A Dreamy Notre Dame Proposal at Saint Joseph’s Lake
Kellen and Caroline’s University of Notre Dame proposal was so intentional and one of the dreamiest proposals I’ve photographed. They first met while attending Notre Dame, started their relationship on campus, and spent so much of their early dating years walking the lakes together.
These days, Kellen is a resident at a hospital states away. Caroline is a sports reporter, so they both have incredibly busy schedules. When they came back for the Blue & Gold Spring Football game, it was their first time back together on campus in a long time. Kellen knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring Caroline back to one of their favorite places.
After mass on Sunday morning, they walked by the lake near the bench overlooking the Golden Dome. It was a spot that held so many memories for them. Caroline had no idea what was coming, and her reaction made the whole morning even sweeter!
A Notre Dame Surprise Proposal at Saint Joseph’s Lake
Kellen planned this Notre Dame proposal so thoughtfully from start to finish. After attending mass together on Sunday morning, he and Caroline walked over to Saint Joseph’s Lake at the University of Notre Dame. Before the proposal, they sat together on the bench across the water and admired the view of the Golden Dome (as seen in the movie Rudy), just like they used to do in the early stages of their relationship.
Then Kellen stood up and walked Caroline over to the side. He proposed in front of one of the most beautiful views on campus. It was such an intentional way to bring their story full circle. Since they were coming from church, they were both already dressed in their Sunday best. It made the photos afterward feel even more timeless and sweet!
Portraits Near the Grotto After Their Notre Dame Proposal
After portraits by Saint Joseph’s Lake, we made our way over to the Grotto for a few more photos around campus. The pathway was lined with white tulips, making it such a beautiful spring backdrop for Kellen and Caroline’s celebratory portraits.
The Grotto is always one of my favorite places for photos at Notre Dame. It feels peaceful and so connected to the heart of campus. It’s no surprise that so many marriage proposals have happened at the Grotto over the years. That made it an especially sweet place to visit right after Kellen and Caroline’s own Notre Dame proposal!
Finishing Up at the Golden Dome
We ended Kellen and Caroline’s session in front of the Golden Dome, one of the most iconic photo locations at Notre Dame for obvious reasons. It was the perfect place to wrap up such a meaningful morning on campus. I loved getting to photograph Kellen and Caroline’s Notre Dame proposal. Every part of it was planned with so much thought and intention. From the lake to the Grotto to the Dome, it was a beautiful morning. It truly felt like the perfect start to forever!
Looking For a Northern Indiana Proposal Photographer?
Notre Dame is such a special place for a proposal, especially for couples who met on campus or have personal ties here. Between the lakes, the Grotto, the Golden Dome, and so many beautiful spots tucked around campus, there are endless options for photos. You can make your proposal feel personal, meaningful, and so true to your story.
As a Northern Indiana proposal photographer who has captured proposals, engagements, weddings, and SO MANY grad sessions at Notre Dame, this campus truly feels like a home away from home. I’m here often, and I would love to help you plan a surprise proposal your partner will never forget. I also know how to be discreet, blend in, and document the moment as it naturally happens, so you can both look back on it for years to come.
If you’re looking for true-to-color photos that will stand the test of time and tell your story honestly, you can learn more about me. If you love my work and think we’d be a good fit, inquire with me here.
In the meantime, you can see more Notre Dame sessions or surprise proposals on the blog!
