Jake & Grace | Founders Garden Proposal
UGA Athens Photographer

August 13, 2025

I’ve photographed many proposals on UGA’s campus, and I’m very used to hiding in bushes or discreetly blending in with the crowd, but THIS proposal was a joy because I got to be a part of it.  After talking with Jake and learning that Grace was entering her senior year at UGA, we decided that it made sense for me to set up a “model call” before classes started back under the guise of needing Class of 2026 senior promo pics for my marketing.  Her roommates had been talking with her about wanting to get photos taken together, so it was believable that her roommate would enter and win my “model call.”  And let me tell you — her roommates totally sold it, because she did NOT see this coming.

I started with a few cute roommate pics at the Founders Garden and then began taking individuals. When it was Grace’s turn, I used a keyword that triggered Jake to come out from hiding.  Grace’s face was pure shock.  Her roommates slipped away to give them private time and returned with champagne to pop and a cute umbrella in case it rained… which it actually did for 5-10 minutes.

I love these photos and am so happy for Jake & Grace!

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Claire Diana