Blatnick Park, Niskayuna NY - A Snowy Family Session Turned Into the Sweetest Surprise Proposal
- Redesignwithme
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Some sessions start with a plan… and end with something even better than you could have imagined.
We originally planned to meet at Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve, and I left early that morning to meet the family there. Overnight, we had received a significant snowfall — the kind that transforms everything into a winter wonderland. Unfortunately, it also meant the park entrance wasn’t plowed and was completely inaccessible.
Thankfully, during the planning process, Stacie (mom, wife, and ultimate session MVP) and I had talked through weather possibilities ahead of time. Earlier that same week, temperatures had climbed into the 40s and all previous snow had melted away. We had hoped for snow… and I guess our prayers were answered — maybe just a little too well, since it continued snowing during the session itself.
After a few minutes of conferencing through car windows (classic winter-session behavior), bundled in snow pants, a snow suit, scarves, hat, and all the layers, we pivoted to Blatnick Park in Niskayuna. Wet, heavy snow clung low to every tree branch, creating the most dreamy, quiet winter atmosphere.
We made the best of what we had — and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
I led the family to an open field, away from the power lines, where the background was nothing but soft white snow. Dogs in tow, we started with full family portraits. I prompted them to look at one another instead of the camera, encouraging giggles, conversation, and those in-between moments — and wow. They were naturals. Truly magazine-worthy.
Stacie had worked so hard coordinating everyone’s outfits, following my style guide exactly to a T. The colors were sharp, natural, and cohesive without being matchy — everything I could ever hope for in a photography client. From the very beginning, the session flowed effortlessly. The family fell into a natural rhythm, laughing through dancing dips and hug prompts. Even Chris — who is famously not a fan of being photographed — surprised me by studying posing techniques ahead of time. He had his hands and feet perfectly placed before I even needed to guide him. I couldn’t believe it.
Despite the rocky start with the location change, once the session truly began, it was pure magic.
What I did know going into the session — secretly — was that there might be a proposal.
When Stacie and I first started planning, she mentioned that Tyler was hoping to propose to her daughter, Emilie. At the time, the ring hadn’t arrived yet, so we weren’t sure it would happen. But during the week leading up to the session, the proposal was officially confirmed — and suddenly, we were all quietly buzzing with excitement.
When it came time for Emilie and Tyler’s portion of the photos, Stacie helped me subtly clue Tyler in that these would be the final setups and that we’d focus on a few couple poses.
For the last prompt, I asked Emilie to face away from Tyler. I told her that on my count, she’d run and jump into his arms — explaining that the best photos often come from spontaneous movement.
While Emilie faced the trees, I walked over to Tyler and quietly asked, “This is it. Are you okay? Are you nervous?”
He nodded, shivering — from both the cold and the moment.
I told him to get down on one knee. I positioned Emilie just far enough away so she’d have space to react, still keeping up the photography instructions so her mind was focused elsewhere. I counted to three and told her to turn around.
She started to run… and then stopped mid-step.
Tyler was on one knee, ring box open.
The reaction was everything: disbelief, happy tears, laughter, joy — and then a very enthusiastic “YES!”followed by a kiss and the longest, most heartfelt hug I’ve ever witnessed through my lens. I found myself tearing up behind the camera, remembering my own proposal and the whirlwind of emotions that come with it.
To finish the session, Stacie surprised everyone with champagne. We toasted, celebrated, and let Tyler spray some bubbly for a fun, joy-filled final shot.
What began as a snowy family session turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment — and honestly, there’s no better way I can imagine starting 2026.
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