Surprise Proposal Photographer: Maggie & Jake

December 22, 2025

Maggie and Jake’s Gettysburg proposal and engagement session at Boyer Nurseries & Orchards, followed by a surprise dinner at Mansion House 1757, joining loved ones from all across the country. Oh, how I love being a surprise proposal photographer!

A silver ring with a large emerald-cut diamond rests on a red apple, creating the perfect scene for a surprise proposal photographer capturing the best moments in Gettysburg, with other apples softly blurred in the background. — Look at Maggie’s **gorgeous ring a**nd we shot this in an **apple orchard**, so this photo is perfect way to remember the day!

Why Rhinehart Photography?

Jake says, “I was looking for someone local to the Gettysburg area that could help with setting up the perfect shot and working on selecting a location. Lisa was extremely engaging and had an excellent portfolio. Her communication is outstanding and takes a well organized approach to planning the entire event.”

“The engagement had multiple moving pieces including multiple photo sites, dinner guests that needed to be corralled at a separate location, and tight time windows that needed to be hit.”

“We worked over the course of about a month or so to select the location, plan the day, identify signals for when I would pop the question, etc. She clearly knows what she’s doing and guided us all through the shots during the engagement shoot. We couldn’t be happier!”

The proposal venue: Boyer Nurseries

Jake shares, “We’ve been up to Gettysburg and gone apple picking a few times in the area, and it has always been a beautiful location during the fall season. I knew Maggie didn’t want a crowded, public proposal. But we also needed the place accessible so a photographer would be able to easily join to capture the moment.

He continues, “Fall is a wonderful time of year as the seasons change, and it felt somewhat symbolic of our own relationship over the years. It’s also just very photogenic. It wasn’t just about the location itself, but just the simple activity of picking apples and doing a fun activity in nature.“

A scenic view of rolling hills and farmland in autumn, with colorful trees, green fields, and a cloudy sky overhead. The landscape features rows of crops, an orchard, and patches of golden grass. — **Boyer Nurseries & Orchard** is so beautiful.

Red apples hanging on orchard tree branches surrounded by green leaves, with some yellowing leaves visible; the apples appear ripe and ready for picking—perfect scenery for a surprise proposal photographer. — These two apples are the perfect pair — just like Maggie & Jake!

Hiding in plain sight: surprise proposal photographer

Jake says, “The goal was apple picking so there was a need to find a spot that could be isolated for taking pictures in a more private setting but still had apples on the trees. Lisa and I had several calls to discuss timeline, things to buy, additional information needed, and day of coordination to ensure everyone was in the right place at the right time.”

“Having Lisa’s experienced eye looking over everything definitely helped ensure no detail was missed. About a week before the event I drove up to the location to identify where the event would take place and get pictures/a map for Lisa to reference. We then finalized details like where the proposal would happen, what the signal would be (popping the champagne), what our route to the location would be, etc.”

He laughs, “Most surprising of all was that everything went off basically on schedule, which I definitely was not expecting!”

A black SUV is parked on grass, partially obscured by out-of-focus tree branches in the foreground. The background features trees with autumn foliage, evoking the vibrant setting of an apple orchard—perfect for an engagement photographer. — I was **‘hiding’** in the orchard, pretending to be photographing my assistant and the orchard itself. Here, I took a sneaky picture of Jake’s car while I watched from my **hiding spot**!

A man walking outdoors in an apple orchard, partially obscured by out-of-focus green foliage in the foreground, holding a white bag and wearing light clothes. — Here’s **another sneaky picture** I took while Jake and Maggie were still “just picking apples” 🤫 All part of the fun of being a surprise proposal photographer!

He pops the question

Maggie smiles, “Jake is thoughtful, never cruel, and so incredibly patient and unbothered. From him, I’ve learned so much about patience and how to NOT death grip the reins. It’s amazing how much more comfortable and peaceful life is when you learn from the School of Jake. I have everything I could want in a friend – and that friend gives me all the love, respect, space, cuddles, dances, adventures, and cups of coffee I could want from a partner.”

