Some of the best love stories start with a little flexibility — and a whole lot of heart. When Adam first reached out to me on Instagram about photographing his proposal to Amanda, he was planning to pop the question at The Point, with the iconic fountain and Pittsburgh skyline in the background. But like all good planners, he adapted when construction got in the way and chose the gorgeous Phipps Conservatory instead — and honestly, it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.
It was a rainy Friday evening, and I headed to Phipps right after work. Adam had already arranged for my entrance ticket, so I slipped inside and got into “stealth mode.” He’d told me he’d be wearing a sports jacket, and Amanda would be in a brown dress, so I was on the lookout — but it’s not easy to be incognito when the conservatory is quiet and nearly empty!
His plan was to propose in the Victorian Room — unless it was too crowded, in which case we’d pivot to the Japanese Garden. But to our surprise, the rain had kept most visitors away. That meant one thing: a completely private proposal moment in the most breathtaking space, surrounded by lush greenery and warm golden light.
I watched from a distance as Adam led Amanda into the room… and then dropped to one knee. It was the kind of moment that makes you feel like time freezes — raw, quiet, and full of joy. She said yes (of course!), and we spent the next half hour wandering the different rooms of Phipps capturing newly-engaged portraits while they soaked it all in.