Faith, Hope, and Love :: Surprise Proposal at the Basilica of the National Shrine
In just a few moments, it’s easy to see what perfect and equal partners Jonathan and Sofia are when they dance.
Not just to music, but together in life. They share a connection that is certainly rare these days. Their love is deeply rooted in faith.
I was honored when Jonathan asked me to photograph his proposal to Sofia. Jonathan had planned the entire afternoon, and I could tell they would be a unique couple to photograph.
I knew the late afternoon sun in that part of the city would be gorgeous, and we worked together on timing and the day’s schedule to ensure the best time and light for photos both indoors and outdoors, and on locations within the basilica and on the grounds. A huge thank you to Taj at the Basilica who was so very kind and allowed us into a few special areas for beautiful photos.
Proposal photographs should be intimate, serene, and private. After hundreds of proposals photographed, my expertise can help guide you from start to finish - planning the location, time of day for best light, avoiding crowds, how to do the perfect proposal, and what angle you should be at to the camera. I’ll arrive discreetly, take photos from the best angles, and work within your plans for the special moment.
Their Story
Jonathan and Sofia met on Match….Catholic Match. Jonathan said, “I was a bit skeptical about the prospect, but hey, we are here!”
Sofia was looking for someone who respected her faith and would help her grow in holiness. She could tell right away that Jonathan was genuine and intentional. Their relationship started long-distance; Sofia lives in Atlanta and Jonathan in Washington, DC. It only took a few phone calls and a trip down south for Jonathan to realize he wanted Sofia to be his girlfriend.
As Jonathan told me,
“After years of dating, I realized the importance of faith in my everyday relationships and the deep desire in my heart to date someone who loved God more than I ever could. I found that in Sofia and more.”
They bond over cooking and the great outdoors; Jonathan admires Sofia’s adventurous spirit and passion for nature, how she opens her heart to the world through volunteer work in Atlanta, and how she listens attentively and spends quality time with loved ones. Together they feast on everything from Thai coconut red curry soup to fresh blueberry pancakes.
In Sofia’s words, “The best thing about being with Jonathan is his sense of discipline and sacrifice. He’s a dedicated man who goes the extra mile, even when it’s hard. He makes me a better person. We’ve been long-distance our entire relationship, which has helped our communication skills. Jonathan is devoted and I love that he’s so open and vulnerable with me, it’s taught me how to return that gift.”
It was Christmas 2019 that each realized the other was “the one”.
For Jonathan, watching her interact with his family and extending warmth to every person made him happy to realize she would be his wife.
For Sofia, it was his intentional, patient, thoughtful demeanor.
“He always makes me laugh and has a warm, bright personality that lights up the room. I’ve always felt comfortable and at peace around him; I know I can be myself. Most of all, I trust him: he’s honest, kind, and gentle. Jonathan loves his family and when I see the caring way he interacts with his parents, I know he’ll be a phenomenal father one day.”
His Surprise Proposal
May 29th, the feast day of the Ascension, Jonathan took Sofia on a tour of DC and ended with mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine, after which he would propose in a quiet corner of the main hall. She had been so sure he would propose in late autumn.
After Jonathan proposed, and Sofia ecstatically accepted, we went into Mary’s Garden for portraits of the happy couple.
“I like to think of our relationship as the after-credits following a great Marvel movie.You think it's over and you're going home but no...no, the saga continues. This is often the best part to find hidden clues to the sequel. We are up for the next challenge and are excited for this new stage in life.”
— Jonathan
Of working with Lincoln Photography, Jonathan says,
“I diligently searched for a photographer with command of the lens, but with a background and personality as eloquent and unique as the setting where we’d take the photos.
Rachel was the obvious choice. Rachel’s photojournalism background and well-traveled resume exceeded my aspirations.
Our experience couldn't have been more superb. You can quickly appreciate how Rachel observes her surroundings to encompass the energy of a room. We have shared some of the sneak-peeks with our family and friends and they have been astonished.”
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
She has helped me strengthen my faith and become a better man. I am so blessed to have found her.
— Jonathan
There isn’t enough said in our society for the joy that peace of mind brings when you’re with the person you trust more than anybody else in the world. With Jonathan, I love him more and more as time passes, it makes me feel so excited as I look to the future and think of what our love will look like in 50 years!
— Sofia
Our love has been one of gentleness and peace
— Sofia
“Perhaps the very best part of loving Sofia is sharing our love of Christ, and I have enjoyed deepening our understanding of one another through growing closer to God.”
— Jonathan
