Surprise Proposal & Engagement Shoot at Mohonk Mountain House
Hunter & Christina’s surprise proposal at Mohonk Mountain House was something straight out of a dream. There are moments in my work as a Hudson Valley wedding photographer that remind me how deeply love is rooted, not just in grand gestures, but in thoughtfulness. This surprise proposal at Mohonk Mountain House was one of those moments - intimate, intentional, and full of quiet joy.
Hunter contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend, the love of his life, Christina. It was going to be their anniversary weekend and he was hoping to surprise her by proposing surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery. From the moment he reached out, it was clear how much he wanted this proposal to reflect not only his love, but his deep understanding of her. He thought through every detail, even the shoes she’d be wearing. Knowing she’d likely choose heels, he picked a spot that was both scenic and accessible. After much discussion over location, I suggested Mohonk Mountain House since the date was not flexible (he wanted it to be on their anniversary weekend), and I felt most comfortable having a rain plan. The porch at Mohonk Mountain House is absolutely beautiful, and not a bad back up plan. Hunter went so far as to VISITING Mohonk Mountain House, HOURS away from where they live. Upon his visit, he discovered that the concierge, Regina, could help logistically with the proposal, and everything seemed to fall into place. Regina showed Hunter her suggested proposal spot, called the “Proposal Tree” on the side of the mountain overlooking the lake, with a view of Sky Top in the background. From that point forward - Hunter, Regina, and I made the plan, and knew how we were going to execute. We were all so excited. I was super fortunate for Laurel to join me in photographing this adventure.
Laurel and I arrived early to meet up with Regina and discuss the plan in person. She then drove us to the Proposal Tree location, where we proceeded to hide behind some trees. Our plan was to stay hidden until he began to propose. When they arrived and walked up the path, hand in hand, she was laughing and taking in the view, completely unaware of what was about to happen.
He paused, grabbed her hands, and for a heartbeat, everything grew still. He told her how much he loves her and all the things he admires about her. It was absolutely beautiful and I think it is the moment she started to realize what was going on. Then came the moment - a GORGEOUS ring (that they designed together previously), a tearful yes, and the kind of embrace that says this is forever. Her heels didn’t matter anymore. The thoughtfulness behind his planning - making sure she felt comfortable, seen, and cherished - was the heart of it all.
After she took in the moment and admired her ring, she noticed Laurel and I and our cameras. She radiated joy, and in that moment I just felt so so so happy for them.
Afterward we went right into their engagement shoot.
After initially visiting Mohonk, Hunter tentatively decided on some locations he hoped we could go to for photographs -
Eagle Cliff
Sky Top
The Gardens
The Docks
Regina was our guide and took us to all locations, where we all laughed and had the best time. Christina was an absolute athlete in the way she was able to navigate the rocks and terrain of the Mohonk property. The weather and the light was on our side, and we felt so so fortunate. Between the light filtering through the trees, her ring catching the sun, the leaves just starting to change, the mountainous views, and the light breeze - we had really won the lottery.
As a Hudson Valley wedding and engagement photographer, moments like this remind me that the best love stories aren’t always the loudest ones. Sometimes, they’re written in the details, in the care someone takes to make sure you’re comfortable, to make sure your shoes won’t sink into the grass, to make sure the setting is as breathtaking as the moment itself.
If you’re dreaming of a proposal or engagement session surrounded by mountains, lakes, and romance, Mohonk Mountain House is truly one of the most magical places in the Hudson Valley. And as always, it’s an honor to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments - the kind that you’ll want to relive again and again.
Scroll to view their surprise proposal and engagement shoot, along with their love story in their own words.
A huge thank you to Regina Roach of Mohonk Mountain House, she was sunshine in human form and added so much joy. The biggest of congratulations to Hunter and Christina and their engagement. Their love and respect for each other is absolutely admirable and I was so honored to have gotten to photograph it all.
How you met:
“Christina and I met in college at Bucknell University. We had mutual friends but had never really gotten to know each other. That all changed the summer going into our senior year. When we got to campus in the Fall, we met up at our college bar and ended up talking in an arcade booth for the rest of the night. After our engagement, we ended up going back to that very same arcade booth.”
Below is the moment they arrived at the Proposal Tree, and we got to document her genuinely beautiful reaction.
When you knew you wanted to get married
“Ever since Christina first visited my family in Maryland, I knew she was the one. She immediately meshed with my family, and I knew she was in for the long haul.”
After Christina had a moment to take it all in, we transitioned right into their engagement shoot. Thanks to Hunters planning, they were dressed to the 9’s and ready to go. To prepare, he told they were going for a very nice dinner and needed to dress accordingly - which was true (their dinner was timed for after their proposal and engagement shoot), but also a reason for her to have to dress up without raising any suspicions.
How you decided on your surprise proposal plans:
“I knew I wanted to propose somewhere scenic and it be a surprise. As soon as I arrived at Mohonk Mountain House, I knew it was the perfect spot. Regina, their concierge, was phenomenal. She helped set up the proposal and even drove us around on a cart to get to all the beautiful locations on the property.”
From the Proposal Tree, we headed over to Eagle Cliff where the sun was creating a beautiful haze and shadow on the Shawangunk Mountains. Christina navigated the cliffs and rocks in her heels like a pro, and we were all so impressed.
After Eagle Cliff we headed up to Sky Top, where the sun was beginning to set and we were in peak golden hour time.
The sun setting behind the Shawangunk Mountains was out of this world.
Your favorite memories from your proposal day
“My favorite memory has to be our impromptu photoshoot in the field at sunset. We were riding back in the cart, and Caitlinn had the best idea to stop. Christina masterfully climbed down a few rocks in her heels, and we were able to get pictures right as the sun was setting and making the field glow.”
By the time we were heading down from Sky Top, I had thought the sun had gone below the horizon. I was BLOWN AWAY when we headed down the mountain and saw the mountain meadow with the most beautiful warm pink light, the sun just inches above the horizon still.
Regina then took us down to the famous Mohonk Mountain House gardens, where I was super excited to have an opportunity to take engagement photos of Hunter and Christina during blue hour.
We ended their engagement shoot on the docks of Lake Mohonk, the moon was bright in a purple sky, with the windows of the Mountain House illuminated by warm light.
Photographing Hunter and Christina’s surprise proposal at Mohonk Mountain House was an honor and an experience that I will always look upon with gratitude and love. I am so excited for what their future.
Surprise Proposal and Engagement Shoot Location : Mohonk Mountain House
MVP : Mohonk Mountain House Concierge - Regina Roach
Shooting Partner : Laurel Jollie
Lead Shooter : Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels
