Surprise at the Falls: Jared & Marissa's Proposal at Brandywine Falls

Stories Forever Weddings

Aug 25, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Jared & Marissa's proposal at Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park was the kind of day we love most: one question, one yes, and a crowd of strangers cheering them on. As a photo and video team, we couldn't have asked for a more meaningful backdrop or a more emotional couple to document.

Visitors lining the walkway at Brandywine Falls as Marissa arrives for the surprise proposal

The Proposal at the Falls

The day started off wonderfully. Jared had planned every detail, and when the moment came, the people visiting Brandywine Falls were kind and respectful. They lined the walkway so Marissa could make her way down to meet Jared, which gave them a few private moments in such a popular spot. When Marissa said yes, the whole crowd broke into applause.

Jared waiting for Marissa on the Brandywine Falls overlook with the waterfall behind them

Her Reaction, on Photo and Video

Marissa's reaction was everything. Her happiness poured out, and it translated beautifully on both photo and video. Every tear, smile and laugh told their story. Moments like this are why we believe in having both photography and videography: you don't just remember how it looked, but also how it felt.

Marissa smiling as she reaches Jared on the Brandywine Falls boardwalk

Jared holding Marissa's hands on the boardwalk overlook at Brandywine Falls

Jared & Marissa facing each other on the overlook in front of Brandywine Falls

Close-up of Jared holding Marissa's hands just before the proposal

Jared speaking to Marissa on the overlook moments before he proposes

Jared down on one knee proposing to Marissa on the Brandywine Falls boardwalk

Wide view of Jared on one knee with Brandywine Falls behind them

Marissa hugging Jared tightly right after saying yes

Jared & Marissa embracing on the Brandywine Falls overlook after the proposal

Marissa smiling up at Jared at the boardwalk railing after the proposal

Jared & Marissa on the Brandywine Falls overlook surrounded by green trees

Marissa covering her mouth in surprise as Jared smiles

Jared & Marissa hugging after the proposal at Brandywine Falls

Newly engaged Jared & Marissa smiling at the camera under the trees

Jared & Marissa laughing together, her ring hand resting on his chest

Jared & Marissa smiling in front of Brandywine Falls

Marissa leaning back into Jared's arms, laughing, in front of Brandywine Falls

Jared kissing Marissa's forehead in front of the waterfall

Marissa laughing with her hand to her face as Jared smiles beside the falls

Close-up of Marissa's engagement ring as she holds Jared's hand

Marissa laughing with her hand on her chest, Brandywine Falls behind her

How Jared Kept It a Surprise

Jared thought of everything. To get Marissa there without suspicion, her sister brought her under the idea of “family photos.” When they arrived at the falls, Marissa had no idea what was waiting for her, and seeing how much thought Jared put into the proposal made documenting it even more special.

The proposal took place on May 17, 2025. Jared, the brother of one of our past grooms, reached out to plan it with us. We scouted the falls that morning to finalize the plan, then came back with our photo and video cameras ready for the moment Marissa stepped onto the overlook.

Jared & Marissa beneath a rock overhang on the Brandywine Falls trail

Exploring the Trails After She Said Yes

After she said yes, we spent time exploring the trails and walkways at Brandywine Falls. We hiked to the top of the falls and used the dramatic ledges and rock formations for a more creative set of portraits, a fun way to let the excitement settle in and capture a mix of candid joy and artistic photos.

Marissa touching Jared's face beneath the rock ledge

Jared & Marissa standing close on the wooded boardwalk

Jared & Marissa walking hand in hand beside the rock wall on the trail

Jared & Marissa sitting together on a rock ledge along the trail

Jared & Marissa sitting side by side on a rock ledge

Jared & Marissa embracing on the wooded trail

Jared & Marissa forehead to forehead among green trees

Jared & Marissa leaning on the boardwalk railing in the woods

Jared & Marissa twirling on the wooden boardwalk through the forest

Jared & Marissa kissing on the boardwalk among tall trees

Jared & Marissa sitting together on the pedestrian bridge near the Brandywine Falls parking area

Marissa resting her head on Jared's shoulder in the woods

Marissa smiling at Jared with her arm around him in the woods

Final Portraits on the Bridge

We wrapped up the day just through the parking lot, where a bridge crosses over the highway. The lines of the bridge and the unique perspective created one final set of portraits that felt modern and adventurous, rounding out their proposal story.

Jared & Marissa sitting together inside the covered pedestrian bridge

Close-up of Jared & Marissa cheek to cheek

Jared looking back at the camera as he and Marissa cross the pedestrian bridge

Jared & Marissa kissing on the pedestrian bridge above the highway

Why Brandywine Falls Is Perfect for Proposals

Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile locations in Ohio for proposals, engagements and senior photos. Its waterfall, scenic walkways, rock formations and greenery give endless options for both photo and video, and Jared & Marissa's proposal shows how meaningful this spot can be.

Brandywine Falls is in Northfield, Ohio, and the waterfall is viewed from a boardwalk and overlook that get busy on nice days. If you're planning a proposal here, a quieter time of day gives you more space, and a photo and video team that has planned the spot ahead of time can work around visitors, just as we did for Jared & Marissa.

Their Engagement Session at the Cleveland Public Library

Marissa & Jared came back in front of our cameras in 2026 for their engagement session at the Cleveland Public Library. Read about their engagement session.

Planning a Proposal in Northeast Ohio?

We help you choose the spot and the timing, stay out of sight, and capture the question and the reaction on both photo and video. See our proposal photography and video, watch another surprise proposal at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or check your date with us.