Lloyd & Vai’s Romantic Surprise Proposal
A surprise proposal is more than just a question—it’s a moment that defines the beginning of a shared journey. For Lloyd and Vaishagi, it was the culmination of nine years of love, laughter, and navigating life’s adventures together. With Lebanese and Sri Lankan roots, their relationship is a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions, and their engagement story at Montreal’s Botanical Garden is a perfect reflection of that harmony.
Planning the Perfect Montreal Botanical Garden Surprise Proposal
When Lloyd reached out to me, he had a clear vision: a heartfelt, intimate surprise proposal in a picturesque location. From our first call, we clicked. We talked about timing, potential locations, and even backup plans in case of rain.
The Chinese Garden at Montreal’s Botanical Garden stood out immediately. Its tranquil paths and stunning architecture make it one of the city’s most romantic places to propose. Lloyd knew he wanted to pop the question near the iconic tower.
The Lead-Up: A Web of Sweet Secrets
Before coming to Montreal, Lloyd told Vai he would ask her in November in order to throw her off. Meanwhile, we were secretly texting back and forth for days. He asked for recommendations, shared outfit updates, and even mentioned the challenge of convincing her to get her nails done and wear her yellow dress. (She was saving it for their engagement photos… little did she know!) At this point Vai suspected a surprise proposal might happen but didn’t want to get too much into her head.
The Big Moment
On the day of the proposal, I arrived two hours early to scout the area. The landscape changes quickly in the garden depending on the season, and I wanted to ensure everything was perfect. The sun was out, the garden was blooming, and excitement filled the air.
When Lloyd and Vai walked in, I passed by discreetly and made eye contact with him. I began acting like a regular tourist, camera in hand, pretending to photograph the scenery. When Lloyd was ready, I dropped my bag, started snapping, and captured the very moment he professed his love.
Vai was completely focused on him. She didn’t even notice me—until she said yes. We made eye contact and she greeted me with a casual “Hi.” She still hadn’t realized I was there for them! Lloyd then introduced me, and that’s when the magic of surprise and joy truly hit her.
The Engagement Photo Session
After the proposal, we continued with a relaxed engagement shoot throughout the gardens. I made sure to guide them gently, choosing spots where the colors complemented her yellow dress and the atmosphere felt private and romantic. I always strive to create a space where couples feel like themselves—and Vai and Lloyd truly shone.
Their chemistry, playfulness, and connection made every frame a dream to capture.
Same-Day Sneak Peeks and Kind Words
“Melissa, this is the most beautiful sneak peek I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see it all. Thank you again for making it the best experience and having an amazing eye for details. We are so happy!”
Later that day, I sent them a few sneak peeks. Lloyd messaged me:
Vai followed up on Instagram with:
“Thank you so, so much for the beautiful engagement shoot yesterday. You made us feel so comfortable and brought such a calm, fun energy to the day. We truly felt like ourselves in front of the camera—and that’s all thanks to you.”
Why I Love Photographing Proposals
Surprise proposals hold a special place in my heart. I’m a romantic at heart, and nothing brings me more joy than helping someone craft the perfect experience for the one they love. From strategy calls to outfit suggestions, I’m there every step of the way.
Lloyd went above and beyond to make Vai feel special—and that kind of devotion is truly inspiring. I’m honored to have been part of such a meaningful chapter in their story.
What Did Lloyd and Vai Had to Say About Their Experience
Lloyd wrote “Melissa was our top choice to capture our surprise proposal and engagement shoot! She made us feel so comfortable and at ease, taking her time to capture every detail perfectly. Her warm, personable nature made the entire experience fun and stress-free. We are not used to having our photos taken professionally but the photos turned out absolutely stunning and she captured our love beautifully. She knew all the right spots and stayed well hidden to capture our surprise proposal. We couldn’t be happier and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a memorable shoot for your special day.”
Vai posted “I was completely surprised by our engagement, and somehow Melissa captured every bit of the magic so effortlessly. She brought such a grounding, calm presence to the moment—it never felt staged or stiff. Her eye for detail, emotion, and natural light is unreal. My fiancé and I both felt so comfortable and at ease in front of her lens. I truly felt beautiful, seen, and fully myself—and he felt the same. These photos aren’t just pictures—they’re memories we’ll both cherish forever.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Proposal?
Whether you’re planning something grand or keeping it intimate, I’d be thrilled to help bring your vision to life. From location scouting to timeline planning and all the little details in between, I’m here to make sure your proposal feels personal, stress-free, and beautifully documented.
Your love story deserves to be told with care, creativity, and heart—and that’s exactly what I bring to every surprise proposal I photograph.
If you’re thinking about proposing in Montreal, let’s chat. I’d love to hear your ideas and help you create a moment you’ll both remember forever.
