This surprise proposal at Notre Dame was such an amazing session to photograph. It was such a thrill, and I met one of the nicest couples ever!
Kyle reached out about proposal photos
When Kyle inquired about proposal photos, I was a little bit nervous but so excited. Proposals are so much fun, but take some really key planning. Kyle wanted to propose to his girlfriend on the campus of Notre Dame since that’s where they met at business school. He had a spot picked out, and we chatted through how to set it up so I wouldn’t miss the moment.
I visited campus a couple of times to check on the location and light, and then told Kyle where to stand with his girlfriend for the proposal.
Planning the Surprise Proposal at Notre Dame
Kyle really loved the Golden Dome, but due to scaffolding in place for work being done, we pivoted to a sacred statue just opposite of the dome. Kyle told me approximately what time he and his girlfriend, Songee, would be walking towards the statue and what they were wearing.
In order to stay incognito, I had my sister and my husband come with me to pretend to be models for me so I didn’t look awkward standing around with a camera and a giant lens! I told Kyle I would be positioned to have the proposal spot in view and that I’d use models as a distraction. I gave Kyle instructions to give Songee a hug right before he was going to get down on one knee and that would give me the cue!
The big moment
I got into position, and nervously waited for the couple – the butterflies were so much more than when I photograph weddings! I had my couple in front of me and I was pretending to take photos of them as I waited for my real couple to walk to the spot.
Then I saw them coming down the path and I got ready! Kyle was perfectly on cue and brought Songee right to the spot we agreed upon, and as soon as I saw his hug, I swung my camera over and began shooting on high speed to not miss any of the moment! It was so exciting to be photographing such a beautiful surprise proposal at Notre Dame!
A mini engagement session at Notre Dame
My decoy couple left and I waited a moment before approaching Kyle and Songee. Songee looked so beautiful as she had happy tears in her eyes from taking it all in. I introduced myself and congratulated the couple, and told Songee that Kyle had also hired me to photograph some couple photos for them.
It was so much fun walking around to a few spots on Notre Dame’s campus with Kyle and Songee after they had just got engaged! Songee’s ring was stunning, and they just looked so incredibly happy the whole time.
We walked to the business school building where they shared so many memories, and a few other spots around campus. What an incredible opportunity to help document such a special time for these two! I wish them all the happiness as they savor being newly engaged!
Are you looking for a proposal or engagement photographer in South Bend? I’d love to chat! Reach out here!
