Alex & Matthew met in DC, where they both currently live, but a friend’s wedding brought them to Athens, GA this weekend. Alex attended the University of Georgia before moving to DC, and she was excited to show Matthew around her alma mater’s campus during their visit. I am super impressed that Matthew contacted me in advance of this weekend trip to plan out a proposal to Alex… he knew that she’d want to show him around campus, so he asked me to wait at the iconic UGA Chapel for the big moment. And she. was. SHOCKED.
I typically hide or find ways to blend in during proposals, but neither of these things were possible in this instance. Since it was after finals, campus was absolutely EMPTY, and the leafless winter trees didn’t provide many hiding spots with a good view of the chapel. So I stood awkwardly in the middle of North Campus pretending to take photos of nature (but let’s be real… this isn’t too far out of the norm for me). Fortunately, Alex didn’t notice at all. Even though I was at least 50 feet away with a zoom lens, I could hear her audible freak-out when Matthew popped the question. And it was ADORABLE.
After the big moment, I got to spend time photographing Alex & Matthew around campus and learning more about their relationship. It turns out that today is also their one-year dating anniversary. And right before Matthew popped the question, he told Alex he loves her — something they’ve been waiting to say until the right moment! EVERYTHING was a surprise… how Matthew had already asked her dad, the ring he chose, etc. etc. I loved soaking in this joyous moment with this couple. And we literally had campus ALL to ourselves (minus the one man in red who happened to be walking by at the precise moment that Alex said yes). :)
I love that these photos will forever freeze this joyous moment. And guys out there — take notes! ;)
“Okay, y’all go stand by the fountain and do whatever you want…”
- Georgia Equestrian 2024
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