This was a fun one. Mark proposed to Kaitlyn in the library at the Union League of Philadelphia, and my second photographer and I had been hiding in that room for a while before they ever walked in.
Getting There Early
The Union League sits on Broad Street with City Hall right up the street.
We got there early, grabbed a few photographs of the building, and went inside to find our hiding spots.
Hiding in the Library
Before they got there, I set a king and a queen chess piece down on the rug to mark where I wanted them to stand. The white queen, for Kaitlyn, faced the back windows. The black king, for Mark, faced the front of the building.
Then we hid, and it was honestly kind of funny. We waited in there a while, my second photographer hiding in the couch section and me tucked into another part of the room. Kaitlyn had no idea anyone else was in there.
Mark reached into his jacket, and we still didn’t move. We didn’t come out until he popped down on one knee. Look down at the rug and you can spot the king and queen right where I put them.
Then she said yes.
The library is so beautiful, and it’s one of the coolest parts of the Union League. Anytime I have a wedding or an engagement session there and we can get in, I always, always shoot in that room. They were actually doing some construction in there the day of this proposal, and it still looked amazing. Look at those vaulted ceilings and the way the arches carry you down the room. It’s just so pretty.
The Union League Staircases
After that we went outside. The two staircases that lead up to the Union League are some of the best spots to shoot in the whole city. And that brownstone is gorgeous. It almost looks like a row home in Brooklyn.
City Hall on Broad Street
To finish, we walked a little way down Broad Street to get City Hall behind them. It was a beautiful day.
I was really happy for these two. The whole thing went perfectly, start to finish.
Planning a Proposal at the Union League?
If the Union League means something to you two, ask about the library first. There’s room for us to stay out of sight, and the arches do half the work. Then step outside for the staircases and walk down Broad Street for City Hall, and you get three completely different looks without ever getting in a car.
I’ve been photographing surprise proposals for over 21 years, and Philadelphia has some of my favorite spots for it. Looking for a Philadelphia proposal photographer? Start there for the places I love most in the city. You can also read about the family reunion proposal at The Rittenhouse, see how to plan a surprise proposal at Rittenhouse Square, or look through a full wedding at the Union League.
Ready to Start Planning?
Tell me the spot, the date, and who you’re asking, and I’ll help you figure out the rest. Fill out my proposal inquiry form here and let’s make it happen.