A Romantic Banff Cascade of Time Garden Proposal | Chase & Lilly

Chase and Lily’s Banff Cascade of Time Garden proposal was one of those beautiful moments that we started planning long before their vacation to the Canadian Rockies.

Chase and Lilly travelled all the way from South Carolina to Banff, Alberta, for a vacation surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies. What Lilly didn’t know was that Chase had something much bigger planned for their time in Banff. And hidden in his Boot. :) Stories where they hid the rings impress me every time!

Planning a Surprise Proposal at the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff

Chase contacted me well in advance of their trip, which gave us plenty of time to plan every detail of his surprise proposal.

He had already chosen the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff as the place where he wanted to propose to Lilly. It is such a beautiful choice for couples looking for something a little different from the classic Banff lake and mountain locations.

Even when my clients already know exactly where they would like to propose, I always want to make sure we have a solid plan.

Before Chase and Lilly arrived in Banff, I personally visited the Cascade of Time Garden to double check the location. I wanted to see how everything looked at that time of year, determine the best place for Chase to propose, check the surroundings and backgrounds, and make sure I knew exactly where I could position myself without Lilly noticing me.

When it comes to surprise proposal photography in Banff, preparation makes such a difference. There are already enough nerves involved in asking one of the biggest questions of your life, you shouldn't also have to worry about where to stand or whether your photographer will be able to capture the moment.

The Moment Chase Asked Lilly to Marry Him

When their proposal day finally arrived, everything we had been planning came together.

Chase brought Lilly through the beautiful gardens while I was already in position, waiting for them. Lilly had absolutely no idea that their vacation in Banff was about to become one they would remember for the rest of their lives.

And then Chase got down on one knee.

She said YES!

Those first few seconds after a proposal are always some of my favourite photographs to capture, the surprise, the emotion, the hugs, the laughter and that moment when you realize you are officially engaged.

After giving Chase and Lilly some time to enjoy what had just happened, we continued with their Banff engagement photos around the Cascade of Time Garden.

Why Choose the Cascade of Time Garden for a Banff Proposal?

The Cascade of Time Garden is one of the many romantic proposal locations in the town of Banff. Located in downtown Banff, the gardens offer beautifully landscaped pathways, flowers and greenery with the dramatic Canadian Rockies creating an incredible backdrop.

For couples who love the mountains but want something different from a lakeside proposal, the Cascade of Time Garden can be a wonderful option.

It is especially beautiful for:

• Surprise proposals in Banff
• Engagement photography
• Couple photography
• Intimate weddings and elopement portraits
• Anniversary sessions
• Romantic vacation photography

Another advantage is that after your proposal, we can easily continue your engagement session in the garden or incorporate another beautiful Banff location into your photography experience.

Planning a Proposal in Banff From Another Country or Province

Many of the proposals I photograph are planned by couples travelling to Banff from across Canada, the United States and around the world. You don't need to know Banff perfectly before contacting me.

That is part of what I help you with.

As your Banff proposal photographer, I can help you plan the photography side of your proposal before you ever arrive in Alberta. We can discuss locations, lighting, timing, where you should stand, where I will be waiting and how we can make everything feel completely natural so your partner doesn't become suspicious.

If you already have a location in mind - just like Chase did - I can also help determine the best exact spot for photographs.

I photograph proposals throughout Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies, including the Cascade of Time Garden, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Canmore and Kananaskis.

Celebrating Their Engagement at Fairmont Banff Springs

Of course, the celebration didn’t end at the Cascade of Time Garden!

After Chase and Lily’s proposal and engagement photos in the gardens, we made our way to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to continue celebrating their newly engaged status over cocktails.

We also took some beautiful engagement portraits inside the historic Mt. Stephen Ballroom at Fairmont Banff Springs.

I absolutely love incorporating the architecture and timeless interiors of the Banff Springs Hotel into engagement sessions. It gives couples such a different look from the mountain scenery outside while still feeling unmistakably Banff.

Going from the romantic gardens and mountain views of the Cascade of Time Garden to cocktails and elegant portraits at the Fairmont Banff Springs was the perfect way to finish Chase and Lily’s Banff proposal experience.

For couples travelling to the Canadian Rockies, your proposal photography doesn't have to end immediately after you hear that very important “YES!” We can turn it into a complete engagement experience, starting with the surprise proposal and continuing with portraits at another beautiful Banff location, a champagne celebration, or even cocktails at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

Planning Your Own Banff Proposal?

If you are dreaming of proposing at the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake or another beautiful location in the Canadian Rockies, I would love to help you plan it.

Whether you already know exactly where you want to propose, like Chase did, or need help choosing the perfect location, I can help you plan the photography side of your proposal—from scouting the location and choosing the exact spot to creating a hiding plan and capturing the moment without giving away the surprise.

Looking for a Banff Cascade of Time Garden proposal photographer or Fairmont Banff Springs engagement photographer?

Contact Maia Sokolic Photography and let’s start planning an unforgettable proposal in Banff and the Canadian Rockies.