Foundation Hotel Detroit Proposal

Foundation Hotel Detroit Proposal

Elias and Tobi’s Foundation Hotel Detroit proposal.

Last Monday, I got a phone call that I almost didn’t pick up. “I don’t know anyone in Canada,” I thought. Still, there was something that told me to pick it up.

“Hello. I hear you take proposal photographs? My name is Elias and I am going to propose to my girlfriend in Detroit on Saturday. I have never been there before. Can you help plan the proposal or do you just take photos?” Elias sounded determined, direct, and looking for someone who knew what they were doing to make the proposal perfect.

We spoke a bit about what he was looking for (something private), what his fiancee was like (shy), what she would like (again, something private), and potential locations around Detroit. We bounced around a few ideas, enough to get the ball rolling. One thing Elias wanted was multiple surprises for Tobi throughout the evening, including a memorable dinner and a hotel room with flowers and the like, waiting for them when they returned. Hearing that, I recruited Kate McClellan from Purple Clover Events. We have worked on several proposals together before, with incredible success. I would handle the photos while she would help with the planning and logistics.

I have to say, the photography was the easy part. Kate really pulled through, calling multiple potential venues to see if they could accommodate our needs and budget. Emily and Erin at Detroit’s Foundation Hotel stepped were beyond accommodating, securing us a private room where we could set up a scene worthy of the perfect proposal. With all of the pieces in place, we were ready for Elias and Tobi’s Foundation Hotel Detroit Proposal!

With a noticeable noise, Elias closed the hotel room door and began walking down the hallway, giving us a notice he was coming simply by hearing muffled conversation as he spoke with Tobi. Becky and I waited in the corner of the room talking, looking like bystanders as they passed us. As they entered the room, we got into position.

“This looks nice. I wonder what this is all about?” Tobi asked.

Elias held her hand, stopping her as she tried to move past the flowers. The idea must have registered. Why are we stopping? Is this for me? Is this the moment? She looked to her left and saw me crouching, alone with my camera up to my eye in a bright hallway, 30 feet away. Tobi returned her attention to Elias as it all began to make sense.

Tobi, just as shy as Elias explained, began to turn her shoulders away from us. Elias embraced her, whispered into her ear as the moment and all of her dreams of them started to become true. Tobi took a moment, poised herself, and began to listen to Elias as the rest of the world drifted away. Next, Elias got down on a knee and proceed to propose. A smile flashed across Tobi’s face before Elias made it official.

Knowing that the room was narrow and proposal happen quickly, Becky joined me and focused solely on Tobi’s reaction while I focused on the proposal itself. This was her second time photographing proposals and she captured Tobi’s reaction perfectly.

With every proposal, there is a decisive moment after the question is asked and the ring is put on where the the couple comes together and their worlds become one. This is that moment. I love that moment.

Proposal are a roller coaster of emotions, all of which play out in front of the camera. One of my favorites to see is the relief that sweeps over the guy asking the question. Look at how happy and relieved Elias is to have pulled off the proposal! It looks like he just won the greatest prize ever – and in reality, he did.

After giving the couple a few minutes to let it all sink in, we decided to take a short portrait session to commemorate their Foundation Hotel Detroit Proposal.

Inside of the Foundation Hotel is one of Detroit’s hottest restaurants, The Apparatus Room. The bar area severed at the perfect backdrop for a warm and intimate image.

With just a few minutes left before their dinner reservation at the Apparatus Room, we stepped into the stairwell and created a shot that summarizes it all.

Congratulations Elias and Tobi! May your future be as beautiful as your proposal.