Not all double proposals are planned, and this one’s especially surprising!

New Yorkers Shannon and Ro Bumbled their way into each other’s lives during the pandemic, starting with their first date in Central Park. Fast-forward a few years later, Shannon hired photographer Daniel Nydick to capture her proposal to Ro. They had no idea that Ro was adding another layer of romance with a proposal of her own, not knowing there’d be a double proposal happening.

Nydick and Shannon laid the groundwork for the big question to be asked during October while they were out for a little getaway in New Hope, Pa. Ro didn’t even know there was a photographer present when the couple had crossed the bridge to Lambertville, NJ.

“There’s a short bridge people walk across to enjoy both towns,” said Nydick. “It’s all coverable in a short afternoon. They’re considered sister towns; both are artsy, eclectic communities that embrace the LGBTQ+ community.

“Shannon and I coordinated the location and timing well in advance, and I was there pretending to take pictures of my wife. Ro just thought they were doing the usual enjoy-the-scenery and fall foliage.”

Both Shannon and Ro planned to propose to each other that day, though only Ro knew of her own plans. Before Shannon could propose as she’d planned, Ro got down on one knee by the river. Shannon turned around and gasped at the sight of her kneeling girlfriend pulling a ring box out of her jacket. “What are you doing?” Shannon asked, a giddy-but-shocked smile spreading across her face. She then pulled Ro up and guided her closer to the spot she’d intended on proposing to her where a bridge made for a stately backdrop.

Ro knelt again before Shannon just as Shannon knelt down on one knee as well while pulling a ring box out of her own pocket.

Confusion quickly led to delight when the women both asked in succession, “Will you marry me?” Enthusiastic yeses and sweet kisses followed. We’ve got the photos by Daniel Nydick and even the proposal video (shot by Nydick’s wife) for you below.

Why our double proposal is a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride

This double proposal for a doubly surprised lesbian couple from New York was captured in photos and a video.

The engaged couple also shared with Equally Wed what they love about each other. Shannon says, “There’s a warmth and a kindness in Roberta’s eyes and smile that’s like nothing else. One look and an arrow was shot through my heart the moment we met. It truly was a ‘love at first sight’ situation. She has turned out to be everything I felt from that first moment and more.” Roberta says it’s Shannon’s “kind, loving, warm heart. Her inspiring strength, hilarious sense of humor, and beauty from the inside to out. Truly breathtaking.”

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Proposal photographer: Daniel Nydick Photography
Engagement jewelry: James Allen

Read more double proposals on Equally Wed here.