This photo captures one of those unguarded moments that make surprise proposals so magical, the kind of instant where happiness spills over, and everything else just fades away.
This groom reached out to me with a plan: to propose on their fifth anniversary in the neighborhood where their love story first sparked, Broad Ripple, Indianapolis. Broad Ripple isn't just a trendy spot with great bars, restaurants, and vibes; it's a historic gem with deep roots. Established in 1836 along the White River and the Central Canal, it grew from a small village into one of Indy's most eclectic, artistic neighborhoods. Known for its bohemian energy, street art scene, and walkable charm.
He wanted the proposal to feel personal and low-key, so after the big "yes" (which happened in a beautiful, secluded spot nearby on the Monon Trail), we transitioned right into a mini engagement session. We wandered through Broad Ripple's iconic alleys and walls, letting the neighborhood's character become part of their story. This candid shot happened between posed portraits, when they were simply lost in each other, laughing and soaking in the reality of being engaged. She tilted her head back, her smile lighting up against the textured backdrop, while he gazed at her with that unmistakable look of adoration.
To add a dreamy, artistic touch, I held a fractal lens filter in front of my camera for this frame. The fractal creates those soft, ethereal light flares and subtle distortions, turning ordinary light into something magical, like bokeh bubbles or gentle prisms dancing across the scene. It softens the edges, adds a layer of romance, and gives the image an almost painterly quality without feeling overdone. The effect draws your eye to her radiant expression and the intimate connection between them, while the weathered wall provides gritty contrast that grounds the moment in Broad Ripple's urban soul.
The backdrop here is one of Broad Ripple's many character-filled walls, layers of weathered paint, graffiti, and street art that tell stories of the neighborhood's creative spirit. Broad Ripple has embraced murals and public art for years, from the vibrant Flower Alley project (with stunning floral pieces by artists like Jules Muck and others) to scattered graffiti tags and bold installations that pop up on garages, alleys, and buildings. This particular wall, with its bold, partially faded letters spelling out "Broad Ripple" amid cracks and textures, feels authentic to the area, artistic, and full of personality. It's the kind of spot locals walk past every day, but in this photo, it becomes a timeless frame for this moment.
Broad Ripple's street art scene makes it an incredible location for engagement and proposal photography. The murals add color and depth without needing extra props, and the mix of urban grit with natural light creates endless compositional possibilities. Plus, the neighborhood's walkability means we can move seamlessly from one cool wall to a quiet alley or even over to the nearby Monon Trail, keeping the session dynamic and fun.
After the proposal, this mini session let them relive the thrill while I captured candid laughs, stolen glances, and those little in-between moments that feel so real. It's sessions like these that remind me why I love what I do: preserving not just the "big yes," but the moments that follow, in the places that mean the most to you.
If you're thinking about a surprise proposal or engagement shoot in a spot tied to your story, whether it's Broad Ripple's artistic streets, the Monon Trail, a favorite park, or somewhere unique, I'm here to make it effortless, fun, and beautiful. From scouting the perfect discreet vantage point for the proposal to incorporating creative techniques like fractals for that special touch, I'll handle the details so you can stay present in the moment. Let's turn your love story into images you'll treasure forever.
Reach out to start planning. Your "yes" deserves a backdrop as meaningful as the love behind it.
This image was captured with the Nikon Z9, a 70-200mm lens, and a fractal in natural light and was edited to look like film.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana.