Surprise Proposal Manayunk

 

 Manayunk Engagement Photos

This sweet engagement session took place in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Just 15 minutes from center city, this area has some charming shops and restaurants, and a popular walking path that runs parallel to the main street, the Manayunk Canal and Tow Path. This couple had their proposal right along this waterfront walk. It was the perfect place for their proposal and engagement session.

 

 

Proposal Moment

There is not much that tops the feeling of pure excitement of a marriage proposal. The joy seems to burst in the air, and the love radiates. This couple was smiling, laughing, and there were definitely some actual jumps for joy. They really were glowing throughout their photo session and soaking in all the feels. Taking photos together after your proposal can stretch the moment and let you slow down and be together before all the facetimes, texts, call and celebrations that are sure to come, and of course, you will have lovely photos for a lifetime that will forever bring you right back to this “I do” moment.

 

 

 

Proposing in Your Philadelphia Neighborhood

This couple had their Philadelphia proposal right in their own neighborhood, Manayunk. It was so special to have this moment in a familiar and meaningful place for their story. It can be exciting to travel to another state or country and propose on a rooftop or mountain top, but it can be just as lovely to propose at your favorite park bench where you drink your coffee every Sunday or where you went on your first date. Sometimes, highlighting the familiar and the everyday reminds us of what is most important.

 

 

Funny Story

As much as you can plan for a proposal, when you do it in a public location your never know what might happen. On this December day, when I arrived at the predetermined location along the Manayunk Canal and got all set up, suddenly I saw a crowd of people all dressed up in holiday costumes running down the path. We had no idea the proposal was planned at the very same time that the annual “Rudolph Run” was happening in Manayunk! It looked like a fun event, but not necessarily what you want to be happening right when the down on one knee “Will you marry me?” moment was supposed to happen. With a few texts back and forth, we were able to delay the proposal moment just long enough for the runners to pass, and the proposal went smoothly. Just wanted to share a little “behind the scenes” from a proposal photographer’s perspective. You never know what might happen on proposal day!

 

 

Main Street Manayunk

The Canal Path is just a few steps off Main Street in Manayunk, making it easy to access. We chose to stay right on the walkway for all of the engagement photos after the proposal because it really is peaceful and beautiful. With the waterway and bridges as the backdrop, we were able to get some romantic couple’s photos. If you wanted to, you could easily pop up to walk along the shop-lined street for more photos, or celebrate with brunch or lunch after the photo session. Once a mill town, this unique area in Philadelphia has its own character and has access to some beautiful green areas, such as the Wissahickon Park, just a few minutes away.

 

 

Where to celebrate after your Manayunk Proposal

Manayunk has many cozy restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. After your engagement, you could pop into Mia Ragazza for some tasty Italian fare, or maybe meet up with friends and family to celebrate at Manayunk Brewery, or perhaps you take the 10 minute dirve over to Lark to enjoy the menu of James Beard finalist and Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi(Although not in Manayunk, it is a close and tasty option).

 

 

Winter Engagement Session

There is no “right time of year” for a proposal. Proposals happen all year long, from the spring blooms to the chill of winter, every season is the right season to pop the question, when it’s right its right! This couple chose December, typically a pretty cold time of year in Philadelphia, but that didn’t stop them from having an amazing outside proposal. There is something romantic about winter engagements! Do you agree? This day was even warm enough that they could both take off their winter coats for their couple’s photos. No matter the time of year, the weather is always an unknown. You never know if it will be sunny, rainy, or snowy. You just have to have a little faith and maybe a backup plan 😉

 

 

 

Other Philadelphia Proposal Ideas

If you are still in the brainstorming phase of proposal planning for your Philadelphia engagement, here are a few blog posts that might act as a guide and spark some ideas for you. After having the honor to photograph many proposals in the area, I have put together some helpful hints and things to keep in mind that I hope are helpful to others.

For tips, inspiration, and some things to consider when putting together this special moment, check this post. It’s a good starting place to help you put together a game plan for the day. Planning Your Philadelphia Proposal: The Ultimate Guide

If you are not sure what location would be best for your proposal, this blog will give you a list of some classic Philadelphia locations and some of the beaten path spots that you might not have thought of. Best Locations For a Marriage Proposal in Philadelphia

 

 

Philadelphia Proposal Photography

Having a proposal photographer capture this unforgettable moment is always a good idea! If you are planning your engagement and looking for a photographer in the Philadelphia area, let’s chat! You can connect with me by filling out the quick contact form for Heidi Roland Photography, and we can set up a time to hop on a call. I can’t wait to answer any questions you have about planning or share my proposal photography package!