There are magical places in San Antonio… and then there’s the McNay.

We’ve captured proposals all over the Texas Hill Country—from lakeside lookouts to rooftop bars—but nothing quite compares to the quiet, romantic energy of the McNay Art Museum. The ivy-covered walls. The soft golden light. The feeling that something cinematic is about to happen.

And that’s exactly what went down with Miguel and Daisy.

In today’s post, we’re taking you behind the scenes of their unforgettable proposal—plus sharing everything we’ve learned about pulling off a flawless, tear-filled, “YES!”-worthy moment at the McNay.

Why the McNay Museum Is a Proposal Dream Come True

If you’ve never walked the grounds of the McNay, it’s hard to describe the vibe. You’re surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, hidden garden paths, and gorgeous sculptures… and yet, it’s just minutes from downtown San Antonio.

It’s elegant without being stuffy, peaceful without feeling isolated, and romantic in a way that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.

And then there’s the light. Oh, the light. In the hour before sunset, the walls practically glow. It’s the kind of natural reflector every photographer dreams about.

For Miguel and Daisy, the McNay felt like the perfect blend of art, nature, and intimacy. And we couldn’t agree more.

How Miguel Pulled Off the Ultimate Surprise

A Little Backstory…

Miguel first reached out to us with a message and we hoped on a quick phone call.

That’s the kind of connection we live for.

We talked through his ideas, and then got to work building a plan. Daisy thought they were just heading out for an “art-themed date night”—but Miguel had a ring in his pocket, and we were lurking nearby with cameras and a mission.

The Plan: Simple, Smart, and Romantic

Here’s the play-by-play:

We arrived early and coordinated with the planner who was providing the props and Ernesto who was capturing video.
Miguel and Daisy entered the McNay grounds around 4 PM.
He casually walked Daisy over to the arch to get a better look, and then dropped to one knee.

The moment Daisy realized it was all for her… everything stopped. She gasped. Her hands flew to her face. And then came the happiest smile we’ve ever seen.

Capturing the Moment Perfectly

Anticipating the Emotion

As photographers who specialize in proposals and weddings, we don’t just focus on getting “the shot.” We watch for the emotion.

You don’t get to say, “Let’s do that again” during a real proposal. You either catch the raw joy as it unfolds, or you miss it.

We were shooting from a distance with long lenses, moving silently so we wouldn’t distract her. The second Miguel pulled the ring box out, we were locked in.

There was a split second—maybe less—when Daisy’s eyes met Miguel’s, and her whole expression changed. Her lips parted, her knees buckled slightly, and you could just see the realization flood her entire face.

That’s the frame we live for. That’s the shot.

The Mini Engagement Session

After hugs, happy tears, and a lot of “Wait, is this really happening?!”, we introduced ourselves to Daisy. She was still processing everything (which, let’s be honest, is one of the most adorable parts of every surprise proposal), but she was totally up for a few portraits while the sun was still doing its golden thing.

We wandered to a few iconic spots around the McNay:

The front facade with its art deco arches
The Koi pond
The gazebo with climbing ivy

The entire time Migual and Daisy were reliving the moment and enjoying the emotion.

Thinking of Proposing at the McNay? Here’s What You Need to Know

When to Propose

Golden hour (if it falls within ground hours) is ideal for lighting. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.

What to Wear

Dress like you're going on a nice date—think “cocktail chic” without being too formal. Neutral or warm colors look amazing against the McNay’s architecture.

Permissions & Photography

Grounds security will stop by to collect the permit fee before you get started photographing.

How Far in Advance to Book

We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks out to ensure we can scout your location, help with planning, and align it with sunset timing.

Why Having the Right Photographer Changes Everything

Look, we know we’re photographers, so of course we’re going to tell you this part matters. But it really does.

Proposal photography isn’t just about gear or technical skills—it’s about:

Reading body language
Knowing exactly where to stand without being seen
Anticipating emotion before it happens
Capturing the in-between moments (like when Daisy hugged Miguel and whispered, “I can’t believe you did this.”)

We’re not just behind the lens—we’re in the moment with you.

And because we’re a couple ourselves, we know what it means to chase real emotion—not just poses.

Final Thoughts: Your First Frame Deserves to Be Legendary

There’s something sacred about the moment someone says yes to forever.

It’s a split second… but it changes everything.

That’s why we love proposal photography. Especially at a place like the McNay—where every corner feels like it was made for big, unforgettable love.

If you’re thinking about proposing in San Antonio (and especially at the McNay), we’d be honored to help make that dream real. We’ll bring the stealth mode, the good light, and the relaxed energy that lets you be fully present.

👉 Want to Chat About Your McNay Proposal?

Reach out here and let’s plan something incredible together.

Because when the moment’s right… you deserve to remember every second of it.

She Said YES at the McNay! Here’s How We Captured the Moment Perfectly