Chicago Proposal Photography – Where Your Forever Begins

She Said Yes! Let's Capture That Joyful Moment.

Capturing your Chicago surprise  proposal
 The most beautiful way!

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 1 in 3 women is secretly disappointed with their proposal!

Let's make sure she won't!

It will soon become your new family heirloom.
You and your children will cherish those images of this intimate for decades.

get her reaction captured !

Picture-Perfect Proposals 

– EVERY EMOTION CAPTURED!

Say 'Yes' to Memories 

       Capture Your Magical Moment in the Heart of Chicago

Capture Your Magical Moment in the Heart of Chicago

Welcome to Bozena Voytko Photography, your go-to Chicago proposal photographer. I believe your marriage proposal is more than just a question; 

It's the start of a beautiful journey together, and every second is worth capturing.

These aren't just photos; they're the start of your family's history. Let me help you create a timeless treasure that you'll look back on for years to come.

Hi friends!

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Most Romantic Chicago Proposal Locations

  • Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
  • Chinatown's Ping Tom Park
  • North Avenue Beach
  • London House Cupola
  • Lincoln Park Conservatory
  • Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel
  • The Signature Room in the John Hancock Center
  • Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean” in Millennium Park
  • Wrigley Field
  • Buckingham Fountain at Night in Millennium Park
  • Art Institute Gardens
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Olive Park
  • University of Chicago

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"Our number one tip for planning a proposal is: Always to put thought into it.
A rushed proposal leads to disappointment and unmet expectations on both ends,
so even though the proposer may be so excited they can hardly wait,
it's best to hold off until a plan can be put in place."

- The Yes Girls

"Our number one tip for planning a proposal is always to put thought into it. A rushed proposal leads to disappointment and unmet expectations on both ends, so even though the proposer may be so excited they can hardly wait, it's best to hold off until a plan can be put in place."

You must be so close to asking the love of your life to marry you.
I am so excited for you and I hope that you'll find all the answers you need in here.
I’ll go over choosing the time + day, location, hiring a photographer and so much more.
Let’s dive right in!

I am so excited for you and I hope that you'll find all the answers you need in here. I’ll go over choosing the time + day, location, hiring a photographer and so much more.
Let’s dive right in!

Proposal  in  Chicago

The most roantic proposal ideas:

  • Take a hike together
  • Propose at a famous spectacular location
  • Take a walk down the beach at sunset
  • Stage a scavenger hunt
  • Take an art class together
  • Photoshoot marriage proposal
  • Have your partner read through a book before a proposal
  • Create a milestone movie, book or album of your relationship
  • Set up a picnic
  • In the snow
  • On the beach
  • Recreate Your First Date or best date
  • Write Your Marriage Proposal in the Sand
  • Hire a Band: Serenade during dinner
  • Pop the question When You're Doing Something You Both Love
  • On a Helicopter Ride
  • On the Chicago River or Lake Michigan ride
  • Take them to the place they love
  • Display memories
  • Propose at the rooftop
  • Present yourself in a box
  • Make movie of greetings from her family and friends, have her watch it
  • Take her to the wedding venue to a party (no party just you and a diamond) ring

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Chicago is this kind of the city that everybody can find this special place for themselves.
There is all the big-city attractions that make perfect to go locations for a proposal,
but also has some hidden spots,
where you can feel away from the hustle of city life.
Where your Chicago Wedding Photographer will capture your perfect marriage proposal.
Which you and your significant other.
You will cherish those images for years to come. 


Chicago is this kind of the city that everybody can find this special place for themselves. There is all the big-city attractions that make perfect to go locations for a proposal, but also has some hidden spots, where you can feel away from the hustle of city life. Where your Chicago Wedding Photographer will capture your perfect marriage proposal. Which you and your significant other. You will cherish those images for years to come. 

Having your proposal photographed is one of the
sweetest and most thoughtful SURPRISES
to consider when planning to pop the question.

 It’s your love story, and this moment should reflect your relationship, memories, and her favorite things.

Let’s make it all about you two!

Marriage  proposals are one of those nerve wracking, sweet - inducing, blissful moments that you want to remember forever. Having your proposal photographed is one of the sweetest and most thoughtful SURPRISES to consider when planning to pop the question.

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Plannig  tips how to propose?

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1. Be thoughtful. - This story is going to be told a lot. Like over and over. So you need to make sure that it will be worth telling. It doesn’t need to be crazy wild. Just showing that you put some thought into it. It will be one of your favorite moments as a couple to tell. You will be sharing it with your children and grandchildren. Make sure you both will love to talk about it.