Jake says, “Maggie has a very bright and social personality, and in a lot of ways completes the areas of my own that aren’t quite there. People gravitate towards her, and she has a way of putting people at ease. She’s much more empathetic and thoughtful in relationships than I am, so I’ve learned a lot from being in her presence for so long.”

A person is kneeling and proposing to another in an open grassy field with apple trees and autumn-colored leaves in the background, beautifully captured by a surprise proposal photographer in Gettysburg. — The **champagne pop** was my cue, and I *popped* out of my hiding spot and captured the big moment!

A man with a beard and short hair, wearing a gray sweater and holding a glass, smiles outdoors on a grassy area near the water—perhaps savoring the best apple cider. Another person is blurred in the foreground. — She said **yes**! Jake was **thrilled**!!

A woman with long, wavy hair smiles and wipes away a tear while standing outdoors in an orchard, holding a drink. She looks at someone out of focus—captured perfectly by a surprise proposal photographer. The grassy background is blurred. — Awwwww! These are their genuine, authentic reactions right after the moment.

A woman with long hair embraces a smiling man outdoors in Gettysburg, gently touching his face with her left hand. The man holds a small glass and closes his eyes, appearing joyful. Both wear warm jackets. The background is blurred. — **Congratulations**, Jake and Maggie! You are simply the **cutest**.

Engaged!

I asked Maggie if she was truly surprised by the proposal, and she laughs, “Well, I definitely knew something was up! I would’ve bet the house on the engagement, and of course, I knew there would be dinner after the ‘apple picking.’ What I was surprised by was the depth of planning, the full engagement shoot after the proposal, and all the friends waiting at dinner.” (Keep scrolling to see the surprise dinner!)

A couple dances near a small pond on a grassy hill in autumn, their reflection visible in the water. Colorful fall trees and an apple orchard fill the background under a cloudy sky. — I told Maggie I was able to **capture their reflections** in the pond, and she said, “Really!?” 😂 I **love** how these turned out!

The perfect pair: engagement photography

Maggie smiles, “I believe, one of the biggest things that makes us work so well together is that we built our bond through shared fun, not obligation or pressure. Our origin story isn’t ‘we needed each other.’ It’s ‘we enjoyed each other, again and again, until it became undeniable.’ Life genuinely feels better when we’re together.”

A man and a woman sit on grass in an orchard, laughing together. The woman covers her mouth with her hand, revealing an engagement ring. Fallen apples are scattered behind them. Both appear happy and relaxed, enjoying the best moments together. — **Genuine** joy, laughter, and love right here 😍

Two people walk hand in hand down a grassy path surrounded by rows of apple trees with fallen red apples on the ground, under an overcast sky—an ideal scene for an engagement photographer in Gettysburg. — I love the **pops of red** surrounding them here from the **fallen apples** on the ground

Meeting in Okinawa

Jake says, “We met in Okinawa while I was stationed there with a unit and she was working as a contractor. Ironically thanks to COVID she ended up having a longer stay in Okinawa than would have been typical. That gave us a lot of time to get to know each other as we worked in the same office and got to BS with each other and share in general office life.”

Maggie laughs, “I think the first real spark for me was at this Halloween party we both attended in Okinawa. He showed up with a spot-on Bob Ross costume he pulled together that day. I thought it was so cute, clever, and resourceful. Plus, who doesn’t love Bob Ross?”

She continues, “Jake was really helpful that evening and he just kind of…..shined. He was fun, energetic, funny, and he captured my attention. After that, it was all these little details that pulled me in… the stacks of books in his place (including one of my obscure favorites), our love of coffee and cocktails, running together, his incredible comedic timing, his willingness to explore offbeat comedy with me.”

A woman in a green dress embraces a man in a gray sweater outdoors, as they look at each other affectionately. An engagement photographer captures their moment amid blurred greenery, perhaps in an orchard near Gettysburg. — I mean.. cmon! The way **she looks at him** 🥹

Why they Work so Well Together

Maggie says, “We work so well together for a lot of reasons. We’re both adventurous, but in different ways. I’m curious, playful, and driven by imagination and experience. Jake is curious, playful, and driven by exploration and physicality. Our adventures overlap, but we approach from different angles – mine creative and his kinetic.”

