We were at the same football game. In fact, later when we met, we realized we had only been 1 section away from each other. But though we were cheering for opposite teams, we all had a great outcome.

It was a total surprise to her. They are both big Iowa Hawkeye fans and had decided to go to the game and scalp tickets. It was a risky move on his part, but he figured it would work. It was a chilly afternoon and they were bundled up in hats and gloves. They passed the first ticket offer and decided to try for something better. Just as if it was meant to be, they found someone selling tickets that were better seats and cheaper. Score.

He had his plan. He didn’t want to throw his proposal on the scoreboard like others. He wanted something unique and special and personal. But when he left in the second half, she thought he was crazy. It was an intense game and he was leaving. What was wrong with him?

It took him a long time to come back and she was worried. Cell phone coverage is pretty much a moot point in the stadium so she couldn’t get in touch with him on her phone. Just as she started to get worried, he appeared again. He pulled his camera out of his pocket and nonchalantly turned to the stranger next to him and told him the video mode was on; would he mind videoing a proposal? He turned to her and pretended they were taking a picture together and then told her to look at some of the pictures he had taken throughout the day on his cell phone.

It was a slideshow that started with them and their dogs back at the house. It continued on with them, their friends, and their family tailgating. It continued on and on with beautiful memories of their day together, scalping tickets, freezing cold, hanging out, and cheering for their team. As the slideshow kept rolling, she came to a photo of a ring–huge and sparkling–and then, the last one: the one where he was right outside the stadium on one knee holding a ring. It was the photo he had just gotten a security guard to take for him when he explained he was about to go back in to the game and propose.

The chill of the day spread to a happy warmth as he asked her to marry him. Gloves weren’t needed anymore. Happiness was enough of a covering. People around them starting cheering—for them, not for the game—and strangers congratulated them and oohed over her ring.

And though their team lost, they walked out of the stadium happier than ever before.

Bryan + Melissa, I am thrilled to be part of your wedding. If this shoot was any indication of things to come, we’re going to have fun beyond imagination! Congratulations.