Springfield, IL is an absolutely amazing city to live in. There are endless things to do here and I love being able to share what this city has to offer with my clients, especially when that means a surprise proposal! I was able to photograph Cal and Sophie’s beautiful and unique proposal as an LGBTQ+ couple, and with the perfect and emotional execution of this one, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. 

Their Emotional LGBTQ+ Proposal Inside The Wakery

Cal wanted me to capture their LGBTQ+ proposal to Sophie and make sure it was done in THE most unique and special way – and they hit the nail on the head with this one. They made sure to invite a bunch of their friends through a Facebook event titled “Cal is proposing to Soph!!”.

The plan was to meet at The Wakery in Springfield – an NA bar that was amazing at hosting events! Cal would propose during their final open mic night (the Wakery recently closed, which is SUCH a tremendous loss for our wonderful downtown community). But we were all able to enjoy one final night there, and it was definitely a one to remember!

After a few performances, Cal and their mom went on stage to perform together. “I Get It Now” by Sammi Rae and Friends was playing as Cal read a poem.

Then they sang “Your Heart’s A Big Tent” by Willi Carlisle before singing “It Was You”, and they had Sophie join them where they proposed! Hugs and tears were had by all, and then we celebrated!

Dreamy Proposal Portraits in Downtown Springfield

After documenting their LGBTQ+ proposal at The Wakery, we chose to head out to the streets of Downtown Springfield where the sunset was showing off.

We twirled, skipped, and danced our way through the streets where Cal and Sophie got to be entirely themselves and so in love.

To end the night, we got some direct flash photos to really capture how fun these two were to work with!

Cal and Sophie’s proposal was such a unique and meaningful expression of their love for each other, and I’m beyond grateful they chose me to share this experience with!

If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple looking for more Springfield proposal locations, check out this engagement session at Centennial Park. Or if you would prefer an indoor location check out this proposal at Venue 1929! I’m also always here to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to contact me!