THE PROPOSAL


Nicholas reached out to me from a friend's recommendation, which is always my favorite type of booking. He had a simple plan, to photograph his proposal by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue after Saturday evening mass at the University of Notre Dame. I showed up way too early, per usual, and waited while my heart rate gradually increased. There's something especially nerve-wracking about proposals. You've typically never seen the couple in real life before, you don't know exactly when or where they'll get down on one knee, and you especially don't know how long you have before he stands up again. Thankfully, this one was near perfect.


The golden dome of Notre Dame behind a bronze statue surrounded by vibrant flower gardens.
A surprise proposal moment captured on campus with lush green trees in the background.

The original plan was to have the Golden Dome as our backdrop, but as he approached I quickly realized that wasn't going to happen.


Before the proposal, I set up my husband, Jackson, on the backside of the statue. I was off to the side, prepared to jump out in front to capture the moment. Between the two of us, I was hopeful we'd get "the shot." However, with lots of sidewalks, and minimal places to hide, my plan was out the window. Nicholas and Anna approached from the side and I casually hid my camera and walked RIGHT past them down the sidewalk to not appear suspicious. Once their backs were toward me, I was RUNNING back to the spot because he was quickly down on one knee.


A couple poses in front of a large bronze statue with red flowers blooming in the garden.

Anna's reaction was nothing short of surprised. Tears were shed, smiles were as big as can be, and the photos turned out amazing. They had picked out Anna's ring together, and it was absolutely stunning.


She knew a proposal was coming, but figured it'd be a while before he actually did it. Nicholas was actually just in South Bend, Indiana to help her move down to Florida with him. In the midst of what's likely a very stressful season, this pocket of joy surrounded them.


After the proposal, I gave them a few minutes to themselves. From there we walked around the immediate area to capture some prompted and posed photos. It was very sunny, but Notre Dame provides wonderful pockets of shade that make it easy to photograph cutie couples like them.


Two people sharing an emotional embrace in a garden setting with green trees.
A tender moment captured between two people near a flower garden with brick pathways.
A romantic black and white portrait captured in a park setting.
A couple walking hand in hand towards the iconic Notre Dame Main Building.
Close-up of hands displaying engagement rings against a floral patterned dress.
A couple poses on a lawn in front of the iconic Notre Dame golden dome.

I'm absolutely obsessed with this emotional and summery engagement at Notre Dame. A huge thank you to this amazing and kind couple for choosing me to photograph their big moment. Let's do it again soon?!