Late September of 2020, I was privileged to document Kinnard’s surprise for Sharon with a perfectly planned marriage proposal in Montreal’s always picturesque Old Port, on the bridge to La Grande Roue de Montréal. I absolutely love photographing Proposals, not only for the thrill of being the one to capture this exciting moment in the life of a wonderful couple, but also to reaffirm that romance is alive and well, and love will never be cancelled!

The fact that Kinnard’s friends decided to surprise him by hiring me, made this an extra special honour, to say the least, and I loved having the chance to meet up with a couple of them the evening before to location scout together and make finals decisions on the big surprise!

Above all, I loved bearing witness to all the celebratory hugs and shared elation from their group of amazing friends who drove to Montreal from Toronto in support of the big surprise.

…and then we took off for some photos and time for themselves before celebrating with their friends for dinner at Siam Thai Montreal Here are some of my faves. Congratulations again to Sharon & Kinnard!

To switch things up a bit, I asked Kinnard to share his thoughts on their sweet love story in response to the following questions:

1. How did you and Sharon meet and how long have you been together?

We met at a nightclub! We had no mutual friends prior, but I did pick her out of a crowded dance floor. At the time of the proposal, we had been together 7 and a half years! I love her sense of humour, her extremely caring nature, and her energy. She's a very genuine person, plus she's also very gorgeous. 

2. Describe your proposal plan in detail.

I had been planning it for about 3 months before. I ran the idea by my best friend (Jacky, who was in Montreal for the surprise as well) and he was totally on board. He also has known Sharon about as long as I have, so he knew she would love the surprise. I asked her parents for their blessing about 5 weeks before the proposal, and then started putting the plans together and gathering our friends. 

She was kind of aware there were some plans going on, but she didn't know exactly when or where. Although I had been planning the Montreal trip for a month, I didn't tell her where we were going until 2 days before. Even then, the group of friends who were there did everything they could to throw her off the idea that there would be a proposal, or that they would be there. 

I hid the ring in my bag all weekend, and had to keep trying to deflect her suspicions every time she asked a question about where we were going or what the plans were for the day. She likes to try and guess my surprises! We've been doing surprise birthday parties for each other since we started dating. 

3. Why did you decide to propose to Sharon in the Old Port?

Montreal for us is a very special place. The first 4 or 5 years we were dating, we used to go to Montreal about 3 or 4 times a year; once in the Summer, once in the Winter, and usually another small weekend getaway somewhere in between.

4. What are your thoughts about how it went? Any advice for anyone out there who may be considering proposing to their significant other? 

I didn't think I would be nervous about the proposal, but about 5 minutes prior I sent a message to all my friends who were in hiding and helping to prepare the area. After that message, I did feel nervous! I was nervous walking to the bridge, nervous taking her hands and delivering my speech, I felt like a mess.

However, the look of joy, surprise, and love in Sharon's eyes as I was doing it really made it all worth it. In terms of advice, I would say that it goes by MUCH faster than one would think; the moment really is fleeting. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment right before it all happens. 

5. What were your thoughts upon realizing your friends had hired a photographer? :-)

I was incredibly surprised! One of our friends who joined us in Montreal had agreed to take photos of us from a distance, so I was expecting to see him. It didn't even click until you introduced yourself that they had hired a photographer. I'm glad they did though, you captured the moments perfectly and gave us photos that we were both proud to show off and happy to look over. 

*Ring: Al Joher | Hotel: Hotel Zero1