You get one shot at this moment — let's make sure you have it forever. Michele captures your surprise proposal from a discreet distance: close enough to catch the look on their face the second they realize what's happening, far enough that they never suspect a thing. Right after the "yes," she steps in for a few just-engaged portraits while you're both still glowing. You plan the moment privately with her; all you have to do is ask.
Book a SessionA proposal is one moment you can't redo — and the only time you'll have a photographer there to catch it as it happens. You pick the spot — anywhere around Mountain Home, from the lakes and rivers to a place that's just yours; Michele plans it privately with you, stays out of sight until the moment comes, then steps in for a few just-engaged portraits right after the "yes." Your secret's safe the whole way — she'll only ever contact you, never your partner. Take a look at a few recent proposals below.
When you know, you know — and the sooner you reach out, the more time Michele has to plan every detail with you so nothing is left to chance. Pick your date, share the plan privately, and she'll take care of quietly being there the second it happens. Only you will ever hear from her — never your partner.
Book a SessionHow does a surprise proposal photo session work?
Where does Michele photograph proposals?
How much does a proposal session cost?
How far in advance should I book?
How do you keep it a surprise?
What if my partner recognizes Michele or figures it out?
What happens after the proposal — do we get engagement photos too?
When will we get our photos?
What if it rains or the plan changes?
Can family or friends be there to celebrate afterward?
It's simple, and Michele does the heavy lifting. You pick the place and time; beforehand, she goes over the plan with you privately — where to stand, where to look, and a simple signal so she's ready at the exact right second. On the day, she arrives early and positions herself discreetly, far enough away that your partner never suspects a thing but close enough to catch their reaction. Right after the "yes," she steps in for a short set of just-engaged portraits. You'll get a few sneak-peek images within about 48 hours and your full gallery a few weeks later.
Anywhere around Mountain Home, Arkansas, and the surrounding area — usually within about a 30-minute drive. That includes Gassville, Lakeview, Bull Shoals, Cotter, Flippin, Norfork, Salesville, Midway, Henderson, and the nearby lakes and rivers like Norfork Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, the White River, and the Buffalo River. If you have a spot farther out in mind, just ask — she's happy to talk it through.
A proposal session is $275. That covers Michele's private planning with you beforehand, discreet coverage of the proposal itself, a short just-engaged portrait set right after, a few sneak-peek images within about 48 hours, and your full gallery of professionally edited photos. To book, a 50% retainer ($137.50) holds your date, and the balance is due 7 days before the session.
As soon as you know your date. A week or two is usually plenty, but the earlier the better — it gives Michele more time to plan the details with you and makes sure your date is still open. Proposal dates are often tied to something specific (a trip, an anniversary, a holiday), so those can fill up.
Discretion is the whole point. Michele will only ever contact you — never your partner — and everything is planned privately between the two of you. On the day, she blends in like any other person with a camera, and you'll set a simple signal so she knows the moment is coming. Your partner won't have any idea until it's already happening.
She's a pro at staying out of sight and looking like she's photographing the scenery, not you. You'll talk through exactly how hidden you want her to be — completely tucked away until your signal, or blended in nearby. Either way, the goal is the same: your partner stays surprised right up to the moment you ask.
Yes. Once the "yes" is in and you're both still glowing, Michele steps in to capture a short just-engaged portrait set right there (or at a nearby spot, if you'd rather). It's included in your session — a beautiful, natural way to remember the day you got engaged, not just the second you asked.
You'll get a few sneak-peek images within about 48 hours so you can share your news right away. Your full gallery of professionally edited images arrives in a private online gallery about 3–4 weeks after your session. During busier seasons the timing can vary slightly, but every image gets the attention this moment deserves.
No problem — flexibility is built in. If the forecast looks iffy or something shifts, Michele will reach out privately to talk through a backup plan or reschedule. The questionnaire even asks for an alternate spot or time up front, so you're covered either way.
Absolutely. If you want loved ones hiding nearby to jump in after the "yes," Michele can capture a few group photos too — just let her know in the questionnaire so she can plan for it.
Michele McCoy Photography
209 N College St Suite B
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone: 870-686-7210