Marriage Proposal at Millennium Park in Chicago | Brad + Sarah

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The tale of how we came to be is one dotted with run-ins, second chances and it takes a while to tell, so hang on.

We were first introduced on January 29th, 2011 at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville while celebrating a mutual friends birthday, none the wiser to what the future could hold. Fast forward to August 12th, 2011 (with no contact in between) and our paths crossed again at Moe’s in River North. This is where I was first awe struck and demanded a re-introduction. After a bit of convincing, I was able to get a phone number and muster up enough courage to ask Sarah to lunch the next day. The following afternoon we enjoyed lunch at RJ Grunts, and finally got a chance to have a conversation where we began to realize how much we had in common. One week later, we went on a “double-date” to a Cub’s game with the same mutual friend that is to blame/thank for our chaotic story. Thinking this was the start of something great, I couldn’t have been more excited. Unfortunately, little did I know, this wasn’t the point in time that Sarah was interested in starting a relationship.

Our roads took us different directions until January 28th, 2012. On this date, the stars aligned for Sarah (it was about time), and she realized that there could be or should have been something more. It didnt take too much persuasion to get me to say yes to dinner a few days later since I had always been interested.

February 11th, 2012 was our “official” first date to ZaZa’s and a Mike & Joe concert in St. Charles… the rest is history.

It was May 11th, 2013 (Mother’s day weekend) and we had been dating for 15 months. Sarah was told that we were going to my lakehouse to see my Mom. Little did she know that as soon as she fell asleep in the car, I would secretly head downtown Chicago rather than west to the lakehouse. Sarah woke up obviously surprised and with no idea what was going on. The night began with a spectacular dinner at newly opened Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. After I had a few drinks to calm my nerves, we began strolling down Michigan Ave where I had a horse and carriage ride waiting for us (something that Sarah had always wanted to do). The horse and carriage took us on stroll to Millenium Park which is where I was planning to pop the question. I had Corlis and Megan Gray waiting to catch the exact moment our lives would change. We took a quick bathroom break so I could take a deep breath and make sure the ring was still in my pocket, and then began walking to “The Bean”.

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Once in place, I turned, took both of Sarah’s hands, and told her how much I loved, appreciated, and adored her. It was then down to one knee! I pulled the ring out of my sportcoat pocket, and followed with “Sarah Elizabeth Stratman, Will you marry me?!”…She said yes!
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Meeting Corlis and Megan soon followed and we proceeded to do a short photoshoot. We could not be happier with how everything turned out, especially the photos & fusion video, and are excited for what’s to come!
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Photographer: Gray Photography // Reception Venue: Millennium Park