Kyle had this entire proposal planned down to every last detail.  He and Amanda were going to take a weekend getaway from New York, where they live now, to University of Maryland, their alma maters.  On the proposal day, the plan was to walk around campus, grab lunch, and have a picnic on the mall in front of McKeldin Library.  This would be the spot that Kyle would pop the question.  He even even gave me a map of campus with their anticipated route along with a detailed timeline.  I of course loved this organization. There was a chance of rain that day and there were a few sprinkles along the way but luckily the rain held off.  I met up with Amanda & Kyle at Potbelly’s where they picked up lunch and then followed them to the mall.  The plan was for them to put down their things, take a few selfies, and for Kyle to propose pretty soon after we arrived.  The spot I needed/wanted to be for the actual proposal was in the middle of the mall and I knew Amanda might start to get suspicious if she saw me lingering too long.  There are only so many landscape photos you can take in one place.  But with the nature of proposals, not everything will go according to plan.  Kyle & Amanda put their things down, set up their tripod, and as soon as they did, other people touring campus decided this was a great spot to settle in for awhile.  Kyle changed plans and decided to set up their picnic first and have a glass of wine while waiting for people to clear out a little.  I went off to the side and tried to stay hidden at this point.  A nice old women started talking to me while I was trying to keep an eye out on Amanda & Kyle.  She totally called me out on being a professional photographer and asked me what I was taking photos of.  I was polite but tried to end the conversation because I really couldn’t be distracted, but I could tell she wanted to talk.  I told her I was just taking pictures of the landscape and that I was an amateur. She continued on asking if I worked for the newspaper and wanting to tell me about her son who had graduated from UMD years ago.  Finally I ended the conversation and down she headed to the exact spot of the proposal.  She and her family sat down on the benches and we could tell they were there to stay.  Kyle obviously didn’t want to propose with people around but it was time.  I got a text, “NOW”.  Kyle brought Amanda up a bit higher on the mall away from the people and prepared to take a selfie.  But before that happened, he got down on one knee and proposed marriage instead.  And according to the timeline, Amanda neede 15 minutes to compose herself and stop crying before we started their mini portrait session.  There were tears of joy…..and smiles…..and laughter…..and kissing……and more smailes…..and more kisses.  She said YES!

I was so happy to be able to document this beautiful wedding proposal.  Amanda has one of those beautiful smiles that lights up the room and will make a gorgeous bride. I wish these two many years of happiness in their future.  Congrats to Amanda & Kyle!

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the sweet old women figured out what was going on when I started taking pictures and was moving in closer for the proposal.  She started freaking out saying, “I knew it!” over and over.  Her children had to calm her down and tell her to be quiet.  It was sort of hilarious!