Summer Proposal at Perry Farm

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Some moments are extra meaningful because you’ve watched the story unfold long before the day itself. Photographing Elyssa and Tim’s proposal at Perry Farm was one of those moments that I won’t soon forget!

I’ve known Elyssa since the day she was born. Can you believe that?! I can still remember when her mom shared the exciting news that she was expecting. Over the years, I watched Elyssa grow from the adorable little curly-headed girl sitting on the sidelines of basketball games while cheering on her older siblings into the incredible young woman she is today. So when her older sister reached out to ask if I would photograph Tim’s proposal… I couldn’t say yes fast enough!

Not long after, Tim and I hopped on a Zoom call to plan every little detail. He had already put so much thought into creating a proposal that would completely surprise Elyssa, but there was one major obstacle standing in the way. The engagement ring hadn’t arrived yet.

Tim waited in Alabama for the delivery and planned to leave for Illinois at noon on Friday for the holiday weekend. Without the ring, there wouldn’t be a proposal. He told me he had been praying it would arrive in time, and thankfully, those prayers were answered. Around 11:30 that Friday morning, just before he needed to leave, the ring finally arrived. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a photo of the ring and a message that said the proposal was officially happening! I don’t know who was more excited, Tim or me!

Together, we settled on Perry Farm in Bourbonnais for the proposal. It wasn’t just a beautiful location… It also gave Tim the perfect excuse to get Elyssa there without raising any suspicion. His plan was simple: suggest they take a walk through the park where Elyssa had her senior photos taken… By me… Just four years earlier. Thankfully, she didn’t suspect a thing!

On the afternoon of the proposal, I arrived early, found the perfect hiding spot tucked in the woods, and waited. Those few minutes always feel like the longest part of the day as you wait and hope everything unfolds exactly as planned.

Then I spotted them! As they walked down the path together, Tim led Elyssa to the perfect spot before dropping down on one knee. The look on her face was pure surprise and overwhelming joy. It was one of those moments that happens in the blink of an eye but becomes a memory they’ll carry forever.

After she said “yes,” we spent some time wandering through Perry Farm capturing the excitement of those very first moments as an engaged couple. Between the laughter, happy tears, constant smiles, and admiring the gorgeous ring, you could see just how excited they were to begin this next chapter together.

For me, this proposal was about so much more than photographs. It was such a privilege to witness another milestone in Elyssa’s life. Being invited into these once-in-a-lifetime moments for families I’ve known for so long is one of the greatest gifts this job has given me.

Congratulations, Elyssa and Tim! Thank you for trusting me to help keep the surprise and capture one of the happiest days of your lives. I couldn’t be more excited for everything that’s ahead for you both!

To see more proposals and engagement photos like these Perry Farm proposal photos, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.