I notice the little things…

A woman with long brown hair kisses a bearded man on the cheek as he looks upward, both wrapped in a warm blanket, while tall grass blurs in the background—a serene moment captured by a surprise proposal photographer in Gettysburg. — I love how this picture captures the color of Jake’s eyes so well, and how they match the colors behind them!

Two people holding hands outdoors, one with a smartwatch and cursive tattoo, the other in a gray sweater. Blurred greenery and a dirt path set the scene—an ideal moment for the best engagement photographer in Gettysburg to capture. — I also love this close-up of **Maggie’s tattoo**, which I later learned she got with her best friend. As one of the best surprise proposal photographers, I love noticing and capturing these small details!

I notice emotion and personality, too

A smiling woman in a green dress and brown boots walks through tall grass, holding hands with a bearded man in a gray sweater—an engagement photographer captures their joyful outdoor stroll amid an orchard setting. — Check out Maggie, **taking the lead**— you go, girl!

A smiling woman and a man, wrapped together in a beige blanket, sit closely in a grassy orchard. The woman looks happy, with long brown hair, while the man whispers near her ear—captured perfectly by a surprise proposal photographer. — I love their **sense of humo**r! These two were **laughing** throughout their whole session, and their joy was contagious. You can see how truly in love they are!

A couple walks hand in hand down a dirt path through an apple orchard, with the man playfully jumping as they move forward. Trees and greenery surround them under a cloudy sky—perfect for an engagement photographer to capture the moment. — 🤣 Go, Jake, go!

Engagement Photography in the vineyard

Maggie shares, “The engagement session was such an unexpected and joyful blur, in the best way. I knew the proposal was coming, but something about Jake asking me to marry him had my head floating. In that way, having someone guide us through the photos was honestly a lifesaver. Lisa made everything feel so easy and natural. Her directions were gentle, fun, and totally took the pressure off. It felt like she was building a story around us instead of just taking pictures. I’ll always appreciate that.”

Portraits too, but mostly authentic moments

A smiling couple embraces under a tree with red berries—perhaps apple—in a lush, green outdoor setting. The woman in a green dress and the man in a gray sweater share a joyful moment, beautifully captured by the best photographer. — I don’t take a ton of portraits as I specialize in authentic moments, but I try to take a few every session. I could see this one working well for their **‘save the date’** 🥰

A couple stands under a tree with red berries in an orchard. The man, in a gray sweater, hugs and kisses the smiling woman in a green dress. Captured by the best photographer, both appear happy and affectionate in this lush outdoor setting. — Here is the the more **authentic** **goofiness** I focus on

So happy together: surprise proposal photographer

Jake says, “I loved that Maggie has sophisticated tastes but is willing to get her hands dirty and is always down for physical or strenuous activities, always wanting to participate in unit events/challenges. She’s very visual and sensory-based in a lot of her observations, which is a bit different from how I am. So she’s taught me a bit about how flavors and colors go together and definitely expanded my horizons across the board.

“But most of all, Maggie is extremely caring and works every day to improve herself and bring out the best in people.”

A couple stands closely together, smiling and gazing at each other, in the middle of a path lined with tall, green hedges. Captured by a photographer, autumn trees and an orchard field add to the romantic backdrop. — This **hedge maze** with the picturesque **fall scenery** behind them – **stunning**!

Surprise Dinner! Her bestie is Tickled

Jake says, “Planning for the dinner began back in August. All of Maggie’s friends were super supportive and helpful with getting to the right place at the right time. And Lisa sealed it by organizing everyone prior to us showing up for the surprise reveal.”

A smiling woman in a restaurant stands by a table set for a meal, holding up her phone to share an apple orchard photo. The scene is warmly lit with a cozy and elegant atmosphere. — Maggie was sharing the big news with **her besties**… little did she know they were **already waiting** for her!

Waiting in a private room in candlelight…

A group of people stand and talk in a warmly lit dining room, seen through a mirror. A set table and a glowing candle are visible in the foreground, as if capturing the cozy surprise of the moment through the photographer’s lens. — We **dimmed the lights** so Maggie wouldn’t see us… the room was filled with **anxious, excited anticipation** while we waited

Dinner photography: Surprise!!!!