2. Start right with the family. - You are going to become family. Not only with your partner but with their parents and siblings as well. You will build a strong foundation by inviting them to be your new family. Even if they are not that traditional it will show that you respect them by asking their permission first. It will show that you care about their feelings too. It will start your engagement off on a good foot. 

3. Pick the Ring. - You've probably already picked up an engagement ring if you are planning on proposing to your partner. If you haven’t picked an engagement ring that your partner will love, now is the time. You are probably wondering what kind of engagement ring they would like. Try to remember if there was a time when they might have dropped a hint about the proposal idea once or twice. If you can’t recall anything, you might go for a date or a shopping trip to the local mall and by accident wander into the jewelry store. You can subtly ask “See anything you like?” If it didn’t work. I am sure that person working at the jewelry store will be able to help you pick the one that your partner will love. You can always play it safe and get a dummy ring - latest trend. It’s like a token engagement ring. Once they’ve said yes, you will go engagement ring sopping together. 

4. Choose the day. - You need to decide when will be the day you want to propose. This day will be one of the most important dates in your relationship and forever a special one. It is the day when you went from boyfriend/girlfriend to future spouse. If your partner loves tradition you can choose one of the classics like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or New Years. During this time the romantic aura won’t let you go wrong. However, if you think that your partner would prefer something more unique proposal idea, you can go with the day you met or on the anniversary of the day you met or their birthday. If you chose a day which is completely random they’ll be less likely to see it coming!

5. Pick a location. - You need to decide when will be the day you want to propose. This day will be one of the most important dates in your relationship and forever a special one. It is the day when you went from boyfriend/girlfriend to future spouse. If your partner loves tradition you can choose one of the classics like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or New Years. During this time the romantic aura won’t let you go wrong. However, if you think that your partner would prefer something more unique proposal idea, you can go with the day you met or on the anniversary of the day you met or their birthday. If you chose a day which is completely random they’ll be less likely to see it coming!

6. Hire a Chicago proposal photographer. - Proposing to your soon to be spouse creates an incredible emotional reaction for both of you. Whether they were expecting it or not they will be super excited. This moment will go so fast for both of you with nervousness and surprise. Your significant other will be so happy when they realize that you had a professional photographer capture it all for you. So you can look back and relive this moment for the rest of your lives together. You can also share the news with your friends and family on social media with a beautiful image. After they say yes you can start creating same day engagement session photos too!



When Hiring a Photographer: All you’ll really need is one hour session so the photographer can capture the grand moment of you proposing to your love. It might cost you approximately $400. I would recommend that you do your research and make sure that you hire a proposal photographer who is experienced and has photographed marriage proposals before. You also want to make sure that they have telephoto zoom lenses that will allow them to capture the action. Even if they are hiding across the street in the bushes.
Don’t Forget Your Permits: Cover your bases by acquiring photography and other setups permits needed. Most of the City of Chicago famous proposal places require photo permits. Try to find a location that you can actually rent.
What You’ll Need to Provide: It's a good idea to provide your proposal photographer with a your and your partner's selfie. Most likely you won’t be meeting the photographer in person before the shoot. That’s why you might want to make sure that they know who you are when they see you. Provide your Chicago proposal photographer with your phone number so you can message and keep in contact on the day of. To make sure that they’re on the spot waiting for a big moment to happen. When you have picked your Chicagoland proposal location you want to tell them the exact spot where you’ll be planting the knee. Remember you want to be positioned in a way that your proposal photographer can capture both of your faces!

7. Time of the day. - Absolutely nothing sets a romantic mood like a sunrise or a sunset. Take into the consideration what time of day you would like to propose. In order to ensure that the light is flattering for pictures. So you can grab the “Just engaged” session afterwards. With every season of the year comes different sunset times. Below I have listed the best times of day for a proposal based on my experience as a Chicago proposal photographer. You’ll want at least an hour of sunlight for your photography engagement session.

8. Make an excuse. - Why EXACTLY you need to be at this place at this time? You might want to come up with the best excuse you can. Unless you are going to propose at a location that you two are regular visitors. Keep in mind that they might be on the lookout for the signs of you proposing. I would say that women have a special sixth sense for this kind of thing. Maybe tell them that you want to check out this new fancy restaurant and that you are going on a fancy dinner date so they should dress up. Try to come up with a plan so they don't suspect anything.

9. Find the right words. - When the day approaches, take into the consideration all the sweet words you would like to say to your loved one right before you ask “Will you marry me?” Tell them how much they mean to you! What are the things that you love about them? When did you realize that they were the one? What excites you about your future life together? 

