This is easier for some people than others, but no need to worry about spoiling the surprise because all you really need to do is stay calm and think ahead. If you’re absolutely bursting to tell someone, only tell someone you absolutely trust that won’t spill any hints by accident. If in doubt - tell your dog (they’re the best listeners). Leading up to the day, the nerves will start to come, which can sometimes make you act a little ‘off’ which your partner might become a little suspicious of. Calm your nerves by occupying yourself, go for a jog, do some meditation, whatever works for you. On the day of the proposal, wear something with deep pockets to hide the outline of the ring box as to not give away the surprise too early. The last thing you want to hear is “what’s that in your pocket?”. From the first day of contact with us to the day of the proposal, we will stick to one way of communication of your choice to decrease the chance of suspicion. Email, messenger, text - whatever works best for you.

After you've popped the question and your partner has said yes, you’ll both be over the moon and swooning in love. We’ll give you some time alone to really let the moment soak in. When you are both ready, we will go into shoot mode again and capture some special moments, leaving you with photographic memories bursting with raw emotion. You’ll forever cherish the photos to look back on and remember how you both felt at that exact moment you chose to be each others forever.

Nothing is more unpredictable than the weather. Acorn has learnt to embrace whatever obstacles come our way because actually most of the time they leave you with a surprising outcome that you never could’ve planned. A bit of rain never hurt nobody - rain will only make your photos 10x more romantic. However, if there’s something more like a hurricane forecasted, we are happy to postpone your proposal plan to a day of your choice.

We understand that your plan may not run from minute to minute. However, if you are running behind, just give us a heads up and an ETA through whatever communication channel we have been using. Discreet but clear communication on the day is key.

If we have planned an ambush capture of the proposal then yes - we will be hidden as best as we can. Depending on the location we may have to adapt to the situation, and ‘being hidden’ may look different. We could be hiding in bushes, behind a building, or simply camouflaged as a tourist with a camera that happens to be close by. However we do it, we will do more than our best to make sure your S/O doesn’t suspect a thing.

We know how excited you will be to share the news with family and friends after the shoot. We will do our best to deliver 2 or 3 edited images by the end of the day for you to share the big news. The remaining phots will be delivered in _______

Just remember to be yourself. Don’t suddenly change your morning routine. Wake up how you normally would. Get ready how you normally would. Interact with your S/O how you normally would. Doing your normal routine will help calm your nerves. If you really need to, take a minute or two alone to practise some deep breathing and remind yourself why you are proposing to the love of your life.

You may want to ask yourself what you both like to do together, what has a sentimental value to you both. If you can tick one of those boxes or even both, that’s a great start! Maybe it’s the spot where you first met or had your first kiss. It could be snowy central where you spend most winters together to go skiing or your local beach spot where you spend a lot of time in the summer. Whatever you decide, don’t second guess yourself too much, the location is only one part of the proposal.

Check out our blog for awesome locations in Dunedin that would make for great proposal spots.