Sunflower Field Proposal at Blake’s Orchard | John & Rachel

LOVE IN FULL BLOOM

John reached out asking if I was available to photograph a sunflower field proposal for him and Rachel. Early in their relationship, they visited Blake Farms and fell in love with it. Since sunflowers are Rachel’s favorite flower, John knew it would be the perfect surprise. She has no idea this is coming, and I could not be more excited! I love planning big surprises, so I’m thrilled to play a part in their story.

Scouting for the Perfect Sunflower Field Proposal

Because I had not been to Blake Farms before, I started with research. Proposals are different from weddings or sessions, so scouting was important. Their website mentioned that professional photography is not allowed, but encouraged reaching out with questions. I always want to respect a venue’s rules, so I emailed the team directly. With their approval, the plan for this sunflower field proposal was officially in motion.

The next step was finding the perfect location. Online maps gave me a general idea, but I wanted to experience the property in person. Nothing replaces walking the space and seeing it for yourself. So, I bought tickets for my kids and me to spend the day there. This way, I could scout while also letting them enjoy the farm.

We arrived around the same time of day as the proposal to check the lighting. After some running around in Funland with the animals, bounce houses, and tractor rides, we headed for the train that takes you out to the sunflower fields. When we arrived, there was a sea of blooms as far as we could see! Rows of towering sunflowers and adorable photo ops lined the paths. Visitors carried flowers bigger than their heads! It was truly magical.

While my kids explored, I stayed focused on location scouting. I looked for places that would offer privacy, beautiful light, and easy access. I took plenty of photos and videos to review later. Once home, I sent John a detailed email with five possible spots for the proposal, complete with my notes on why each would work. He chose a quieter spot off to the side, away from the busiest areas.

Proposal Planning Tips That Make a Difference

Together, we finalized a plan. I would pose as a vendor capturing festival photos, blending in so Rachel would never suspect a thing. I also came up with an idea to capture audio of the moment. I already owned a small wireless microphone for social media, so I suggested hiding it on John during the proposal. While I’m no videographer, this would allow me to record their voices on my phone. Between photos and video, they would have their sunflower field proposal documented in the sweetest way possible.

These little details show how much thought goes into proposal planning. Every step from contacting the farm, to checking the light, to scouting the best spots, ensures everything goes smoothly. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right preparation makes all the difference. If you’re planning a proposal, here are a few proposal planning tips to help:

Confirm with the venue. Always check rules and permissions before finalizing a location. It saves stress on the big day.
Visit at the same time of day. Light changes everything. Scout during the time you plan to propose.
Think through logistics. Make sure you know how to get there, how crowded it may be, and what distractions could happen.
Have a backup plan. Weather and crowds can be unpredictable, choose an alternate spot just in case.
Consider privacy. Look for quieter areas where you can share the moment without a big audience.
Add a personal touch. Whether it’s a favorite flower, song, or meaningful detail, tailor the proposal to your story.
Bring in a professional. Having a photographer ensures the memory is captured while you stay fully present.