How Wilson Proposed to Jillian at the University of the Incarnate Word
Wilson and Jillian live in Fort Worth, which meant most of this proposal came together long distance. But the location was never really in question. Jillian's mother and father both went to the University of the Incarnate Word, and that connection was the whole reason Wilson wanted to propose there instead of somewhere closer to home.
He came to us first with an idea: The Blue Hole, the natural spring that serves as the headwaters of the San Antonio River, tucked on UIW's campus. It's a beautiful spot, but it only really runs during heavy rain, and there was no guarantee it would be flowing on the day that mattered. We'd already scouted a handful of backup locations around campus, so we walked Wilson through them over a FaceTime call. A large oak tree just off the Lourdes Grotto won out. Quiet, shaded, and close enough to campus that it still felt tied to Jillian's family history.
We picked a Saturday evening and got to the area early, settling in out of sight while Wilson led Jillian toward the tree. Whatever nerves he'd had about pulling this off long distance didn't show. Jillian's reaction did exactly what a surprise proposal is supposed to do. Total shock, then tears, then a ring catching the last of the evening light.
We gave them a minute before stepping in. After a quick introduction, we got in close for the ring detail shots, then moved into a relaxed engagement-style session, under the oak tree, along the campus sidewalks, and out onto the steel and wood bridge nearby. No formal poses, just the two of them still riding the high of what had just happened while we worked around them.
They had a dinner reservation waiting, so we didn't keep them long. But for about an hour, a campus that already meant something to Jillian's family became the place where her own story started too.
If you're planning a proposal and want help thinking through locations, even from out of town, we'd love to talk it through with you.