Maggie smiles, “I don’t want to cry again, but my friends waiting for me at the surprise dinner was really meaningful to me, beyond the words I have at my disposal right now. I felt loved in a way no one has ever shown me. “

Hugs and Tears all around

Engagement dinner photographer: Speech!

Gotta see the Bling

Four people sit around a dining table set for a meal. The woman on the left gestures and smiles, while the woman in green beside her holds a piece of paper—perhaps sharing the best orchard-fresh apple recipe with the two men seated on the right. — Asking to see her ring…

A woman leans forward across a restaurant table, admiring a ring on another person's hand in surprise, while two others smile and observe in the background. The table is set with menus, drinks, and plates. — Showing off the new bling!

Wine Pairings at Mansion House 1757 restaurant

Jake shares, “Mansion House 1757 has fantastic reviews, and the service and food definitely lived up to expectations.”

A person pours white wine—hinted with notes of orchard apple—into a glass on a set dining table, suggesting the best setting for a meal or social gathering. — Each dish had a wine pairing, which is perfect because they are both **foodies**!

Mansion House 1757 Photographer: Chef’s Tasting Room

Jake says, “I found Manison House 1757, which featured a full-on chef’s table.”

The menus were already becoming souvenirs!

A close-up of a decorated dinner table set for a surprise, featuring a menu, a glass of red sangria, a gold-rimmed plate, drinks with ice, a wooden tray with bread, and flowers in a vase. A person is seated in the background. — I noticed their friends were passing around their **menus** **and signing them** — what a **sweet memento** for Jake and Maggie to remember this romantic evening with their people.

A Creative perspective: Engagement Dinner Photography

Their cozy room through the historic window panes of their private room at Mansion House 1757. There is so much history here…

Tantalizing tastes and comfortable conversation

Maggie says, “Jake and I match in humor, but not in personality intensity. I’m witty, vibrant, and emotionally expressive. My humor is in my storytelling. Jake’s humor is timing, deadpan, and observational. I warm the space, and he makes it sparkle. It’s a balance that, I think, keeps things light and joyful. We don’t exhaust each other; we buoy each other.”

Two women sit at a restaurant table, smiling and enjoying a meal. One is holding a fork with food on her plate. Captured by the best photographer, the scene includes drinks—water, wine, beer—and an apple beside a beige purse. — The meatballs were a hit!

A woman wearing a dark green textured dress and a watch holds a piece of bread above a gold-rimmed plate on the set dining table. An apple rests nearby, and her script tattoo is visible on her forearm, capturing the best moment for any photographer. — I love her tattoo!

What an incredible Proposal dinner

A close-up of two hands gently holding on a table, one wearing an engagement ring. A glass of red wine and a plate with bread are visible in the background, adding to the surprise moment reminiscent of a romantic orchard picnic. — I noticed the two of them **holding hands** — so sweet!

A couple shares a kiss in front of a floral curtain, reflected in a mirror above a lit candle and glassware, as stone walls and the warmth of a surprise proposal create an intimate, cozy atmosphere. — One single **candle** and them **kissing in the mirror**, a perfect ending 🥰

Loved ones celebrating

Jake shares, “I wanted some of Maggie’s best and most formative to be there, so it was important to have Iris, Lilly, and Candi there as part of the celebration, along with others like my brother and his wife, who we’ve hung out with a lot since moving back to the area. “

Four women standing close together, sharing laughter and smiles in front of a stone wall and a floral curtain, capturing the best joyful group photo indoors. — Their friends are the **sweetest** and so fun!

Eight adults pose together around a dining table set with plates and glasses in a warmly lit room with stone walls and floral curtains, capturing the best cozy, friendly atmosphere—thanks to the photographer’s perfect timing. — **Congratulations**, Maggie and Jake! Thank you for choosing me as your surprise proposal photographer 🤍

Slideshow: Surprise Proposal Photographer

VENDORS:

Proposal Venue: Boyer Nurseries & Orchards Inc.
Dinner: Mansion House 1757 Boutique Inn

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