They Came for the View — Left Engaged: A Peyto Lake Viewpoint Surprise Proposal
- Krystal Shuhyta
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
There are moments in life that define our love stories — the first meeting, the day everything quietly shifts, to the proposal that changes everything. Emma and Jaeger’s Peyto Lake viewpoint surprise proposal is one of those moments that will be remembered forever. Planning the perfect proposal is meaningful on its own, but keeping it a secret while travelling across the world? That takes intention, trust, and a whole lot of heart. I had the absolute honour of working alongside Jaeger to bring this unforgettable moment to life. What unfolded wasn’t just a photo session — it was a once-in-a-lifetime “yes,” captured in one of the most breathtaking places imaginable in the Rockies

The Journey That Led to Forever - Peyto Lake Viewpoint Surprise Proposal
Some love stories are written in grand gestures, while others are found in the quiet — in moments that feel effortless, familiar, and deeply grounding. For Emma and Jaeger, their journey toward forever is rooted in slow mornings, shared creativity, and a love that allows them to fully be themselves. Morning felt like the perfect time for this moment to unfold, reflecting Emma’s love for the calm beauty of a new day and the stillness that comes before the world wakes up, not to mention the time difference in their favour coming all the way from Australia. Surrounded by towering mountains and shimmering blue water, it felt like a place where everything could slow down — exactly how they like it.
Emma loves how Jaeger makes her feel free to be unapologetically herself, while Jaeger finds his greatest joy in how Emma brings out the very best version of him. Their love story plays like a song — Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden — steady, sincere, and full of heart. Whether they’re creating together through their work, painting, filming, or simply travelling side by side, creativity and adventure have always been at the centre of their connection. From the very beginning, it was their unwavering support for one another, their shared values, and the deep love they hold for their families that made them fall in love — and continue choosing each other every single day.
The Moment Time Stood Still at Peyto Lake Viewpoint
What began as a birthday trip halfway around the world quickly became the moment they’ll carry with them forever. Months before their adventure even began, Jaeger quietly reached out to plan a surprise proposal for Emma — one that would unfold naturally during their travels from Australia to Canada. While Emma’s 30th birthday was celebrated in New York, Canada became the setting for something even more meaningful. Disguised as a birthday photo session “booked by friends back home,” the plan was carefully set in motion.
As an adventurous couple who feels most at home outdoors, a sunrise hike felt like the perfect fit. Despite the early hour and the crisp mountain air, they braved the chilly morning, and we made our way up to the Peyto Lake lookout together. As the sun rose and alpenglow washed over the mountains, the world seemed to pause. In that quiet, breathtaking moment, Jaeger got down on one knee — and just like that, everything changed.
What followed was a rush of happy tears, uncontrollable laughter, and an overjoyed “yes,” echoing through the mountains. After taking time to soak it all in, the celebration continued with photos at the lookout before heading down to Bow Lake, capturing the calm joy of a morning spent exactly where they were always meant to be — together.
Banff Proposal Spots That Make the Moment Unforgettable
Rather than us telling you, we’ll let Emma and Jaeger speak for themselves about their experience:
Emma:
"I cannot recommend Krystal enough! She worked with my (now fiancé) to plan the most beautiful surprise proposal and captured every single moment perfectly. From the very first second, she made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera, which made the whole experience even more special. The photos are absolutely stunning — natural, emotional, and something we’ll treasure forever. If you're looking for an amazing photographer who has warmth and professionalism, Krystal is your gal!! Thanks, Krystal, for an incredible day 🤍"
Jaeger:
"We are absolutely blown away by our photos from Krystal at Fly Free Photography! She helped me plan my surprise proposal to my fiancée and was incredible from start to finish. Planning a surprise like this can be tricky, but Krystal made it so much easier. She gave thoughtful advice on locations, timing, and how to pull everything off perfectly. She answered all my questions along the way and truly cared about making the day special for us. On the day itself, Krystal was amazing. She gave us great direction while keeping everything natural, fun, and relaxed. It felt like we were just hanging out with a friend, and she captured the moment so beautifully. The sunrise timing she suggested was perfect, and the photos are everything we could have hoped for. We can’t recommend Krystal highly enough. She didn’t just capture this once-in-a-lifetime memory — she helped create it."
Banff Proposal Photographer, Your Next Chapter Starts Here
As a Banff-based photographer, I also bring local knowledge to the planning process, helping couples choose from iconic locations and hidden gems that create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal. Reach out — I’d love to help bring your surprise engagement vision to life.
Still browsing? Explore more with our Ultimate Surprise Proposal Guide, or take a look at two other beautiful surprise proposal sessions: Moraine Lake Surprise Proposal and Surprise Proposal at Lake Minnewanka.
Till our paths cross again, friend,
xo
Krystal

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