A winter proposal in the Plateau Mont-Royal

Aniruddh got in touch to ask me to photograph his proposal to his girlfriend Hiral during their vacation in Montreal. I love shooting proposals. It’s such a happy moment! And it’s exciting to be like a spy and try to get candid photos without being noticed.

Since it was his first trip here, I gave Aniruddh some suggestions of interesting places in Montreal. He liked the idea of proposing near some colourful houses in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood.

Of course, real life Montreal weather had to happen. The proposal day dawned and it was so cold and windy. I cannot emphasize enough how cold it was. But we carried on in spite of the freezing weather. 🙂

Aniruddh led Hiral through the Carre Saint-Louis park and towards the colourful homes. He pulled out a poem he had written for her. Because it was her birthday that weekend, she expected something a little special, but had no idea he was going to propose. Then he got down on one knee on a freezing cold Montreal street and she knew!

I loved shooting Hiral’s emotional and happy reaction to this surprise proposal. So cute! After sharing my congratulations with the happy couple, I took them around the neighbourhood for some fun couple’s photos. I mean…engagement photos? Yes!

After freezing our butts off for a while taking pictures, we took refuge inside Negasake, a local Japanese/Korean restaurant. Aniruddh and Hiral toasted their engagement with some sake.

After warming up a bit, we headed back out into the cold and headed up to Dragon Flowers florist in the Mile-End. I’d been meaning to take some couple’s photos in front of this flower shop, which in a local institution. The owner Tamey Lau has covered the front of her shop with hanging white birdcages. It’s a beautiful and whimsical sight!