Proposals

The day before Madison and Jake’s proposal, only a small amount of rain was expected. Because they were spending just one weekend in Amsterdam and a storm was forecast for the following day, Jake decided to keep the original date and time.

Then the forecast changed. Fifteen minutes before we were due to meet, the rain became much heavier than expected. Jake messaged me asking whether we could find somewhere covered near the original proposal location.

I immediately checked the surrounding streets and found a small deli with a completely dry bench outside. It was certainly not the traditional Amsterdam proposal location we had imagined, but it gave them a private, protected place for the moment itself. Within 15 minutes, we had a new plan.

After she said yes, we continued through Amsterdam despite the rain and strong wind. We ran between locations, got wet, stopped for coffee beside a heater, warmed up, and continued photographing.

The session took a little longer than expected, but we created a complete gallery and a story they will never forget. At one point, even the umbrella gave up against the wind. What made the photographs possible was not perfect weather. It was their willingness to adapt, laugh and enjoy the experience together.

Congratulations again, Madison and Jake. These memories exist because you embraced the day exactly as it arrived.

“Joanna was so awesome and fun! She was flexible in finding the perfect spot and made the whole experience of navigating the photo sites more relaxed and enjoyable. She managed to get great pictures in the pouring rain!”
- Jake

Can you tell from the photographs when the umbrella finally broke?

If rain appears in the forecast for your Amsterdam proposal, we will review the timing, location and available alternatives together. The plan may need to change, but the meaning of the moment does not.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna Pantigoso
Proposal photographer and experience designer in Amsterdam