Ryan and Ali grew up in the same Chicago suburb and had mutual friends but they did not start their romance until after college. It had been a few years that they were together as a couple and Ryan knew that it was time to take the next step and propose. He contacted me about three weeks before his planned "Big Day" with what seemed like a great proposal plan. Ryan had an afternoon lunch plan with his parents at the Lincoln Hotel and they were to "run late" so he and his girlfriend Ali would need to waste a few minutes walking through Lincoln Park Zoo. While in the zoo, in a pre-planned location, he would propose and I would be standing nearby ready to photograph the moments. 

Ryan thought of everything - the location in the park that he chose had the perfect vantage point from the rooftop of the Lincoln Hotel where not only his parents but also many family members and friends could watch him propose to Ali at a distance. 

As they strolled through the park, the moment and location arrived. Just as Ryan planned, Ali said a resounding YES!  

They left the park in complete excitement and walked over to the Lincoln Hotel, where they were greeted by the hugs, smiles and even balloon from their relatives and friends. It was a great plan that Ryan executed perfectly! 

Congratulations on your engagement Ryan and Ali! Enjoy this next beautiful chapter of your life and savor every step of the way. <3