Proposal at the DIA

I almost didn’t get to photograph Cal’s proposal at the DIA; his email happened to land in my junk folder. Luckily, I just so happened to check my junk mail the day he emailed me and asked to talk with him as soon as possible so we can begin planning. Cal was just as excited as I was for the proposal. He had known Jackie for many years but the timing was never quite right until they started dating three years ago. On a brisk fall morning, the timing was perfect for Cal’s proposal at the DIA.

Cal reserved tickets for he and Jackie to tour the DIA. As he turned the corner holding Jackie’s hand, we locked eyes and saw a small gesture of his wrist. Everything, including Cal, was ready. As they approached the entrance, Call stopped, hugged Jackie and began to talk to her. Slowly, he reached into his pocket, took a knee, and proposed. Needless to say, Jackie said “yes” as it was finally their time.

Cal had several spot picked out for his proposal at the DIA. The grounds are a beautiful place to shoot and often time attract crowds of bridal parties on the weekend. In the short window of the proposal, luckily, we were the only ones at their famed arches and staircase. I was hoping to possibly blend in with the other photographer, but alas, Jackie heard the sound of the shutter and realized all that was happening.

It is so important to just take your time, be present, and live in the moment of your proposal. After seeing me, Jackie went right back to admiring her ring and her new fiance.

After a few minutes of celebrating, Jackie was more than happy to take some engagement photos.

You couldn’t wipe the smile off their faces.

In a beautiful gesture, the ring Cal proposed with was actually Jackie’s mom’s engagement ring.

After a few photos at the Detroit Public library, we hopped back across Woodward for a few more pictures to cap off their proposal at the DIA.