J inquired with me, excited to propose to his sweet girlfriend, M. He planned to propose in their beautiful home. I loved that J wanted to keep their moment intimate and in a space that was meaningful to them both. Planning a surprise proposal can be hard when trying to keep it on the low. I love supporting my clients throughout the process so their day is better than they could ever imagine, especially when it’s a Chicago surprise proposal at home!
![newly engaged couple popping champagne](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3167-1-1064x1600.jpg)
So, after a quick trip to Miami, M’s dad picked them up from O’Hare International Airport and headed to their home.
Little did M know that candles would be lit along their large kitchen island and rose petals lining out a walkway to their cleared-out dining room when she arrived. M’s good friends spent time decorating the space and put out a bottle of champagne, champagne flutes, and the ring.
![engagement ring set in red roses](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2682-edited-scaled.jpg)
![proposal set in home with engagement ring and champagne flutes](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2690-768x1024.jpg)
I arrived about thirty minutes before J and M would arrive home. I met all of their close friends and family while setting up my lights and taking detail photos. Once the ten-minute mark approached, everyone hid away from the main living area and waited anxiously.
![surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2745-1024x768.jpg)
![surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2746-1-1024x768.jpg)
I finally heard the front door begin to open and in walked J and M. Her expression immediately went to a smile, a giggle, and then she said, “Are you serious?” as they walked into their kitchen. As they made their way over to the champagne and ring, J brought M in for a hug. She had her hands covering her face, leaned into J, and started what I believe to be a laugh/cry. It was such a lovely moment! If you haven’t figured it out yet, M said YES!
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2757-1024x768.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2769-1024x681.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2781-1024x681.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2787-1024x768.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2794-1024x768.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-2798-768x1024.jpg)
Their friends and family came out from the shadows to congratulate them, we took photos, and I left them to enjoy their first few hours being engaged.
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3074-681x1024.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3087-681x1024.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3112-681x1024.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3127-681x1024.jpg)
![Chicago surprise proposal in home](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3155-681x1024.jpg)
![Newly engaged couple pops champagne](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3158-681x1024.jpg)
![Newly engaged couple pops champagne](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3167-681x1024.jpg)
![Newly engaged couple pops champagne](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3174-681x1024.jpg)
![Newly engaged couple pops champagne](https://ashleecole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jason-and-maddi-3188-681x1024.jpg)
Are you looking for proposal ideas? My Proposals page has guidance, past galleries, and more to help you plan.