My first ever couple session: the day I got pranked BY a proposal
This was my first-ever couple photography session, and it turned into one of the most unforgettable shoots of my early photography career — for all the right reasons.
I’ve known Kolter my entire life. We grew up together like siblings, so when he casually texted me about booking a session, I never took him seriously. I honestly thought he was joking every time.
After my sunflower mini sessions wrapped up and I had returned to my college town, one of my sunflower clients shared a photo from her session and tagged me on Snapchat. I reposted it — and shortly after, Kolter slid up on my story and said, “I want to take some.”
I laughed, assuming he was teasing me again. What I didn’t realize was that this was his way of officially booking a couple photoshoot with his girlfriend, Alexis.
Planning My First Couple Photography Session
A few days later, Kolter texted again and confirmed that he was serious. I let him know the sunflowers were gone, but we could absolutely find another location. We ended up choosing two meaningful spots: the Tunica Biloxi Nature Trail in Marksville, Louisiana, and part of his family’s land — a place they call “the hangar” because it’s where they store their crop duster airplanes.
Before the session, my mom casually mentioned the shoot to Kolter’s mom — who had no idea about it. When she asked him about it, he said it was meant to be a surprise for Alexis. That’s when my photographer brain went into panic mode.
My first thought was: Is he about to propose?
I immediately texted Kolter to ask if he was planning a proposal. He thought I was completely crazy. I explained that one of my biggest fears as a photographer was missing a proposal moment because I wasn’t prepared. Thankfully, he reassured me that wasn’t happening… or so I thought.
A Golden Hour Session With an Unexpected Twist
On the day of the shoot, everything went perfectly. We captured beautiful golden hour couple photos at both locations, and the light was absolutely dreamy. When we arrived at the hangar, I posed them next to the hay bales and briefly turned my camera off while giving direction.
That’s when I noticed Kolter reaching into his back pocket.
My heart stopped.
He pulled something out, turned toward Alexis, and dropped down on one knee. Before I could even process what was happening, he stood right back up laughing.
It was a prank — and Alexis was in on it the entire time.
What This Session Taught Me as a Photographer
Once the shock wore off, I couldn’t stop laughing. What started as my first couple session turned into one of the most fun and lighthearted shoots I’ve ever done. More than anything, it taught me an important lesson early in my photography journey:
Never turn your camera off — and always expect the unexpected.
This session helped shape how I approach couples photography today — relaxed, authentic, and focused on real moments over perfection.
