This surprise Elora Mill proposal was one of the most flawlessly executed moments I had the pleasure of photographing last year. Luca did an incredible job planning every detail—including coordinating with me—to surprise his fiancée with a stunning engagement ring and a dream retreat at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa.

After he popped the big question, I left them to soak in their special, intimate moment, feeling truly happy for them both.
Here’s how Luca’s thoughtful plan came to life.

The Plan for This Surprise Elora Mill Proposal

When Luca reached out to me a month before this surprise Elora Mill proposal, I was initially concerned that we wouldn’t have enough time to plan everything perfectly. What I didn’t realize then was just how skilled Luca was at organizing.

Given how close we were to the date, I suggested that we meet in person and rehearse the plan together. This way we could make sure there would be no surprises (for us!) on the day of this surprise Elora Mill proposal.

Luca mentioned that they had a couples massage booked at the Elora Mill Spa for 5 p.m.. Therefore, we needed to have the photos wrapped up before then. Since it was early August, I was relieved we wouldn’t be shooting at noon when it was hot and sunny. However, we still needed to start by 2 p.m.

Together, Luca and I carefully planned for every possible variable and mapped out how the day would unfold. There were plenty of factors to consider—like the weather, foot traffic on the bridge where Luca planned to propose, and any unexpected curveballs.

If it rained, we knew it likely wouldn’t last long. And if it did, we could shift the timing slightly and still get the session done. That said, whenever someone includes me in a plan like this, I take full responsibility for the weather—even if it’s completely out of my control.

The Day of The Big Question

The day of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect—sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and beautiful, fluffy clouds overhead.

I arrived well in advance to scout the bridge and prepare for multiple scenarios to problem solve. For instance,  if there were crowds or anything unexpected, it might throw off our plan. With experience from many surprise proposals, I also knew that the person proposing is usually running high on adrenaline, which means timing and plans don’t always unfold exactly as expected. As I mentally rehearsed everything, I got a text from Luca letting me know how they were dressed and on their way to the bridge.

Equipped with three cameras and a range of lenses, I was fully ready. Soon enough, I spotted them—walking casually, smiling, and clearly enjoying the moment. Luca and I had agreed that if the bridge was busy, they would stop and take selfies as a signal that the proposal was about to happen.

The moment I saw the phone come out and the selfies begin, I started moving slowly toward them, using my 70-200mm lens to capture the genuine, unguarded moments of the surprise.

Then, Luca dropped to one knee and opened the box, revealing a stunning, exceptional engagement ring. I zoomed in to get a tight shot of the ring, then quickly switched to a wider lens to capture Alexandra’s full reaction in that unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

She was completely stunned and, up to that point, hadn’t noticed me. It wasn’t until she playfully hit Luca in excitement that she spotted me over his shoulder. Shy and discreet, she asked him about me—and then Luca explained. When they both turned to face me, huge smiles lit up their faces.

The Photo Session After This Surprise Elora Mill Proposal

Once I had captured all those genuine, unrepeatable moments that simply can’t be staged, I introduced myself and shared the next steps of the plan for their photo session.

I loved how warmly Alexandra received the news. She even had a few requests for the shoot, which I was more than happy to incorporate.
As we began taking photos on the bridge, I focused on getting some close-up shots of the engagement ring. We took advantage of a rare quiet moment when the bridge cleared, allowing us to capture most of the images we had planned in that perfect spot.

After finishing on the bridge, we made our way to the other side. This is where there’s a beautiful view of the Elora Mill Hotel from the outdoor wedding chapel area. As they strolled along, I walked backwards, capturing their carefree energy and joy in the moment.

When we wrapped up that part of the shoot, I asked what they wanted to do next. Luca suggested heading to the hotel to check in, and he invited me to take a few more photos there.

I agreed, and as we walked toward the Elora Mill, we paused at a few signature spots that truly captured the unique charm of this unforgettable Elora Mill proposal.

Elora Mill Photo Session

As we walked toward the hotel, we paused by the left side of the entrance to take a few sweet photos, using the stone façade and the beautiful ivy climbing part of the walls.

By that point, I had switched to my 35mm lens. I let them know I’ve never photographed inside the Elora Mill Hotel lobby or any of the rooms. I would be shadowing them from behind, capturing the check-in process and everything else as it happens. That way, I could document the real, authentic experience of their day.

They loved the idea, so I stepped back and began photographing as they walked into the hotel and approached the registration desk. This kind of coverage—candid, real, and in-the-moment—is my absolute favourite. It’s so rewarding to document moments as they naturally unfold.

As we headed to their room, I didn’t know what to expect, so I was prepared for anything. When Luca opened the door, we were all greeted by another beautiful surprise. There were red and yellow rose petals scattered across the floor, a bottle of champagne, and a welcome message from the hotel staff. It was the perfect, picture-worthy moment for a newly engaged couple.

I gave them a few minutes to settle in and take in the thoughtful touches while I scoped out the space for the next shots.

Once they were ready, I took some intimate, cozy photos of them in the room. Then we moved into capturing the champagne toast—uncorking the bottle and enjoying a few joyful sips of celebration.

After we had taken all the photos we wanted there, I stepped out to give them a moment to refresh and prepare for the second part of the shoot: the Elora Mill Gorge and Elora Mill Village photo session.

Elora Mill Gorge Photos

To my surprise, Alexandra came down to the lobby first. I didn’t waste a moment—I asked if I could take a few photos of just her. I loved the outfit she chose, and I used her look, especially her handbag, as a focal point for some shots in front of the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa.

When Luca arrived, I asked him to go give his fiancée a hug. The energy between them was electric, and I felt genuinely excited and happy to capture this part of their story.

I then let them know we’d head to the gorge and take a stroll around the village of Elora. This is something I usually include in engagement sessions here, and I really wanted them to experience it, too.

We wandered through the forest, down into the gorge, and eventually back onto the main street of Elora. We took an incredible number of photos—it all felt so natural and relaxed that it didn’t even seem like work. I especially love capturing moments in front of the charming storefronts that reflect both the occasion and the couple’s mood.

I was thrilled we were able to photograph their surprise Elora Mill proposal, the intimate session in their room, the adventure through the forest and gorge, and these final village shots.

Walking back to the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, just in time for their couples massage, I captured one last, unforgettable image. It was of the two of them walking together, with the warm sunlight perfectly lighting the hotel in the background. We said our goodbyes then, all smiling from ear to ear.

The Personal Reward After Successful Photo Session

Luca was overjoyed that his plan came together perfectly—and even more so when he got his “YES.” Alexandra was thrilled not only by the proposal itself but also by everything else the day had in store for her. I was truly happy to have had the chance to photograph this surprise Elora Mill proposal, capturing the love between two people who had just promised to share their lives together. It was an honour to be part of such special memories.

Credits and additional information for couples that like to see more Elora Mill engagements and weddings.

Check here another Elora Mill engagement session of Quinn and Jack. Here you can see Mary Ann and Russell’s Elora Mill wedding in summer. View Rochelle and Trevor winter wedding at Elora Mill and Spa.