When Paco reached out about photographing a surprise proposal at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, I had a feeling it would be something special.

His plan? Keep it completely under the radar. Christine was told they were heading to the Arboretum for a family photo session – framed as a Father’s Day gift for his dad. Meanwhile, Paco and his sisters had already mapped everything out. Roses were placed. A “Will You Marry Me?” sign was ready. Both families were in position to be part of the moment.

The Dallas Arboretum could not have been a better setting—lush, romantic, and just tucked away enough to make the moment feel intimate. And somehow, Christine had no idea. If you’ve ever planned a surprise proposal, you know that’s half the battle.

The Big Reveal

As she walked down the steps and saw the setup, her reaction said it all: happy tears, a little shock, and the full realization of what was happening. The kind of emotion you can’t plan—even when everything else is perfectly thought out.\

After she said yes (of course!), we took our time walking through the gardens for their engagement session. One of the best parts of proposing at the Dallas Arboretum is that you don’t have to go anywhere else. Every backdrop you could want is already there.

Engagement Photos in the Gardens

Despite the humidity and overcast skies, the light was soft and even—perfect for photos. The energy stayed high. Everything felt easy—just the two of them soaking it all in.

That’s always the goal. Nothing overly posed. Nothing forced. Just real moments, exactly as they felt.

If you’re thinking about proposing at the Dallas Arboretum, I’d love to work with you and can help guide the process. From timing and location ideas to keeping the surprise intact, we cover it all. Then, we can roll straight into engagement photos while the moment is still fresh.

Reach out here!