Proposal at Wayne State University
Ryley had several surprises planned for Carla, including a proposal at Wayne State University.
When Ryley texted me asking about my availability help with a proposal; neither of us knew the ironic twist that would later unfold. After some back and forth, we decided to meet in downtown Detroit to do some location scouting and talk about his options for the proposal. As soon as I saw him, I started laughing. “No way! Your girlfriend is Carla! We met briefly at Sean and Danielle’s wedding at Petruzello’s!” As it turned out, I knew his fiance-to-be, Carla, as I taught her in high school. I love photographing life’s special moments, but when I personally know the couple, it just makes it that much more special.
Together, Ryley and I toured Detroit and I showed him a few different spots that I thought could work for his special moment. Once we arrive at the College of Education, he made his decision; he would have a proposal at Wayne State University. WSU is one of my favorite places to bring couples on their wedding day. The symmetric hallway outside of the College of Education allows you to perfectly frame the couple. With a plan in place – Ryley would take Carla to a Red Wings game beforehand – the next stop was his proposal at Wayne State University.
At first, Carla was a bit confused but once she saw Ryley take a knee, it was all emotion.
I have mentioned it before: one of my favorite shots of the proposal is when the new fiance figures out the extent of the proposal. Carla’s reaction did not disappoint. I don’t think she was expecting to see me!
After the proposal, we stuck around Wayne State for a few photos.
As we were about to part ways, I told Carla that I would be sending her a few photos later than night so she could use them to post. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “I just want to live in this moment today.” I thought that was so beautiful and telling of who Carla is and their relationship. To me, that is the ultimate goal: being present and living a genuine life.
