A Romantic Surprise Proposal at Cullman Park

There’s something truly magical about proposals that happen in meaningful places. For Erick and Faith, that place was Cullman Park—where they had their very first date. It was the perfect spot to begin the next chapter of their love story, surrounded by familiar trees, the gentle lake, and the quiet pathways that had become part of their journey.

But Erick wanted to make this moment even more special. He went the extra mile and rented large marquee letters spelling out “Marry Me”—a bold, beautiful statement that turned the park into the perfect stage for his proposal. As they walked together along the path, Faith saw the glowing letters and her breath caught. I was already there, waiting discreetly with my camera to capture the magic as it unfolded.

Marquee letters spelling 'Marry Me' set up at Cullman Park for a romantic surprise proposal.

How Marquee Letters Can Elevate Your Proposal

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and boldness to your proposal, marquee letters are a stunning way to do it. Here’s why:

💡 Instant Impact – There’s no mistaking the question when it’s written in bold, glowing letters. It creates a “wow” moment that’s both cinematic and unforgettable.

💡 Photo-Perfect Backdrop – Marquee letters serve as both a declaration and a backdrop, creating dimension and visual interest in your photos.

💡 Customizable & Romantic – You can choose words that matter to you both—whether it’s “Marry Me,” your initials, or even “Forever.” It’s a detail that turns a simple location into something incredibly meaningful.

💡 Day or Night Ready – Whether you propose in the daytime, like Erick did, or under the glow of evening lights, marquee letters look stunning at any hour.

Emotional moment between newly engaged couple at Cullman Park, captured after surprise proposal
Engagement portraits of Erick and Faith near the lake at Cullman Park, with lush greenery in the background

☀️ Working with Late Morning Light

Erick and Faith’s proposal happened in the late morning, when the sun is higher and shadows can be a little harsher. But with a little planning, we made it work beautifully. Before the big day, I chatted with Erick about what we could expect with the lighting—how the sun would hit the marquee letters, where to place them for the best effect, and how to use the natural features of Cullman Park to our advantage.

After the proposal, we moved to softer, shaded areas near the lake and some beautiful greenery for their portraits. This allowed me to control the light and create images that felt soft, intimate, and true to their connection.

Engagement portraits of Erick and Faith near the lake at Cullman Park, with lush greenery in the background
Engagement portraits of Erick and Faith near the lake at Cullman Park, with lush greenery in the background

📸 Planning Your Proposal? Here’s How I Can Help

Whether you’re planning a big marquee moment like Erick, or something more private and tucked away, I’m here to help make sure it’s captured beautifully and authentically. I’m happy to talk through the best time of day, the perfect placement for your setup, and how to make sure the proposal is a surprise from start to finish.

If you’re ready to create a moment that’s unforgettable, I’d love to help you plan it.