What Exactly Is A Double Proposal?

Tara Arseven Photography has had the pleasure of capturing some truly unforgettable moments, including one particularly memorable double proposal. The trend has been gaining momentum over recent years, leaving us eager to see what the future holds. Before we dive into the intricacies of ‘What is a double proposal?’ and ‘Can both partners propose to each other?’, let’s take a look at a real-life example that left everyone involved in awe.

Shelby initially reached out to Offbeat Wed vendor Tara Arsenen Photography with an intriguing request – to capture a surprise proposal for her loved one, Cindy. Under the guise of a casual photoshoot across Dallas, Shelby cleverly concealed the true nature of their adventure, culminating in a romantic rooftop setting where she popped the question in the sweetest way possible. But that wasn’t all – Cindy had a surprise up her sleeve too!

As the proposal unfolded, Cindy surprised Shelby and Tara with her own proposal, making for an unforgettable double proposal that left everyone involved beaming.

Here’s Shelby proposing, totally unaware of the double proposal about to happen.

As I washed my hands, I was suddenly startled by Shelby’s enthusiastic outburst of ‘WHAAATT!? FOR REAL!?!?’ behind me. My hands were still damp from the water when I instinctively grabbed my camera lying on the counter, half-prepared to capture whatever scene was unfolding. Unbeknownst to me, Cindy had been secretly planning to propose to Shelby and had picked out a ring in advance.

It’s a testament to these two lovebirds’ incredible connection that they both independently aimed for the same day, without realizing their plans were aligned. Even more remarkable is that despite keeping their rings hidden at home for months, neither of them knew what was about to go down – talk about a surprise!

And here’s the double proposal surprise from Cindy!

What is a double proposal?

In the early days of same-sex relationships, dual proposals emerged as a powerful symbol of equality and unity between two individuals. Also known as partnership proposals, double engagements, or mutual proposals, this unique gesture became a staple in LGBTQ communities, often featuring couples in committed same-sex relationships. The beauty of these surprise proposals lies in their ability to convey a sense of shared experience and mutual commitment.

As we gaze upon the photos leading up to that unforgettable rooftop moment, can’t help but be charmed by the uncertainty and anticipation on both faces?!

Why do people propose twice?

In traditional proposals, the romance often flows one way – from proposer to proposee. However, a double proposal flips this script on its head, allowing both partners to share in the excitement and joy of being asked to spend forever together. Not only does this approach create an equally thrilling experience for each partner, but it also challenges societal norms that have long been rooted in gender roles.

By doubling down on the romance, couples can celebrate their unique love story and forge a new path forward – one that’s free from the constraints of traditional expectations.

Whaaat? So can both partners propose to each other? Like, can a girlfriend propose to her boyfriend?

Imagine a world where the traditional notion of a single proposal is turned upside down. A world where couples, regardless of gender or orientation, come together to plan and execute a joint proposal that celebrates equality and mutual respect. Not only does this approach help break down harmful gender stereotypes, but it also alleviates the pressure often placed on one person to take charge of the engagement.

By doing so, it normalizes the concept of healthy relationships built upon equal partnerships. As we advocate for more egalitarian values in straight relationships, we can’t help but encourage heterosexual couples to join the movement and show that love knows no gender.

How does a double proposal work?

The notion of a double proposal often conjures up images of couples who, through pure serendipity, both happen to have rings on hand on the same day. While this scenario can be delightfully charming, in reality, it’s likely just a remarkable coincidence (as exemplified by Shelby and Cindy’s delightful photo shoot).

As such, if you’re considering a joint proposal with your partner, it’s wise to engage in open communication beforehand to clarify expectations, thereby setting the stage for a memorable surprise.

Here’s how my husband and I planned a surprise double proposal.

As we began discussing our expectations for marriage, my husband and I agreed that we wanted a joint effort, but with a twist – we both wanted to be surprised by when and where it would happen. We knew something was brewing, just not the specifics. I managed to catch him off guard with an elaborate proposal at our alma mater, which left him stunned.

A few months later, he reciprocated with a romantic getaway to the Florida Keys, culminating in a sunset surprise on a picturesque dock – getting down on one knee! It was an unforgettable experience to have been in both roles, first as the one proposing and then as the recipient of that special moment.

Can a girl propose to a guy with a ring?

We’re thrilled to see couples getting creative with their proposals, opting for meaningful tokens that resonate with their love stories. Whether it’s a sparkling ring, a watch, a necklace, or something entirely unique – like a gemstone-encrusted dagger! – the key is finding an object that symbolizes your commitment to one another. The wedding industry often emphasizes the importance of a single, memorable proposal, but we believe this pressure can be overwhelming for the proposer.

That’s why we’re big fans of double proposals. By involving both partners in the process, you not only create a special and intimate moment but also give each person their own unique experience of getting down on one knee. This approach celebrates love in all its forms, whether that’s queer, straight, or something else entirely. For us, double proposals are a beautiful way to share the excitement and joy of getting engaged, and we think you’ll agree.