Drew and I first scheduled a call long before his family’s planned visit to Banff. He told me that he, his sister, his mother, and his girlfriend, Taylor, were coming to the Canadian Rockies to celebrate his mother’s big birthday. What Taylor didn’t know was that Drew had a much bigger surprise in mind.
He said he wanted to book me for family photos, but secretly, it was going to be a proposal photo shoot. He had seen some dreamy sunset photos taken at Vermilion Lakes and instantly knew that was the perfect place to ask the question. And he was right — sunsets at Vermilion Lakes during our (too short!) summer are absolutely magical, with Mount Rundle glowing softly in the evening light.
When the big day arrived, I sent Drew a pin to the exact spot where we’d “take family photos.” His mom was in on the plan and played her role perfectly — she even helped me organize everything behind the scenes!
As we started the session, the mountains reflected beautifully in the calm lake. Then, when the timing was just right, Drew and Taylor turned toward the water. He reached into his pocket, took out the ring, and knelt down.
Taylor was completely surprised — and so was Drew’s sister, who had no idea what was about to happen! The emotion, the laughter, and the joy of that moment filled the air, creating one of those scenes that remind me why I adore photographing proposals in Banff.
