National Gallery of Art Surprise Proposal | Washington, DC | Jakob and Maddy

Jakob’s surprise proposal to Maddy at the National Gallery of Art happened on Valentine’s Day weekend. On Valentine’s Day itself, he told her that he’d booked them a photo session for the next morning. They had done couples photos before, but it was years ago, so Maddy was super excited and also not completely suspicious haha. I absolutely love these kinds of proposals (“portrait session” turned engagement session) - they are WAY easier on me because I don’t have to be in hiding anywhere 😂 so I always appreciate that!

We made our way up to the top floor of the Gallery of Art’s East Building, and got into place in front of my favorite colorful wall. I snapped a few quick normal pictures, before placing them in a pose that Jakob and I had previously discussed would be the cue. With Maddy’s back turned, Jakob got down on one knee to pop the question!

(See more National Gallery of Art engagement photos here from Bryan and Kelly’s session.)

As we paused to take a few photos in this next area, one of the National Gallery of Art employees stopped us to say that we had picked the perfect place in the gallery for taking engagement pictures. They refer to this spot as the Romeo and Juliet balcony!

I love how coordinated their outfits are! They did an awesome job matching the blues in Maddy’s jumpsuit with Jakob’s shirt. Especially impressive since Maddy only found out about this the night before haha.

The crowds of art gallery visitors magically disappeared when it was time to grab photos on the giant staircase. We got very lucky, no Photoshop needed 😃

And Jakob had yet another surprise for Maddy - later that afternoon, they would be flying back home to Omaha to celebrate their engagement with their friends and family! Jakob had planned a surprise party for that night, just a few hours after their plane landed. It was so funny to watch as he listed off the guest list for the party, and Maddy was shocked how many people were involved. Great job to that whole group for managing to keep the big secret!

I’m so glad that I got to play a small part in their engagement - congrats again you two!