Michelangelo was nervous when he called me to help plan his Disney proposal to his love, Anne. Walt Disney World is their favorite place and he wanted it to be perfect for her! Both teachers from New Jersey, our day started with a trip to EPCOT to capture the proposal she has always wanted. I love that they said, “Disney feels like home to us.”
Story of Anne and Michelangelo: We met back in 2020 right before the pandemic. It felt like we’d known each other for ten years. As months passed getting to know each other and how much we have in common, we started to plan our first Disney trip together, and didn’t work out as planned. Anne broke her leg and we were not able to go. They told her it would take 6 months to walk again but she did it in three because we planned another Disney trip for December. Disney motivated her. A year later we planned another Disney trip. Because Disney feels like home to us. We both love each other as much as we love Disney. Three years later another Disney trip and Michelangelo popped the question right in front of our favorite place in the world Epcot. 06-30-23 💍❤️
If you’re planning a proposal, we can be there to help you preserve the memories for a lifetime. Contact The Canovas Photography today and let’s chat!
We LOVED Emily and Henry’s Magic Kingdom Proposal! They are the sweetest couple. Their families were there to make it even more special. I got this from Henry when we planned the proposal: “The proposed plan is as follows: My sister, Honey, will be taking photos around the park to help promote her new Disney jewelry products that she’s been marketing. As my girlfriend will be taking these photos (likely in front of the castle), my sister will at one point pull out a sign from her pocket/bag that will tell Emily to “turn around”, and at that moment I will be kneeling in behind of Emily with the ring (contained in a box-shaped like the My Adventure Book from the movie Up). At this point is where she will hopefully turn around and the moment can be captured! I’ll say a few words to her and await her answer. “
Read Emily’s story here: I guess we met in 6th grade (at least he knew me then) and we became friends in 7th grade. He’s basically the boy next door since we lived in the same neighborhood and we met on the school bus. I remember it clear as day. My friend and I were sitting together and then another boy came over on the bus and sat on the seat next to us. Henry followed him over and sat next to us as well but didn’t talk much. He was super shy and quiet, and I remember thinking he had huge hair! Us four became the new quartet and always did things together. But as high school started, it became just Henry and I. We became closer and closer by bonding over Manga, talking over AIM messenger, and biking around the neighborhood. The summer before 10th grade started, I definitely considered him my best friend, but I also started to like like him. However, knowing Henry, if anything was going to happen, I was going to have to make the first move. So, I did—I told him I liked him first! He said the same thing and I could say the rest was history, but it wasn’t that easy.
During the summer of 2010, we started dating each other. We didn’t make it public at first, but a lot of people easily caught on to this! Then, we went to separate colleges and even had 5 months apart by a 6-hour time difference when I studied abroad in Copenhagen. We had a lot of trying times together facing different personal and family challenges. However, through it all, we let each other grow and become our own person. I have never felt held back by Henry or tied down to him in a limiting way. I’ve only ever felt supported and unconditionally loved by him. We’ve been together for 11 years and we’ve grown as a couple and as our own independent selves. That is something I’ve always loved about us.
In August of 2020, Henry moved in with me to my apartment in Boston. This was another learning curve but was also a moment we’d both been waiting for for a while. Finally, we didn’t have to say “Goodbye” after a weekend visit together but just a “Goodnight.” After five months of living together we decided to look at engagement rings! The only problem is that I don’t like rings, but I wanted an engagement ring and I wanted something I would love. So naturally, I chose my own ring!
After we bought the ring in February of 2021, I tried to not ask questions or bug Henry too much about the proposal. I mean, I may have shown him dozens of Instagram reel of different proposal videos or watched Say Yes to the Dress in front of him many times. I may have also blatantly told him “You better propose by the end of 2021!” Little did I know he was actually planning the most perfect proposal for months in the happiest place on Earth—Disney World!
Disney holds special meaning to me, and Henry knows this. My parents had their first date and honeymoon there. I’ve been at least 15 times since I was a baby and I absolutely cherish the place. Back in March of 2021, we booked a trip to go there with his family for his sister’s birthday in August. I thought that’s all it was going to be, just a birthday trip. But then my mom got wind of our trip and also booked a trip for her, my dad, and brother to go there the same week as us. However, my mom is known for her spontaneity and I didn’t question it. I was actually kind of worried about both of our families being there and trying to make it clear it wasn’t a “joint” trip because I didn’t want to stress his sister out.
