Proposal | Suzanne & Nate | Hanover Square | Syracuse, NY

I have known these two since before they even became friends, so when Nate told me he was planning on proposing and wanted me to photograph it, you could imagine how excited I was. I had never had the opportunity to shoot a proposal before, so I wanted to make sure I was over-prepared. Nate and I met up to plan the details:how he was going to get Suzanne downtown, what direction they would come from, where exactly he would get down on one knee and where I would position myself in order to capture the moment.

The day finally arrived, a Wednesday, a day Suzanne would never suspect a proposal, according to Nate. As the work day dragged on, a snow storm hit. Being in CNY, we’re used to snow, but this storm was relentless; many people were sent home to avoid the worst of it. When the time came, I braved the snow and made my way downtown, to Hanover Square. The roads were a mess, but the weather did make for a pretty winter wonderland – perfect for a photoshoot. I positioned myself across from the center of the square, hidden enough to not be seen, but still with the best view of the brightly lit up star where Nate was planning on popping the big question. I waited what seemed like a lifetime in the cold, holding my camera in my bare hands because I was not willing to risk gloves getting in the way. Finally I see Nate and Suzanne walking around the corner. I tuck myself in a little alcove along the line of store fronts and position my camera to trail the couple walking. They stop right in front of star, chatting and hugging for quite a while. As I await THE moment, I wonder what Nate is saying as they admire the lights of Hanover Square in the snow storm. Finally, it happens…