Perfect Times to Propose:

3 pm go time as sunset is around 5 pm
3.30 pm go time as sunset is around 5.30 pm 
(before time shift) 4 pm go time as sunset is around 6 pm
(after the time shift) 5 pm go time as sunset is around 7 pm
5.30 pm go time as sunset is around 7.30 pm
6 pm pm go time as sunset is around 8.00 pm
6.30 pm pm go time as sunset is around 8.30 pm
6.30 pm pm go time as sunset is around 8.30 pm
6 pm pm go time as sunset is around 8 pm
5 pm go time as sunset is around 7 pm
4 pm go time as sunset is around 6 pm
(before time shift) 3pm go time as sunset is around 5.30 pm
(after the time shift) 2.30pm go time as sunset is around
4.30pm 2 pm go time as sunset is around 4 pm






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TIMELESS & JOYFUL IMAGES YOU'LL FEEL PROUD OF...

10. PLan a dinner. - Once your girlfriend/boyfriend says “Yes” you can celebrate with a dinner or a dessert. You both deserve a little together time after all the planning and pictures. They might want to know more of the planning story like, how long have you had the ring or who else knows about their plans of proposing. How did you manage to put everything together without them knowing or suspecting anything.

11. Invite close friends + family. - To put a cherry on the top of an already amazing night you can invite your friends and family to celebrate with you and have your partner even more surprised when you walk into the surprise engagement party.

12. Hire a Chicago proposal planner. - If you would like to take your proposal to the next level with décor and romantic ideas, hire a Chicago Proposal Planner! Yes, there are pros who are doing only this. They will plan everything for you until the last detail. Just give them some details about your relationship and they will create something spectacular. Your job will be to show up at the right place at right time with your partner. 

13. You'll probably be late. - It might look suspicious that you want your partner out of the door at an exact time, that’s why I recommend that you don’t drive that night so you don’t have to waste time to find parking. You can take a taxi or Uber. This will allow you to maximize the sunlight with your Chicago proposal photographer.

14. Just say "YES" - tips for the big day. -
Make Sure You’re on the Same Page
Chat With Their Parents
Try to act normal
Hide the ring in one of your socks
Speak from the heart
Put the ring on their left hand
Take a deep breath
Plan your own outfit
15. Give her 101 List of resaons why you love her. - To make the list should be pretty easy. The other part of the challenge for her will be to read it out .

16. Stay down on one knee for at least ten seconds. Staying down on one knee during a proposal allows your photographer to capture multiple shots of the moment and your fiancé’s reaction. This gives them the opportunity to get different angles and closer reaction photos. Taking a little extra time ensures you get the perfect shot of this important moment.loud. This simple, yet challenging task practice will put more love, appreciation and acknowledgment into your relationship.

17. Buy a ring size adjuster. If you're unsure about the fit of the engagement ring, consider getting a ring size adjuster. It ensures a snug fit without worrying about the ring slipping off. Your fiancé will appreciate the thoughtful gesture, and you can take all the credit for it! Plastic ring adjusters are affordable and readily available on Amazon, providing peace of mind until the ring is resized. One like this.

18. Share your iPhone location ahead of time. This tip that's been a lifesaver for me as a photographer, and it's also great for friends and family nearby. If you have an iPhone, consider sharing your location with your photographer or loved ones. This way, they can track your whereabouts without you having to text them frantically beforehand. It helps avoid any suspicion from your partner and keeps the surprise intact. Also, if your photographer shares the same gender as your partner and you're worried it might raise suspicion, save their contact under a different name in your phone. For example, you can use a common name like "Ben" instead of their real name.

19. Have champagne on hand to pop and celebrate! Who doesn't love champagne? Trust me, after my proposal, I needed a good gulp of bubbly (just like poor stressed-out Matt did!). Plus, it's a blast to include in your photoshoot - especially for those iconic champagne spray shots! There's truly nothing like popping a bottle of Moët to toast to the end of the most exhilarating yet nerve-wracking moment of your life.

Freezing this moment captured in time on the photographs is a unique way to document this unique and special moment for the two of you. It will be a reminder of this happy moment of the time when your spouse said “yes” for the rest of your lives.

You can use your beautifully captured proposal images to inform your family and friends about your new marital status all over the social media platforms. You will be able to share this celebration with them this way.

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Best Chicago Proposal photographer!

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planing perfect engagement proposal

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BOZENA   VOYTKO

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Chicago + Suburbs + Illinois + Wisconsin

Est. 2013 | © 2023 Bozena Voytko Photography  |  Chicago + Suburbs + Illinois + Wisconsin

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