San Antonio Flash Mob Proposal

Proposal

November 29, 2024

Fun & Unique Surprise Proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden

San Antonio

A few months ago, The Heart Bandits (a proposal planning company) reached out to me about capturing a flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio. A flash mob proposal, a mariachi band, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden and the sweetest couple imaginable? HECK YES!! I was over the moon to capture this chapter in their story. 

The amount of thought, meaning, and love that went into every element of this San Antonio proposal truly blew everyone away (and yes, there were a LOT of tears). It was a beautiful moment to be part of — and further proof that LOVE WINS, y’all.

A flash mob dance proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, featuring a man in a bold orange shirt leading the group while smiling and dancing enthusiastically.
A fun and lively flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, with Kim and a group of dancers in colorful outfits performing during a unique proposal.
Laura's emotional reaction to Kim's surprise flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, with a joyful crowd around her.
A moment of celebration during a flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, showing Kim surrounded by dancers.
A romantic proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, with Kim kneeling while Laura reacts in surprise and joy.
A sweet moment after a flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio
A candid photo of the newly engaged couple at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, holding hands and smiling with a lush tropical backdrop.
The engaged couple sharing a kiss surrounded by greenery after their flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
The couple standing hand in hand at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, with vibrant greenery framing their romantic moment after the proposal.

Planning The Surprise Flash Mob Proposal | Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio

Kimberly and Laura have been together for 18 years, and Kim knew she wanted to go all out when it came to popping the question. Having studied musical theater in college in NYC, she was drawn to the idea of a flash mob proposal. 

When it comes to capturing moments like these, I’m all in on the unconventional. I believe in celebrating what makes you you — and whether it’s a mariachi band, ribbon streamers, or mixing traditions with playful twists, I’m here to document your love in a way that’s as one-of-a-kind as your story.

With the help of Derrick (from Derrick J Garcia Entertainment), they choreographed a couple of dances to honor Kim and Laura’s unique story. Kim also wanted all of their loved ones and friends to be part of the moment, so she made up a “fake” party so Laura wouldn’t suspect anything.

In prep for the big day, I joined Kim and the choreography team for the rehearsal – ensuring I would be exactly where the action was and capturing every little detail. Here is the entire vendor team that helped bring Kim’s beautiful vision to life:

The Flash Mob | Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio

The beautiful rock pavilion at the Japanese Tea Garden was the stage for the whole proposal, and once Derek started playing music and dancing, the crowd of Kim & Laura’s party started gathering to watch. Before long, Derek was joined by the other dancers on his team until there was a full-on flash mob taking shape… 

Then to Laura’s complete surprise – Kim stepped in to join the dance!

A dancer in an orange shirt performs for an audience seated at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio during a flash mob proposal.
The lead dancer in a vibrant orange shirt performs under the rock pavilion of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio during a flash mob proposal.
Two dancers join the flash mob performance at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere for the proposal.
A choreographed flash mob in full swing under the rock pavilion at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, with Kim joining the dancers dressed in colorful outfits.
A vibrant moment from the flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, showing synchronized dancers with Kim participating with Derek, the lead dancer.
An emotional reaction as Laura tears up as Kim joins the flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
The couple shares a sweet and heartfelt moment during the flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

With their friends and loved ones cheering them on, the flash mob dancers gave an unforgettable performance. But it didn’t end there. The second song, Ellie Goulding’s “Still Falling for You,” took the moment to a whole new level. Dancers twirled with ribbon streamers, adding a whimsical touch to the lyrics that perfectly described Kim’s feelings for Laura. Two dancers even acted out Kim and Laura’s love story, which was such an emotional moment for everyone watching.

Not One, But TWO Surprise Proposals

Just when the flash mob had everyone buzzing, Kim had one more surprise planned. She led Laura to the top of the pavilion steps, where their family and friends began approaching one by one to present Laura with calla lilies, her favorite flower. It was a beautiful, heartfelt gesture that left Laura overwhelmed with emotion.

