Preparing for a Secret Proposal
In an ideal world… everything goes according to the plan. This simply isn’t so in real life. We can do as much planning as possible and prepare until our hearts are content, but we also have to accept that things can and will go wrong.
A recent proposal was met with many challenges. Since the onset of COVID-19, Hawaii implemented a very strict visitor entry policy. The visiting couple had to return to their home state. Rather than giving up, they were able to catch another flight back to Hawaii. We rescheduled the photoshoot for another day and thankfully, they were granted entry on their second arrival.
When life gives you lemons...make lemonade.
That’s been my mantra for as long as I can remember, but it is easier said than done. Let me explain...When I talk to clients about their upcoming proposal or wedding I always tell them to “Expect the unexpected and take everything in stride.” There are a lot of things that can go wrong and factors that are beyond our control such as traffic, the weather, family drama, a pandemic, an volcano erupting (this is Hawaii after all), missing a flight, you name it… it can happen!
How can we prepare?
Here’s a page from my Wedding and Secret Proposal playbook.
We make preparations for the primary location in advance then have a secondary backup location.
Mentally prepare that we are planning for the most successful outcome.
What could possibly go wrong?
Call luck of the draw, but when you have worked on as many proposals or weddings, in Hawaii, as my team and I…we have seen so many unexpected elements at play such as: a sudden unexpected venue closure; a bridge, tree, or area which was fine the day before - now gone, uprooted, or under construction. There could be new state rules, thanks to COVID-19, water main break, or flash flood warning issued for the area. These are circumstances totally out of our control.
Tips for the Big Day:
Discreetly pack a “Go bag,” with a towel, water bottle, snacks, a change of clothes, and extra shoes in case of rain, mud, or too much sun.
Do a wardrobe and ring check before you leave the hotel to make sure all buttons are buttoned, all zippers are zipped up, and you got the most important thing...the ring! Do this again right after you get out of the car.
Where to next? Make a plan for after the Proposal or Wedding. Will you be going out to dinner, a cruise, the beach, or next activity? Pack accordingly.
Remember to breathe, it will be ok. You have the support of the whole team behind you to make this day successful! On the day of the Proposal, my Team and I arrived on site 1-2 hours before the event to make sure that everything will be in our favor. Usually everything goes off without a hitch, but if you are that “lucky,” remember, you prepared for this and we got you covered!
