The moment the ring box closed, the tears were wiped away, and the word “YES!” finally escaped in a laugh that echoed up the marble staircase of the Bottleworks Hotel. He’s still on one knee, looking up at the woman who just changed his life forever.
As your proposal photographer, this is the frame I wait for. The proposal itself is electric, the knee drop, the gasp, the ring reveal, the " I love you, will you marry me?" but this second right after? This is where the reality sinks in. The shock turns into celebration, the nerves melt into laughter, and the couple realizes they’re actually engaged. I always shoot the full sequence (the setup, the question, the answer), but nine times out of ten, this “after” moment becomes their favorite.
Bottleworks Hotel is one of my absolute top proposal spots in Indianapolis for exactly this reason. That grand Art Deco staircase with its marble steps and brass railings feels like a movie set. The stairs give height and drama, the architecture adds timeless elegance, and the space is quiet enough on weekdays that the moment feels completely private, even though we’re in the heart of Mass Ave. (The hotel restricted access to the stairwell for this moment.)
I had been hiding in the stairwell for about 30 minutes, setting up candles and flower petals, heart pounding along with his. The second he knelt, I moved into position.
Surprise proposals at Bottleworks Hotel always deliver drama, elegance, and that perfect mix of historic charm and modern romance. Whether it’s the staircase, the rooftop at sunset, or the lobby chandelier glow, I know every corner and every light pocket.
Your yes deserves a backdrop this beautiful. And a photographer who won’t miss the moment it turns into laughter.
Let’s make your Bottleworks proposal unforgettable.
Captured with the Nikon Z9 and a 70-200mm lens with on-camera flash and edited to look like film.
Location: 850 Massachusetts Ave Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.