Wells Reserve at Laudholm Proposal | Sydney & Eliza

July 28th, 2026

A Queer Proposal at Wells Reserve at Laudholm in Wells, Maine

As a Wells, Maine proposal photographer who specializes in LGBTQ+ proposals, I spend a lot of time helping couples find locations that feel personal, beautiful, and true to who they are. Sydney and Eliza's proposal at Wells Reserve at Laudholm was all of those things. Between the sweeping marsh views, the quiet boardwalk, and an unexpected rainstorm that had us laughing all the way back to the parking lot, this was one of those proposals I'll be smiling about for years.

Planning the Perfect Proposal

One of my favorite parts of photographing a proposal actually happens long before the proposal itself.

When Eliza first reached out, they shared a few details that helped me narrow down the perfect location. They wanted the proposal to feel private, which can actually be surprisingly difficult unless you're on private property or at a rented venue. They also wanted the location to have personal meaning. Eliza's family has a cottage in Wells, Maine, and they've spent countless summers visiting Wells Reserve at Laudholm, making it the perfect place to begin this next chapter together.

Just as importantly, Eliza wanted the proposal stop to make sense with the rest of their day so Sydney wouldn't suspect anything.

I spent a couple of hours scouting the reserve before settling on the perfect spot. I even recorded a video for Eliza showing exactly where to stand and what to expect when they arrived. On the day of the proposal, I got there about an hour early to make sure everything still looked good. The last time I'd visited, part of the boardwalk had been closed because of a hornets' nest underneath it, so I wanted to double-check that our original plan was still possible and decide exactly where I wanted to photograph the moment.

That's one of the things I love most about proposal planning. My couples get to focus on the excitement while I worry about all the logistics.

The Proposal

Like many surprise proposals, things didn't go exactly according to plan... and that's completely okay.

Sydney and Eliza were running a little behind, which honestly is incredibly common. It's not easy getting someone to arrive at an exact place and exact time without raising suspicion. While I waited, I kept an eye on their shared location so I knew when they were getting close.

I tucked myself behind a few trees and some lush ferns near the boardwalk.

Then, just as they arrived... Eliza walked right past me.

Definitely not part of the plan.

Without missing a beat, I pretended to photograph a few geese in the marsh while casually stepping off the trail. When I realized they had turned back toward the boardwalk, I quietly slipped back into position and waited.

A few moments later, Eliza knelt down.

Nailed it.

Sydney's reaction was full of joy, surprise, and excitement. I always give my couples a little space after the proposal so they can soak it all in before I introduce myself. Those first few minutes belong entirely to them, and they're often some of the most meaningful moments of the entire day.

One detail Eliza shared with me that I absolutely loved was that, while many queer couples choose to propose to each other, they wanted Sydney to have a proposal that was completely her own. I thought that was such a thoughtful way to celebrate both their relationship and Sydney's experience in that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Portraits Along the Trails and Beach

After celebrating together on the boardwalk, we made the fifteen-minute walk down to the beach.

One of the reasons I love photographing at Wells Reserve at Laudholm is that the walk itself becomes part of the experience. The trails are lined with lush greenery, beautiful granite benches, and little pockets of light that make perfect places to stop for photos. We took our time, chatting, laughing, and stopping whenever the scenery caught our eye.

When we finally reached the beach, it looked like something out of a dream.

The tide was all the way out, revealing what felt like miles of open sand stretching toward the horizon. Even though it isn't a private beach, it feels incredibly peaceful because of how expansive it is.

Sydney and Eliza made my job so easy. They were completely wrapped up in each other, smiling constantly and soaking in every second together. I simply encouraged them to walk, run, and enjoy the space around them. The best photographs happen when my couples stop thinking about the camera and simply enjoy being together.

Dancing in the Rain

Just as we were wrapping up our session, we felt a couple of raindrops.

Then a few more.

Then... absolutely pouring rain.

There wasn't an umbrella in sight, and there wasn't any real shelter on the trail back to the parking lot. We had one choice: embrace it.

By the time we made it halfway back, we were completely soaked from head to toe.

Instead of letting it ruin the afternoon, Sydney and Eliza laughed the entire way. We even stopped beneath a tree so I could photograph them dancing together in the rain because honestly... how could we not?

Of course I would have preferred sunshine, but those unexpected moments often become the stories people tell for years afterward. Watching the two of them laugh through the downpour felt like the perfect reflection of who they are together: adventurous, joyful, and completely focused on each other no matter what the day brings.

Why Working with a Queer Proposal Photographer Matters

One of the reasons Sydney and Eliza chose to work with me was because they wanted someone who would immediately understand their relationship and help them feel completely comfortable throughout such a personal moment.

As a queer woman myself, I know how meaningful that feeling can be.

Photographing LGBTQ+ proposals is about so much more than taking beautiful photographs. I share many of the same life experiences as my couples, and I don't take that connection for granted. My goal is always to create a space where my couples feel celebrated, understood, and completely free to be themselves.

From spending hours scouting locations to creating planning videos, adjusting plans on the fly, and helping keep every detail a surprise, I want my couples to focus on one thing: the person standing in front of them. I'll take care of everything else.

Looking for a photographer for your Wells, Maine proposal?

If you're planning a Wells, Maine proposal or looking for a queer proposal photographer in Maine, I'd love to help you create a proposal that feels authentic to your relationship. Whether you already have a location in mind or need help finding the perfect spot, I'll guide you through every step so you can stay present and enjoy one of the biggest moments of your life.

Learn more about my services on my packages page, and when you're ready to start planning, reach out through my Contact form below. I'd love to hear your story and help you create a proposal you'll never forget.