This engagement proposal was one for the books! Ben got in touch with me with a date, location, and well laid plan to propose to LaChelle at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel in May. In a crazy coincidence, both of their parents got engaged at the rotating Carousel restaurant on the 22nd floor of the hotel, which closed in 2006 and is now an unused space. Ben livened it up with an aisle runner and rose petals leading to a table decorated with framed prints of the couple, their parents, plus little potted succulents "Madly in love and just getting started" easel sign (a bottle of champagne and glasses were tucked around the corner).
Ben and I were in touch in the weeks leading up to the date. We chatted about where the proposal table would be placed, what my "excuse" for being there would be, where I'll be positioned, when the couple would arrive, which elevator they'll be coming out of, when to start the song playlists (one for pre-proposal and one for post-proposal), when I'd introduce myself, and so on. Like I said, a perfectly well laid plan - so impressive! And what a treat to be a part of! I do love being in on the coordination and surprise for proposals. They are so fun (a little nerve wracking, in a good way) and significant! To have this moment that may blur in your memory well documented is just so priceless.
I arrived early, well ahead of the couple, and photographed the details (and chatted with the hotel's event team about what great fun it's been to coordinate this). Then I waited with camera at the ready for the couple to arrive. Ben sent a text with a 5 minute heads up. It felt like a fast walk as they moved from the elevator to the proposal table. After Ben proposed and LaChelle said "Yes!" I gave them a few moments before walking over and introducing myself to LaChelle (and met Ben in person for the first time). We did some portraits of the couple around the space. These two were adorable - impromptu dancing, hugging, and admiring the ring before celebrating with glasses of champagne. Beautiful moment, beautiful couple, and beautiful St. Paul view - just perfection!