Fast forward to Monday, August 9th, our flight gets canceled, we’re running on three hours of sleep, it’s thundering and starting to lightly rain, and my family gets stuck on The People Mover. I guess these factors explain why Henry seemed to keep falling asleep everywhere we went: the hotel room, the bus to the Magic Kingdom, and under the canopy outside Casey’s Corner. Poor guy was freaking out! Meanwhile, I was just becoming more and more confused as everyone just stopped moving. Then his sister takes me to the Hub Grass and asks me to help her shoot some content for her Etsy shop. She explains to me that she’s going to hold up different signs for her shop and wants me to record it. As I’m recording, I remember giving my brother and mom a look saying, “What is going on?” But then once Honey reveals the sign that says, “Emily Turn Around,” everything froze. I was already crying as I turned around but when I saw Henry on one knee, that’s when the waterworks really started. That’s when I realized that this man planned everything for months and orchestrated the whole thing to have both of our families present for this special moment at one of my favorite places on Earth. I don’t really remember what he said, but I do remember feeling like my heart was going to explode from the love I felt. Then, he surprised me again with a photo shoot!? I was blown away! He honestly made me feel like a real-life Disney princess and I really can’t wait to live out my happily ever after with him. He says he waited 14 years for this proposal, and now we both can’t wait forever.
Matthew wanted to propose to his girlfriend Carlie under the Tree of Life. We made a plan and waited for them at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – he really surprised her! They were both so happy and we were so excited to be able to capture these moments. Congratulations Matthew and Carlie! xo
Alexis’s father had a whole big plan for helping Greg’s surprise Disney World proposal to his daughter. They came all the way from New Jersey, for one day – so it had to be perfect. Alexis was visiting the Magic Kingdom with her sister. She never expected to see Greg, especially down on one knee, roses and in hand in front of Cinderella Castle! Her face was priceless! She was also very surprised to see her parents there too. We had a great time walking through the park while they laughed and danced. So happy for you Alexis and Greg!
“To face the future with another, who means more than any other, is to be loved.” –The Rescuers
Kaylee has to be one of our sweetest and cutest brides-to-be! When Sean proposed to her at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Kaylee’s expressions were priceless. She was so happy! Sean brought her and lots of friends and family, all the way from Texas to help make this day very special for her. Congratulations Sean and Kaylee!
From Kaylee:
We met on the second day of high school my sophomore year during lunch when I offered him a go-go squeeze because the line was so long I didn’t want him to be hungry. He played baseball, was in the grade above me, and still had his post-summer tan from lifeguarding so he was basically it for me right then. Sean was so shy about liking me that I had to ask him for his number to get the ball rolling. Within those first two years, I had three surgeries, my house flooded twice, we both graduated high school, he started the process of becoming a firefighter, and I moved away for school. Through all of that we stayed together he was my foundation through all the hard stuff, laughed with me through the silly stuff, and we continued to grow with one another.
When I was 11 I was bit by a snake on my left ring finger and was really self-conscious about the scar that was left behind for a while. My surgeon was amazing though so I told myself it would really matter because the ring and the person would make up for it and they wouldn’t care about any scar it would be about us. Sean knows me so well and he planned everything so perfectly the ring, the people that were present, the place, and even having you guys there I couldn’t ask for a better proposal or a better man to spend the rest of my life with. I had a teacher in high school who told all his students not to be so involved in high school relationships because in the long run, it doesn’t work out. The day after Sean proposed I emailed him telling him we beat the odds, we are getting married. A few days later I heard back from him telling me he’s never been happier to be proven wrong.
I cannot be more excited to marry Sean, he is the person I look forward to telling everything to, he’s my best friend without him I have no idea where I would be but I know he helps me be the best version of myself always.
It’s always so fun for us to help plan a proposal from a very-in-love-but-nervous guy in another state. We have secret codes, texts and emails. Brandon’s proposal to Crystal in front of Cinderella Castle is one of our favorites! It was perfect! Congratulations you two! xo
From Brandon: Crystal and I first met about 10 years ago in chemistry sophomore year of high school. We became good friends until we graduated where we fell out of touch with each other. 4 years ago we got back in touch and one thing led to another and we became a couple. We always have a great time together whether it’s going on little trips, visiting the zoo, walking the dog, or just watching TV on the couch. Words could not describe my feelings for her and how much I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her so I figured a grand proposal would do the trick. She always wanted to go to Disney and I have been there a few times myself. I knew it would catch her off guard and it would be magical for her since it is Disney after all. I was trying my hardest to find a way to capture the moment and when I found Kelly and Courtney online I was so relieved that they could help me out with just one week notice. I was a nervous wreck all day at the park waiting for that right time and it went seamlessly. They did an excellent job! (Aw thanks Brandon 🙂
From Crystal:Brandon and I met in high school. We were very close friends and would hang out all the time. College created some years of separation between us. When we reconnected, it was like no time passed at all! Our friendship turned into the relationship I always hoped it would! We have been dating four years now, and they have been nothing short of amazing. Every day and every year I just love Brandon more. I cannot wait to make more memories and a life together! I am lucky enough to have found the person who makes me laugh, supports me and loves me unconditionally!
