USS Battleship NC Memorial Wilmington, NC Surprise Proposal | Nolan & Carly

Nolan & Carly’s Surprise Proposal on the USS Battleship NC Memorial | Wilmington, NC Wedding Photography

A Surprise Proposal is one of the most exciting and emotional moments in a couple’s love story. It’s the start of forever, filled with anticipation, nerves, and pure joy. When Nolan reached out about proposing to Carly, he had a clear vision: a meaningful, heartfelt moment that she wouldn’t see coming. And that’s exactly what he got!

At Bella Lumiere Photography, we specialize in capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments. As a Wilmington, NC Wedding Photographer, we knew this surprise proposal had to be documented flawlessly, ensuring Nolan and Carly would have stunning images to relive this special day forever.

Planning the Perfect Surprise Proposal

Nolan and Carly had been together for over seven years, and Carly had been patiently dropping hints that she was more than ready for a ring. When Nolan decided it was time to propose, he wanted it to be a complete surprise, something truly special.

Just days before Christmas, Nolan contacted us with his plan: a December 23rd proposal at the USS Battleship NC Memorial grounds in Wilmington, NC. His idea was simple yet romantic—a cozy picnic breakfast with Chick-fil-A chicken minis, followed by a moment she would never forget.

To pull this off while keeping it a surprise, we needed to be discreet. That’s when we came up with a plan: Matt and I would pretend to be tourists. 

Setting the Scene: A Romantic Picnic by the Battleship

The morning of the proposal, Matt and I arrived at the USS Battleship Memorial grounds before Nolan and Carly. With cameras in hand, we blended into the surroundings, snapping landscape photos and pretending to be tourists enjoying the historical site.

When Nolan and Carly arrived, they set up their picnic under the shelter, completely unaware that we were there to capture every moment. We casually took a few photos of them as part of our “tourist photography,” ensuring we had shots of them enjoying their breakfast together.

As they finished eating, it was time for the next part of the plan. Matt and I moved with purpose—without drawing suspicion. We walked toward the parking lot as if we were leaving, giving Nolan the perfect opportunity to guide Carly out into the open space for his big moment.

The Proposal: A Picture-Perfect Moment

With the plan in motion, Nolan led Carly away from the picnic shelter. Matt and I quickly got into position. I hid between the massive blades of a propeller to capture a straight-on view, while Matt circled around to get a different angle.

The next part was pure genius. Nolan had asked me ahead of time to create a special photo for Carly. Earlier, we took a playful shot of her dropping one of her famous ring hints. Then, we Photoshopped Nolan in the background, holding the engagement ring behind her back. The plan? Show her the edited photo just before proposing.

As they stood together, Nolan pulled out his phone and showed Carly the image. She laughed, completely amused by the clever trick. And in that very moment, as she was still laughing, Nolan dropped to one knee.

Carly’s reaction was priceless. She gasped, her hands flew to her face, and happy tears welled in her eyes. She had waited years for this moment, and it was finally here! Without hesitation, she said YES!

(Look at the cell phone in Carly’s hand! Nolan used a selfie that Carly sent him hinting about a ring to create a funny pic of him sitting in her backseat secretly with an engagement ring.  Photoshop magic to the rescue!!)

Why You Should Hire a Photographer for Your Surprise Proposal

Nolan knew from the start that this moment was one he wanted to remember forever. Hiring a professional Wilmington, NC Wedding Photographer ensured that every raw emotion, every tear, and every moment of pure joy was beautifully documented.

If you’re planning a Surprise Proposal, here’s why hiring a professional is a must:

• Capture the Real, Unfiltered Emotion – The shock, the joy, the tears—these moments happen in an instant, and a professional photographer knows how to capture them perfectly.
• Professional Quality Photos – Your proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and phone pictures just don’t compare to the artistry of professional Wilmington, NC Wedding Photography.
• A Thoughtfully Planned Experience – We don’t just show up and snap photos; we help plan your proposal to ensure the best lighting, angles, and storytelling moments.
• A Keepsake for a Lifetime – Your proposal photos become a cherished memory, perfect for engagement announcements, wedding websites, and albums.

The USS Battleship NC Memorial: A Stunning Proposal Location

If you’re looking for a meaningful place to propose in Wilmington, the USS Battleship NC Memorial grounds offer a unique and breathtaking backdrop. The combination of history, coastal views, and open green spaces make it a versatile location for a surprise proposal.

Ideal for:

• Private & Intimate Moments – Plenty of spaces allow for privacy while still capturing the grandeur of the surroundings.
• Scenic Views – The water, the battleship, and the historical details make for stunning engagement photos.
• Creative Proposal Ideas – From picnic setups to unique photo edits like Nolan’s, this location allows for creativity and personalization.

Ready to Plan Your Own Surprise Proposal?

Nolan and Carly’s proposal was truly magical. The love, excitement, and surprise in the air made for an unforgettable moment. And now, thanks to their Wilmington, NC Wedding Photography, they have these memories beautifully preserved forever.

If you’re thinking of proposing and want to make sure the moment is documented in a way that truly captures the emotion, we would love to help! As an experienced Wilmington, NC Wedding Photographer, we’ll work with you to create a seamless plan that allows us to capture every perfect second without ruining the surprise.

Let’s plan your dream proposal together!

 

Ready to capture your wedding day with stunning photos and an unforgettable film?

Want peace of mind knowing your memories will be captured perfectly?

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Call or Text: 910-408-2141

 

Want more ideas on how to propose? Check out How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in 4 Easy Steps!

Once you are engaged, head over to here to learn more about next steps after getting engaged.

 

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