A surprise engagement shoot straight out of an old Hollywood movie

This surprise engagement felt like it was plucked straight out of a classic Hollywood romance - and has immediately become my favorite couples session to date.

When Lexi and Matt won a photoshoot giveaway my video partner and I hosted, we were all so excited. The giveaway was for a couples shoot or engagement photography package on film - and Matt and Lexi capitalized on the opportunity in the best way possible.

I had met Lexi and Matt once before when I captured their friends Mel & Marcus' wedding photos at Castaway Portland and we've been wanting to shoot together ever since.

We held the shoot at Brightwater Events—a tucked-away wedding venue just outside Portland with its own private lake and a field full of old classic cars. The shoot inspo? A dreamy, romantic couples shoot with some old Hollywood energy. And I have to say, the venue was absolutely perfect.

Brightwater is less than 30 minutes from Portland but feels so private and secluded - almost like a miniature Gatsby estate on its own private lake - making it the perfect venue for any engagement or wedding. (I have a list of my favorite Portland wedding venues for intimate celebrations and I'm going to need to update it to put Brightwater up top. Although it can definitely accommodate larger groups, it's a great option for a smaller weddings especially if you want your guests to have plenty of space).

Lexi *showed up* for the vibe in a white dress and a matching scarf that felt straight out of a classic film. Between her fit, the vintage cars, and the soft golden light over the water, every shot looked like a still from a movie. And as usual, I shot film and digital—but as usual, the film shots are the ones that really ate.

We were blessed to have the place to ourselves so we took advantage of every corner of the venue. We started at the bridal suite - a solo wooden structure at the top of the hill with huge barn doors and tons of light streaming through high rafters. Then we had Lexi and Matt run, frolic, and dance on the soft grass outside before heading to my favorite part of the shoot - the classic cars. The venue has a clearing in the woods next to the lake where about a dozen old weathered classic cars just waiting to be photographed.

And like any good Hollywood classic there was a twist at the end of the shoot. Standing at the end of the dock, Matt drops down on one knee and surprises Lexi with a proposal. Cue tears and Lexi in shock asking, "Wait are you serious??"

My video partner caught the whole thing on film (yes, the video will absolutely make you cry too), and we ended the shoot soaking up that just-engaged glow on the dock as the sun went down.

This would be such an incredible place to have a private Gatsby-esque / old Hollywood wedding, so if that sounds like your vibe, of if you're just in the market for a Portland wedding photographer for your 2025 / 2026 celebration, let's chat!

Whether you’re planning a couples shoot or want to pull off a surprise proposal of your own, we’ve got you covered with photo & video coverage. And if you’re looking for a Portland photography and videography team for your wedding day? Let’s make some movie magic.