Kamper’s Rooftop Proposal

Sunday, May 5th, 2024

As he nodded his head, Manan could no longer hide his smile. “This is perfect!” he said, looking out over the Detroit skyline. I stood there next time him, smiling too. Manan decided: he found the perfect spot for his moment, their moment. Priya and him would celebrate their love with a Kamper’s rooftop proposal.

It wasn’t long after the email landed in my inbox, I found myself an hour into a phone call bouncing various ideas and locations around for a beautiful Detroit proposal. Manan was so excited, he had several detailed ideas (read: fully planned proposals) already outlined for his proposal to Priya. If he could, he would propose every week to her. After eight years together, nearly all of them highlighted by long distance or advanced schooling, it was finally time to begin this next phase in life together as fiancé and fiancee. Manan wasted no time: he planned his Kamper’s rooftop proposal, located on top of the recently renovated Book Tower, on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Friends and family who came into town to watch him graduate from University of Michigan’s Law School on Monday would also be in town to help Priya and him celebrate their engagement.

After looking at a few options online, the top of Manan’s list was Kamper’s. With a beautiful view of the city and an incredibly accommodating and attentive staff, it was the perfect place for Manan to arrange for a private and special proposal. To top it all off, he had Jess and Lily, the string duo of RomiStrings, learn their favorite Mehndi song. As they walked out and heard it playing, Priya knew. (Manan, a musician himself, later explained to me how important a role music played in their relationship: they met at a concert her sang at.) The rest, as they say, is history.

The skyline of Detroit from Kamper's Rooftop Lounge
The decisive moment from a Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A gentleman takes a knee and places and engagement ring on his fiancé's hand during their Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple hugs moments after their Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A fiancé reacts to her Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple hugs and reacts to her Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A fiance looks at her ring for the first time following a Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple shares a glass of champagne following their beautiful Kamper's Rooftop Proposal atop the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple poses during their engagement session at Kamper's rooftop lounge in Detroit.
Shot through a window, a couple hugs and laughs during their engagement session at Kamper's rooftop lounge in Detroit.
An editorial engagement session at Kamper's rooftop lounge at the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple poses during their engagement session at Kamper's rooftop lounge wi the Detroit skyline in the background.
A detail shot of a glass of champagne and a graceful hand along the edge of a table at a Book Tower engagement session.

Kamper’s allowed Manan to propose prior to their opening, giving us a few minutes to photograph them in an empty lounge. The vibe and decor there is perfect of a modern, elegant shoot. Manan and Priya had no trouble fitting right in.

A couple cuddles on a couch during following their Kamper's rooftop proposal at the Book Tower in Detroit.
A couple cuddles on a couch during following their Kamper's rooftop proposal at the Book Tower in Detroit.
A fiancé hugs her fiancee from behind following their Kamper's rooftop proposal at the Book Tower in Detroit.
A fiancé hugs her fiancee from behind following their Kamper's rooftop proposal at the Book Tower in Detroit.