This surprise proposal at R.C. Harris Water Treatment in Toronto, was carefully planned to feel private, emotional, and visually stunning. With help from family, Jai proposed to Sani during golden hour, surrounded by waterfront views and the iconic Art Deco architecture of R.C. Harris. Photographed discreetly to preserve the moment, the proposal at R.C. Harris unfolded naturally, followed by candid portraits and sunset images that captured their genuine emotions. This Toronto proposal highlights how thoughtful planning, timing, and location can create an unforgettable engagement experience.
In this surprise proposal at R.C. Harris, Water Treatment in Toronto, many people were involved in helping Jai carry out his plan to surprise Sani, going down on one knee with an incredible ring in his hand.

I have had the privilege of photographing Jai for the past five years and have also had the opportunity to meet his family.

I usually photographed his headshots and solo portraits, so when he called to share his plan with me, I was incredibly excited to be part of it.

The Planning of this Proposal at R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

Jai is a very private person and did not want to pop the question in front of a large crowd, so we worked on a plan to find a location that matched his vision while still being private enough for such a meaningful moment. At the same time, he wanted a balloon setup and an arch, which meant the location needed to be accessible by car for those helping bring his vision to life.

A couple of weeks earlier, I had photographed the engagement of Alexandra and Johnny at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in Toronto, and I suggested this location to Jai.

After doing some research on his own and looking through my recent photos, Jai decided this was the perfect place.

For the setup, he had the help of Sani’s sister and her friend, and once everything was in place, we were all set.

To avoid the crowds at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, I suggested scheduling the session close to dinnertime. This timing allowed us to create beautiful lighting scenarios and also meant fewer visitors at that time of day.

Jai did not want an extensive photo session, but we did have an hour set aside for the main event.

Surprise Proposal in Toronto

Over the years, I have photographed many surprise proposals, and each one is different in its own way. Some people involve friends and family in the session, some couples choose a private, remote location, and some plan a weekend getaway to an exclusive destination after the proposal, as we did with Luca and Alexandra at Elora Mill.

No matter the location, the emotions are always unique to each couple, and my goal is to capture those raw, genuine feelings. After the proposal, we can then create a variety of portrait photos, ranging from candid moments to more posed images.

To stay in control of the situation, I always arrive at the location well ahead of time to scout the area, familiarize myself with any obstacles, and be fully prepared for my couple. For this surprise proposal at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, I arrived early and met Sani’s sister and her friend, who were finishing the setup for Jain and Sani’s surprise proposal.

I helped them hide in one corner of the water treatment building, and then I waited for my couple to arrive.

By staying hidden in the stairwell and using a telephoto lens, I was able to spot their arrival before they noticed me.

As they approached the setup, Jain told Sani to keep her eyes closed, knowing the surprise was about to be revealed.

How to Photograph a Surprise Proposal at R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant?

Using three cameras, I was able to track their arrival with my 200mm lens, then switch to wider lenses as they moved closer to the setup. Once Jai went down on one knee, I positioned myself to capture both of them centred within the setup, with the waterfront behind them and some of the beautiful architecture of the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in the background.

As soon as Sani opened her eyes, all the raw emotions began to unfold.

I focused on capturing the real moments and the joy they shared, while staying true to Jai’s vision for their proposal at R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, as we had discussed beforehand.

Once the emotions settled, Sani’s sister came out from hiding, and we took a few group photos before continuing with our planned photo session.

Since the area was quite empty, I decided to recreate the moment when Jai asked the question. This time, I took a more controlled approach, just in case the original moment didn’t give my couple everything they had hoped for.

The Photo Session at Golden Hour at R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

Knowing we had only 30 minutes to capture all the photos I wanted, I took most of the images in the area where we set up the proposal. We went downstairs between the plant buildings, which is one of my favourite locations.

Here, I was able to create some magic by using the sunlight as backlight, while my couple interacted naturally, without being interrupted or posed by me.

Once we finished these photos, we moved toward the fence separating the beach area from the plant’s property, where we caught the last ray of the sun before it disappeared over the horizon.

Jain had planned a romantic dinner after their surprise proposal at R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, so I wrapped up their photo session with the final shots around the in-wall fountain facing the waterfront.

I have photographed Jain for many years, but that day, I saw a happiness in his eyes that I had never witnessed before.

His eyes were glowing, and he never stopped smiling.

Thank you, Jain and Sani, for allowing me to witness such a special moment and for including me in your proposal at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in Toronto.

If you are planning a surprise proposal and need help finding a location that matches your vision, please get in touch, and I would be happy to help make it a reality.

Check this proposal at Sheldon Lookout with Jessica and Jose. View our post ” Intimate Toronto Music Garden Proposal with Fall Colours” for some inspiration if your planing proposal in Toronto.