Every proposal is unique, but every once in a while, there's one that feels like it was written into someone's love story years before it actually happened.
Amit and Aparna's Cincinnati Zoo proposal was exactly that.
When Amit first reached out, he already knew where he wanted to ask one of the biggest questions of his life. The Cincinnati Zoo wasn't just a beautiful backdrop—it was personal. Aparna absolutely loves animals, and with the Zoo also being one of the country's most beautiful botanical gardens, it felt like the perfect place to start their next chapter together.
The two met while attending medical school in the Caribbean. Although they're both of Indian descent, their families come from opposite parts of India—Amit's from the north while Aparna's is from the south. They also both grew up in Canada, but on opposite sides of the country, with one calling Vancouver home and the other growing up in Toronto.
So many similarities but so many many differences. And somehow, every piece fit together perfectly- even being a stranger to them, I can tell how great of a fit they are for one another!
They're currently spending a few months in Cincinnati for clinical rotations, taking advantage of every chance they get to explore a new city together. It only felt right that one of their first big Cincinnati memories would become one they'd remember forever.
We planned for Amit to propose in the Zoo's beautiful Asian Waterfall Garden, one of my favorite tucked-away locations for intimate moments.
As they wandered through the gardens together, he found the perfect moment. He got down on one knee, asked Aparna to marry him, and she said yes! The excitement on her face was contagious, she was jumping for joy & was literally shaking from excitement.
After taking a few moments to soak it all in, we wandered through the Zoo for engagement portraits. Since they'd never actually visited before, I unexpectedly found myself promoted to tour guide.
The Surprise Proposal
The Best Surprise Was Still Waiting
One of the things I love about proposal experiences at the Cincinnati Zoo is that the proposal itself doesn't have to be the end of the celebration. As part of the proposal package Amit reserved through the Zoo, another surprise was waiting for Aparna.
We made our way to a private pavilion where champagne, delicious sandwiches, cheese, crackers, and a beautifully prepared picnic were waiting for them. It gave them a chance to slow down, celebrate and actually enjoy the moment together before jumping back into everyday life.
But Amit wasn't finished surprising her yet.
Their private animal encounters were about to begin.
A Proposal That Felt Like Them
The most memorable proposals aren't necessarily the most elaborate.
They're the ones filled with intentional details.
Every part of this day reflected who Amit and Aparna are—from choosing a place surrounded by animals and gardens to incorporating an inside joke that somehow became the perfect ending to an already unforgettable day.
It wasn't about creating the biggest surprise.
It was about creating their surprise.
Watching all of the planning come together and seeing Aparna experience each new surprise made this one of those proposals I'll be talking about for a long time.
The first guest to arrive was a bearded dragon, and Aparna's excitement was immediate. Watching her light up while meeting each animal made it obvious why Amit had chosen the Zoo in the first place.
Then came the grand finale... Throughout their relationship, Amit had always joked that there would be a goat at his proposal.
Then two goats casually walked into the pavilion. The look on her face was priceless.
She couldn't stop laughing, smiling, and soaking it all in. It was one of those perfectly personal surprises that no one else could have planned because it belonged entirely to their story.
Planning a Proposal at the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is such an incredible place for a proposal because it offers so much more than beautiful scenery.
Between the botanical gardens, hidden pathways, private event spaces, and unforgettable animal encounters, it's easy to create an experience that feels completely personal instead of simply finding a pretty place to get down on one knee.
As a photographer (and annual Zoo pass holder), I know the best portrait locations throughout the park, where the light photographs beautifully, and how to navigate the Zoo so your experience feels relaxed instead of rushed.
I can absolutely help you find the prettiest spots for photos. Animal trivia, however, is still not included.
Looking for a Cincinnati Zoo Proposal Photographer?
If you're planning a surprise proposal and want something that's meaningful, personal, and completely unforgettable, I am here to help you along the way. Whether you already have every detail planned or you're just beginning to brainstorm ideas, I can help with proposal planning, timing, photography logistics, and documenting every moment so you can stay focused on the person standing in front of you. I'd love to help connect you with the correct people at the zoo to choose your animals, food & book your experience, in addition to capturing your day.
And if your proposal happens to include two surprise goats?
Even better.
