When I hopped on the consultation call with Kyle, there was a woman sitting next to him, and I figured she was a sister or a friend helping him plan. That’s usually who tags along on these calls. A few minutes in, she introduced herself. It was Myra. As in, the person he was proposing to.

This proposal wasn’t going to be a surprise, and that was completely fine with both of them. They were planning it together, from two different states.

A Mount Bonnell Proposal Planned From Two States Away

Kyle is in the Army and stationed up in the Round Rock and Georgetown area, while Myra lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She was quick to clarify that she says Chicago, but anyone actually from the city would correct her. Long distance has been part of their relationship through Kyle’s moves, and they’ve made a habit of finding something pretty to go see wherever he ends up, even in Lawton, Oklahoma, which Myra admitted isn’t anyone’s dream destination.

Neither of them is from Austin, and the skyline didn’t hold much meaning for them. They wanted somewhere they could take in a big view, and that’s what pointed them to Mount Bonnell.

Scouting on a Saturday, Booking a Wednesday

Before we ever talked, they’d driven out to Zilker and Mount Bonnell on a Saturday in February to check them out. Zilker didn’t win them over, and Mount Bonnell was sooo crowded they couldn’t picture proposing there. So we moved it to a weekday.

Mornings were out because neither of them is a morning person, and I’m not either, so we picked sunset on Wednesday, April 8. By then the hills around the lake are green. Bluebonnets come and go in March, and when I brought them up, Myra asked what a bluebonnet was. She got a quick Texas lesson on that call.

The Proposal

Kyle got down on one knee right at the edge of the overlook, with Lake Austin stretched out behind them. Myra knew this was coming, and her mouth still dropped open when he held up the ring. Once it was on her finger, she held her hand up to show it off before she’d even let go of him.

After the proposal we kept going for the rest of the hour, walking the trail along the overlook while the sun went down over Lake Austin. Kyle, the quiet one, even pulled off a full dip on the rocks.

Tips for Planning Your Own Mount Bonnell Proposal

Pick a weekday

Weekends at Mount Bonnell get busy, especially close to sunset. Kyle and Myra saw it for themselves on their Saturday visit. A weekday evening gives you a much better chance at having the overlook to yourselves for a few minutes.

Plan around sunset

The middle of the day still works, but if you want that warm light, aim for the hour before sunset.

Have a plan for claiming your spot

If it’s crowded, a couple of floral arrangements on the ground lets people know something’s happening. I also don’t mind politely asking folks to give us a minute. I do it all the time.

If you’re planning a proposal in Austin, whether it’s a total surprise or something you’re figuring out together, send me a message. I’d love to help you pick the spot and the timing.