Interstate State Park Winter Proposal | Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

An Interstate State Park winter proposal is already the kind of moment that feels magical, but this one carried a story that stretched far beyond a single day. And I have been waiting and waiting to share this one with you!!

I’ve been keeping this secret for months, and it feels so good to finally hit publish on this blog post! 

One of my best friends is officially engaged, and I had the incredible honor of photographing one of the most meaningful moments of her life.

Back in October, Isaiah reached out to me with an idea. He asked if I would be willing to photograph his proposal to Molly and help him plan it. I remember reading his message and feeling instantly emotional. Of course, I said yes. Immediate yes!! Not only because I love photographing proposals, but because Molly is someone I’ve known and loved for years. Being trusted with something this important meant more to me than I can put into words.

We started putting the plan for their Interstate State Park winter proposal together slowly, and intentionally. 

The idea was to make everything feel natural and low pressure. I casually asked Molly if she and Isaiah wanted to join my husband and me for a couples weekend. Nothing fancy. Just a fun little getaway. She was immediately on board, which made things even easier. From there, we picked dates and talked through the general flow of the weekend.

When it came time to choose an Airbnb, Isaiah secretly booked it himself. Meanwhile, I told Molly that the Airbnb was offering a free stay in exchange for content photos. It was the perfect cover story and fit seamlessly into what already felt like a relaxed plan. Everything about the weekend was intentionally calm. No rushed decisions. No big clues. Just a slow build toward something special. It was SO MUCH FUN to plan.

The final piece of the plan happened the on the way to our trip.

Isaiah and I had agreed all along that this would be the moment. I asked Molly if they would be up for stopping at Interstate State Park so I could build my portfolio with some winter couples photos before we headed to the Airbnb. I played it off as a last-minute idea, and kept it simple. She was, of course, down for photos with Isaiah. And that’s when I knew everything was lining up exactly as it should.

A once-in-a-lifetime Interstate State Park winter proposal – yes please! 

We met at in the park that day, and it honestly felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. The snow covered the ground in the most beautiful way. The river was partially frozen, and the rocky cliffs created the most peaceful winter backdrop. It was quiet, still, and absolutely beautiful.

As we walked and took photos, everything felt really natural and Molly didn’t suspect a thing.

Then Isaiah dropped to one knee! Molly was completely shocked!

The look on her face said everything. Joy, disbelief, and pure happiness all at once. It was one of those moments where time seems to slow down, and you can feel how much love is in the air.

Watching this unfold was incredibly emotional for me, not just as a photographer, but as a friend. I took Molly’s senior photos nearly ten years ago. At the time, she was just beginning her journey into adulthood. I never would have guessed that years later, I would be standing there documenting her proposal. Being able to witness that kind of full-circle moment is one of the greatest gifts of this job.

After the proposal, we took a couple more photos as the excitement settled in. The laughter, the hugs, and the quiet moments between them told such a beautiful story. These weren’t just photos. They were memories being made in real time.

This Interstate State Park winter proposal was about more than a stunning location or a perfectly planned surprise. It was about trust, connection, and relationships that grow over time. 

Molly and Isaiah’s Winter Proposal is one I will always hold close to my heart!

Congratulations to you both!!! I love you endlessly and cannot wait to celebrate everything that’s ahead for the both of you!