How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Proposal in Tampa Bay

(Featuring Andy & Erica’s Taylor-Swift-Inspired Moment at Lake Park)

Planning a surprise proposal is equal parts excitement, nerves, and the sweet hope that everything unfolds exactly how you imagined. Whether you're dreaming of a sunset proposal on Clearwater Beach or a quiet, nature-filled moment in Tampa, the Tampa Bay area has endless beautiful locations for something unforgettable.

As a Tampa Bay proposal photographer, I’m behind the scenes for everything: the planning, the timing, the maps, the hiding spots, and the moment the entire world narrows into a single “yes.” Here’s how to plan the perfect surprise proposal — plus a behind-the-scenes look at Andy’s incredible plan for Erica.

Choose a Location That Fits Your Story

The best proposal spots are the ones that reflect the two of you. Some couples love the iconic cliffs of Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. Others want skyline energy in Tampa or St. Pete. And sometimes, the perfect location is nestled under tall trees with soft, glowing light.

Why Lake Park Was the Perfect Spot for Andy & Erica

When Andy told me that Erica loves Taylor Swift and he wanted a romantic, dreamy vibe, I immediately recommended Lake Park in Lutz. It has a beautiful white arch that was ideal for decorating with florals and doesn’t require reservations, which is ideal for surprise proposals.

It feels quiet, intimate, and cinematic — like stepping into a softly lit scene designed just for them and there’s some beautiful spots there for photos after the proposal!

Pick the Perfect Time of Day for Your Proposal

Lighting shapes the entire mood of a proposal. On the beaches of Clearwater, Sand Key, or St. Pete Beach, about 30 minutes before sunset is usually perfect. For parks or wooded areas, late afternoon offers warm, even light without harsh shadows. I always like to leave a little extra time after sunset as we’ll do photos of the newly engaged couple that is for real your actual engagement session!

Planning the Perfect Light for Andy’s Proposal

For Andy and Erica, we planned the proposal around the late-afternoon glow filtering through the trees at Lake Park. We walked through the timing down to the minute — when to arrive, how long the walk would take, and exactly when the light would be at its best.

Plan the Logistics to Keep the Proposal a Surprise

This is where most grooms feel the most stress — and where having a proposal photographer on your team becomes incredibly helpful. I spend a lot of time game planning with the groom several times before the proposal and on the day of to make sure it goes smoothly.

Mapping Out the Perfect Surprise for Erica

Andy wanted a total surprise, which he knew would be challenging because Erica is an event planner and very detailed and in the know, so he told Erica he was recreating their first date. It was the perfect decoy. From there, we mapped out everything:

• where they’d park
• which path they’d take
• how he’d guide her naturally toward the arch
• how to avoid people
• how to position them for the best light
• and yes - down to the exact tree I would be hiding behind

Proposal planning is a bit like choreography. Thoughtful planning makes the moment feel effortless.

Add Personal Touches to Make the Moment Meaningful

The most memorable proposals include details that reflect your relationship — whether it’s décor, a location tied to your story, or a song playing quietly in the background.

A Taylor-Swift-Inspired Setup

Andy had the arch decorated by Legacy Events Tampa so it had a soft, romantic feel with her favorite colors of flowers that aligned with Erica’s love of Taylor Swift. The details made the moment feel private, intentional, and deeply personal.

Celebrate With Portraits After the Yes

Those first few minutes after the proposal are filled with pure emotion — joy, relief, excitement, disbelief. Capturing that energy is one of my favorite parts of proposal photography.

Andy & Erica’s Just-Engaged Glow

After Erica said yes and the nerves finally melted off Andy’s shoulders, we moved right into a few portraits. Their happiness was electric — the kind of joy that lights up every frame.

Watch Andy & Erica’s Proposal Reel

I put together an Instagram reel with the setup, the moment, and the just-engaged portraits. It gives you a feel for what a fully photographed proposal story can look like.

See it on our Instagram

Planning a Surprise Proposal in Tampa Bay?

Whether you're planning:

• a Clearwater Beach sunset proposal
• a quiet corner of Sand Key
• a romantic setup on St. Pete Beach
• a meaningful Tampa location
• or a hidden-gem moment like Lake Park in Lutz

We help with the entire experience — planning, location ideas, logistics, timing, and capturing the moment as it unfolds.

Ready to start planning your Tampa Bay proposal?
Reach out here and we’ll help bring your vision to life.