Proposal in Oahu’s Botanical Gardens: How I Surprised Jayde

There’s something so enchanting about Proposal in Oahu’s Botanical Gardens—especially when they happen in a place as breathtaking as a place like this. With vibrant tropical blooms, towering palms, and serene mountain backdrops, these gardens feel like a scene straight out of a romance movie. And when love and nature come together like this, it’s pure magic.

It’s even more magic when the people getting engaged are two of your best friends! Any of you that truly know me, you know that Jayde from: Jayde Mikenzie Photography is my soul sister and best friend. We truly spend almost everyday together so planning her surprise Proposal in Oahu’s Botanical Gardens with her boyfriend was so much fun, even though we were met with some challenges along the way!

Location Scouting

Once Jacob picked Oahu for the proposal spot, we instantly went to work to find the perfect spot on the island! Location scouting from a far can be tricky, but this is what I use:

Google Earth- To help me actually see the surroundings of the area

Pintrest- I read awesome blog posts (just like this one) that help me find the perfect spot.

Instagram- Geo tags on Instagram actually help a lot!

Jacob and I knew we wanted a mountain background, so we decided on the botanical gardens! Oahu’s botanical gardens offer a dreamy, storybook setting for a proposal. Whether it’s Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden with its sweeping views of the Koʻolau Mountains, or the lush, tucked-away corners of Wahiawā Botanical Garden, each space is filled with color, calm, and just the right amount of adventure. The gardens are often quiet and peaceful, creating the perfect atmosphere for an intimate and unforgettable moment.

Planning the Surprise

Surprise proposals take a little extra coordination—but they’re so worth it. The key to pulling off a garden Proposal in Oahu’s Botanical Gardens? Timing and teamwork. Jayde loves to check locations of her friends in find my friend… so finding a way so that she wouldn’t see mine in Hawaii was tricky… who knew you could change your location services to your ipad? So I hopped on my ipad and set it as my main location and just left it plugged in as I went to Hawaii! With that issue out of the way I was able to travel freely.

Another thing I did to get her off my trail… we play on a co-ed softball team and in our team chat I texted that I was fully planning on being at our game we had that next day… and then I texted them separately telling them the truth… that I actually was going to be in Hawaii and that they will need to find a sub!

Jacob and I started planning the surprise in March… we were so excited that it all came together!

Capturing the Emotion

One of the most special parts of a Proposal in Oahu’s Botanical Gardens is how genuine and full of emotion the moment is. The tears, the laughter, the “YES!”—it’s all framed by the beauty of Hawaii’s natural landscape. And with soft sunlight filtering through the palms and vibrant flowers all around, the photos come out absolutely stunning.

It was especially emotional to watch my best friend get engaged! Surrounded by their family! Tears were flowing and the smiles were non-stop!

Why Choose a Botanical Garden on Oahu?

Besides being visually stunning, Oahu’s gardens offer a peaceful, intimate escape from the busier tourist spots. It’s quiet enough for the proposal to feel private, while still being incredibly photogenic. Plus, these gardens are free or low-cost to enter, making it an accessible and stress-free location.

This was one of the most fun and special shoots I have ever been apart of! I could not be more excited for Jayde and Jacob as the enter into this next big chapter!

A surprise proposal in one of Oahu’s botanical gardens is unforgettable. The blend of natural beauty, genuine emotion, and the joy of a life-changing moment all come together perfectly. Whether you’re planning the proposal or just dreaming about it, Oahu’s gardens offer a paradise for love to bloom.

Thinking of planning a surprise proposal in Hawaii? I’d love to help capture it! Let’s make magic together. 🌺💍

Watch on Tik Tok:

@camiphotoco_

My soul sister is engaged! i flew 6 hours to capture my best friends engagement in Hawaii! I am so so grateful I got to witness and capture this special moment for my best friends. <3 so excited for these two! #ftpicks #hawaii #engaged #travel #photography #weddingphotographer

♬ original sound – cami photo co.

See photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL2wGrzJINt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=OXF6ejN4dm1kbXU2

Jayde Mikenzie Photo: https://jaydemikenziephotography.com/

Cami Photo Co. :

camiphotoco.com

Location: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpr/honolulu-botanical-gardens/hoomaluhia-botanical-garden/