A sweet moment as family and friends present Laura & Kim with calla lilies after the flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Kim holding onto Laura as a family member hands them calla lilies during the heartfelt San Antonio surprise proposal.
An emotional black-and-white photo of Laura wiping away tears as Kim stands beside her while family and friends approach with calla lilies.
The couple shares a loving embrace, holding a bouquet of colorful calla lilies after the flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
A close-up of the bouquet of vibrant calla lilies placed on the stone steps of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Laura's favorite flower.

But the biggest surprise was still to come. In the center of the pavilion, Kim got down on one knee and asked Laura to marry her. Cue the cheers and happy tears as Laura said yes! 

But then, Laura turned the tables. She pulled out a ring of her own and got down on one knee to propose to Kim!

Laura had brought the ring to the “fake party,” intending to show it to a friend. Her proposal took everyone — including Kim — by surprise. It was a double proposal no one saw coming, and it was pure magic.

Kim kneels with a ring in hand, proposing to Laura in the center of the pavilion at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
The couple embraces joyfully as Laura says yes to Kim’s proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Laura surprises Kim by kneeling and presenting a ring of her own after their flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Kim reacts with joy and surprise as Laura proposes back to her in a heartfelt double proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
The couple shares an emotional embrace after their double proposal under the rock pavilion at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

After the flash mob dances and their TWO surprise proposals, Kim and Laura were serenaded by an all female mariachi band and spent some time mingling with their family and friends, basking in the love and joy of the moment.

Kim and Laura stand side by side, watching an all-female mariachi band perform at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio during proposal celebration.
An all-female mariachi band, dressed in traditional attire, serenades the couple and their guests at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Kim and Laura laugh and share a joyful moment with friends and family after their flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
A candid moment of Kim hugging little guest during the flash mob proposal celebration at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Kim and Laura pose for a group photo with the dancers who performed during their flash mob proposal at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
A large group photo of Kim, Laura, and their family and friends gathered at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, celebrating their double proposal.

The Japanese Tea Garden Proposal Photos | San Antonio

Once they had finished visiting with everyone, we wandered off to explore the more secluded paths of the Japanese Tea Garden. This gave them a quiet moment to soak it all in and take some intimate proposal photos among the lush greenery and serene surroundings of the gardens. It was the perfect ending to their unforgettable day, filled with SO much love and my heart still just bursts thinking of every sweet moment.

Kim and Laura share a tender embrace, holding a bouquet of calla lilies in the serene Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
The couple leans closely together, smiling and soaking in the joy of their Japanese Tea Garden proposal photos in San Antonio.
Kim laughs playfully as Laura tucks hair out of her face, holding a bouquet of calla lilies during their Japanese Tea Garden proposal photos in San Antonio.
Kim and Laura walk hand in hand along the stone steps of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, surrounded by lush greenery.
A black-and-white close-up of Kim and Laura embracing, capturing an intimate moment during their Japanese Tea Garden proposal photos in San Antonio.
Kim kisses Laura on the cheek as they hold calla lilies, surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
A close-up of the engagement ring resting on a bouquet of purple and yellow calla lilies, photographed during the Japanese Tea Garden proposal in San Antonio.
Kim and Laura kiss noses, holding hands and surrounded by tropical greenery in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.
Kim and Laura stand on a stone pathway framed by lush greenery, sharing a quiet moment during their Japanese Tea Garden proposal photos in San Antonio.
A black-and-white image of the couple standing hand in hand, kissing under the lush plants at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

View the full flash mob proposal video by Teshorn Jackson here.

FROM KIM & LAURA:

“Thank you so so much for everything!!! This day would not have been magical without you!!! It was such a blessing to have everyone on board! We did it guys!!!”

Planning a special San Antonio proposal and need a local photographer to document every magical moment? Are you an LGBTQ+ couple looking for a photographer?

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I photograph couples of ALL shapes, sizes and backgrounds – including LGBTQ+ couples in San Antonio and beyond. I’m here to embrace every love story and capture how you fit together just right.

Get in touch & let’s celebrate your love!

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