talked for a few moments before Gillian got down on one knee. Macy was so surprised that she grabbed the ring and put it on her own finger. Then she immediately started showing it to people.
“I JUST GOT ENGAGED!”
Gillian gently reminded her that they were still in the South and couldn’t necessarily assume every stranger would react positively to two women getting engaged. But everyone did.
There weren’t many people around, which was intentional, but every person who witnessed it offered congratulations without missing a beat. Just strangers seeing two people ridiculously excited to be engaged and joining in their excitement.
That’s what supporting love should look like.
Celebrating Their LGBTQ Proposal in Savannah With Family
Shortly afterward, Macy’s family arrived, bringing the most important piece of Gillian’s revised plan full circle. Her mom and son got to celebrate with them, and we took photos of everyone together, including the dog.
Then I took Gillian and Macy around a few nearby blocks for portraits before sending them off to celebrate. Savannah gave us plenty of variety without turning their evening into an extended photo session.
Apparently, I wasn’t completely done celebrating with them either. Macy invited me to join everyone at a dueling piano bar the next night.
Obviously, I went. It was a blast!
Your Destination Proposal Doesn’t Have to Go Exactly According to Plan
Between Gillian’s first email and the moment she got down on one knee, the city changed, the plans changed and plenty of things happened that none of us could control.
But we could prepare for them.
We chose the location intentionally. I scouted it beforehand. Gillian knew exactly where to go and where I would be. So when they walked into Lafayette Square, the only thing she really needed to concentrate on was Macy.
Well, Macy and remembering everything she wanted to say while her heart was probably trying to escape her chest.
If you’re planning an LGBTQ proposal in Savannah or you’re looking for a queer affirming destination proposal photographer willing to get on a plane for you, I’m in. We’ll handle the logistics together so when the moment arrives, you can focus on the person you came there to ask.
Planning a proposal is exciting, but keeping the surprise intact while juggling locations, timing, lighting and all the little logistics can be a lot.
If you’re planning an LGBTQ proposal in Savannah or want a destination proposal photographer willing to meet you wherever your plans take you, reach out. I’ll help you figure out the details so you can focus on the person you’re asking.
Planning photos in one of Savannah’s public spaces?
Permit requirements can vary depending on what you’re planning and how you’re using the space. You can find current photography and filming requirements through the City of Savannah Film & Media Office.
