A Surprise Proposal at Anyela’s Vineyards in Skaneateles, NY | Mike & Jily | Skaneateles proposal and engagement photographer
Updated: Oct 31
Some moments are worth waiting six years for, and Mike and Jily’s surprise proposal at Anyela’s Vineyard in Skaneateles, NY, was one of them!
Mike reached out to me several weeks in advance to discuss his plans to propose. We worked together to coordinate the details, including the perfect location and timing, and I was thrilled to be part of such a special moment.
Mike and Jily met while attending the University at Albany and have since made their home in the Syracuse area. After six years together, Mike knew it was time to take the next step. Although they had talked about their future together, Jily had no idea what Mike had planned that afternoon.
A Surprise Proposal in the Vineyard Gardens | Skaneateles proposal and engagement photographer
With an engagement party planned for later that day, we settled on an early afternoon proposal. My wife joined me as my assistant for the day, helping me manage the bright midday sunshine with a diffusion panel so we could capture beautiful, natural-looking photographs.
Mike and Jily arrived at Anyela’s Vineyard and enjoyed a glass of wine before Mike suggested taking a walk through the gardens. Meanwhile, we had quietly positioned ourselves nearby, blending in as another couple enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Using a telephoto lens, I was able to photograph the moment from a distance without giving anything away.
When Mike got down on one knee, Jily was completely caught off guard. Her reaction was priceless! There were tears of joy, plenty of emotion, and a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives. As a (Skaneateles) proposal and engagement photographer, it's moments like these that I live for!
After introducing myself and giving them a few minutes to take it all in, we began their engagement photography session around the vineyard and surrounding property.
Engagement Photography at Anyela’s Vineyard
Anyela’s Vineyard is a wonderful setting for engagement photos, with its gardens, scenic grounds, and charming outdoor spaces. Since it's late October, the vineyard itself was not in it's full glory- but the property still has so many beautiful backdrops! We took our time exploring the property, capturing a mix of natural portraits, candid moments, and photographs that reflected Mike and Jily’s excitement about this new chapter.
We also walked down toward the new Tract 66 wedding venue, an exciting addition to the Skaneateles wedding scene. managed by the Sherwood Inn. The surrounding property offered another beautiful setting for photographs.
Despite the challenging midday sunlight, we created a collection of images that captured the joy, connection, and genuine emotion of the day. Having my wife there to help with a diffusion panel made all the difference in creating the soft, flattering light I wanted.
Most importantly, Mike and Jily were wonderful to work with. It was a pleasure getting to know them and documenting such a meaningful milestone in their relationship.
Congratulations to both of you! I wish you nothing but happiness as you begin this next chapter together.
Looking for a Syracuse Engagement or Proposal Photographer?
Planning a surprise proposal or looking for engagement photography in Syracuse, Skaneateles, or anywhere in Central New York? I would love to be a part of capturing your story.
Whether you're planning an intimate proposal at a favorite location, a surprise engagement at a vineyard, or a relaxed engagement session with your partner, I'll help you preserve the genuine moments and emotions that make your story unique.
From Syracuse proposal photography to engagement sessions in Skaneateles and throughout the Finger Lakes, or right in Syracuse- Select Photo + Film offers natural, timeless photography focused on real connection and authentic emotion.
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