Beau + Amanda | Engagement | Millennium Park & theWit Hotel

I had the opportunity to shoot my first marriage proposal. Beau called and explained to me that he and his girlfriend, Amanda, were taking a trip to Chicago in a few days and he planned to propose to her while here. Beau flew in from Arkansas, and a few hours later, Amanda joined him from Washington, D.C. Beau wanted to propose that evening.

The plan was to follow them in stealth-mode from theWit Hotel to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (outdoor concert venue) at Millennium Park. The proposal was to occur in the open area between the seating and lawn. Beau would drop to his knee and I was to remain undercover until she said yes.

The challenge: it was dark, cold, drizzling, and we didn’t have the opportunity to rehearse.

Danialle (assistant) and I waited secretly in the lobby of theWit hotel for Beau and his soon-to-be fiancée to leave the hotel. Not having met either one beforehand, I had to rely on a photo of them and a brief description of what Beau would be wearing. We recognized Beau & Amanda – the chase was on. Fortunately, Amanda wore a bright red coat, which made tracking them amongst the downtown Chicago crowds A LOT easier.

We made our way to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Danialle and I tried to remain at a safe distance, convinced that our cover had been blown. The area was people-less and we had no way to blend-in. Danialle and I stood there for what seemed like forever and thought maybe Beau had changed his mind and wanted us to back off. So, we backed off. And about that time Beau dropped to his knee. I hauled ass to get closer.

She said YES!