I love the reactions to unexpected proposals. It’s so wonderful to capture people’s faces when they aren’t prepared, and I’m not talking about the one being proposed to. I’m talking about the people around them, whether strangers, friends, or family– the reactions are the best.

Nicholas and Elissa went through law school together. I mean, can you imagine? I recently had a friend graduate from the three-year program and let me tell you, just hearing about it from her, I know it’s not easy. So to do that and still have your relationship intact, especially when you’re both under the same type of pressure, deserves a lot of kudos. The way Nicholas proposed seems pretty understandable. When better to propose then when you’re celebrating your three-year victory at graduation?

Watch the people around them on stage. Nicholas kneels to receive his hood, and instead turns to Elissa with the ring, as she happens to be crossing the stage behind him.

The greatest reaction? The announcer’s. She doesn’t seem to know what to do at first. She starts to say Elissa name, then waits, then just says, “Wow.” No congratulations, no celebrating– just, “Wow.” Let’s hope that was a good one and not a, “I can’t believe they just did that.”

At least the people in the audience cheered, and the photographer ran over to capture the moment.

Did you have a public proposal? How did everyone react?

Emily