As a wedding photographer, there’s a very standard order of events that I am accustomed to being a part of when it comes to the celebration of a couple’s wedding. By the time most couples arrive to us to chat about their wedding photography, the bride-to-be is sporting a shiny new engagement ring, wedding venues are chosen, and they’re on their way, off and running. At this point, there are typically two focal points: the engagement session, which helps celebrate their new chapter in life together (here are a few reasons for considering an engagement session!) and, of course, the wedding.
While this is the vast majority of what we see, there are of course always exceptions to the rule. On occasion, we are approached by couples that are planning their wedding, but have yet to officially become engaged. This is where a unique and wonderful opportunity unfolds. An opportunity to peek into and document one of the most special moments in the couple’s lives up to this point, one that most will never have the opportunity to witness. This is, of course, the proposal.
By the time that Faith and Tyler dropped by our home to chat about and book their wedding with us, they were quite ahead of the game. They had already chosen their wedding venue, dates, and all sorts of other wedding details. The only thing that was missing at this point, was the engagement ring! Of course, this far into planning, Faith (and Tyler) knew that it was only a matter of time. Instead of letting that be a spoiler for her surprise, I think she rather enjoyed the suspense. After all, anticipation is half the fun, right?
After booking, we all began discussing engagement session ideas. In an attempt to keep the surprise, Tyler and I had our own communications on the side as well, secretly planning the surprise proposal. Tyler knew he wanted to propose on the first day of fall, as this is Faith’s favorite day of the year. This is a perfect time of year in my book, too, as fall engagement photos are always a huge hit. Perfect weather and beautiful colors…what’s not to love? From here, it was just a matter of location. Faith and Tyler love downtown Chicago, and are also big into art, so Tyler decided that the People’s Gas Education Pavilion at the Lincoln Park Zoo would be an awesome choice. The Pavilion is a beautiful work of art that offers a gorgeous view of the downtown Chicago skyline. As if this wasn’t enough, Lincoln Park Zoo has endless amounts of beautiful settings that make for great engagement photo (and proposal!) backdrop. And while we didn’t stop this time, Cafe Brauer is a great spot for a bit to eat while you’re there, too!
Anywho…on with it, right?
This was a particularly fun challenge for me. I felt a little bit like a spy, creeping up on Faith and Tyler from the bushes. Through contact with Tyler via text messaging, we were able to coordinate our locations and keep each other up-to-date on each other’s whereabouts. I was able to grab a park bench near Cafe Brauer and wait for Tyler’s signal that they were on the bridge, heading for the People’s Gas Education Pavilion.
GO TIME!
Once they were in position, Tyler had cued me on in the order of events. He was to show her a video on his phone, drawing her attention, which allowed me to snap away. After the video, he was to drop to a knee and do the deed!
Close call…hide, shoot a few “flowers” and pretend I’m not spying….
Video time….and there it goes!
She said YES!!! 😀
Absolutely gorgeous engagement ring. Very unique and personalized. LOVE.
What a cool cat…
These two had such great personalities…truly an honor and pleasure working with them!
Photo-bomb!
Want to chat with us about capturing YOUR proposal and engagement photos? Head over to the CONTACT page and drop us a line! We’d love to chat with you!