I love a good surprise proposal caught on camera. But when it takes place in my favorite Pittsburgh neighborhood – the Strip District – I’m all about it. Jim planned to pop the question to Maura over his birthday weekend, and he secretly enlisted the help of Kathryn Hyslop Photography to get it all on film. Good man. After dinner and a quick stop for drinks at Primanti’s, Jim walked Maura to the middle of Smallman Street. In the quintessential Strip District location with the Pittsburgh skyline behind them, he got down on one knee. Maura’s reaction is totally priceless! After saying YES, the pair headed off with Kathryn for an impromptu photo shoot around the block. Damn near everything about it is totally darling. This feature is bound to have you grinning from ear to ear. Enjoy!
From the photographer…
Jim planned the proposal for months. He secretly saved up for the ring, while putting off her engagement hints. About two months before the day of the proposal, he started coordinating with me to capture the big moment.
He had it planned for his birthday weekend. He and Maura were a long distance couple, so he knew she’d be coming in to celebrate his birthday, and she wouldn’t question him choosing the restaurant for dinner. After all, it was his birthday 😉
The plan was to go out to dinner, then stop at Primanti Bros. for a drink afterwards (the authentic Pittsburgh experience). However, the plan was off by a half-hour when Maura decided she neeeeeeded to get fries as well! Poor Jim had to anxiously wait on her to eat, while he snuck away to the bathroom to text me about the delay.
Finally, they walked out of the restaurant and across the street. Once they were right in the middle – Jim stopped traffic and got down on one knee. Maura’s face was the perfect mixture of excitement, shock, and happiness. And the answer (of course), was yes.
We finished the evening with a short photoshoot around the Strip District to celebrate, and Jim planned a surprise engagement party with all their friends and family afterwards. <3
