AJ and I met while working Summer Camp at Life Time Fitness. We worked together for about 4 or 5 years, then life happened, everyone graduated and we went onto big kid jobs. Until things changed for me and I headed back to Life Time where I am currently working full time. I’ll occasionally see AJ in the morning after his workout as he’s headed into work and I’m coming into work. We’ll spend a few brief moments catching up. One day he mentioned that he planned to propose to his girlfriend in the next couple months…last week he shot me an email sharing his plan for Friday and was wondering if I was available to come along and photograph it. Of course I am! I quickly got my shift covered and he and I met to discuss plans.

AJ & Amanda met while both attending UMD College Park, so the plan was to propose there on The Mall. He convinced Amanda that he was leaving Friday morning for a work trip to New York and would be gone for the whole weekend. One of her best friends, Maggie, then asked her to take a half day from work so that the two of them could do some errands for Maggie’s new house. Who wouldn’t pass up missing a half day from work to spend the afternoon with your girlfriend?!

Friday arrived & I met AJ at The Mall to scope out the best location for him to get down on one knee. Maggie had Amanda at IKEA and then planned to bring her over to STAMP to grab a bite to eat and carry it to The Mall to enjoy on the lawn. AJ’s mom, Amanda’s mom & two of Amanda’s other best friends showed up to watch it all go down. After what felt like forever (I know it felt longer for AJ), the text came in that they were walking toward The Mall. Everyone took their hiding spots and waited.

As Amanda came around the corner and AJ walked out, you could see the complete and total surprise! He pulled it off!! With total excitement and some tears, she said yes!

Congratulations you two!! <3