If you ask me, it’s a very special thing when couples decide to take their engagement photos at locations that are sentimental to them. That’s exactly what Allen Proulx and Clare Gallagher decided to do, and I’m so excited to share these college sweetheart’s November engagement photos at Purdue University on the blog!
Allen & Clare met on the first day of classes at Purdue University.
If you would’ve told 18-year-old Allen and 18-year-old Clare that they were going to meet their future spouse on their first day of classes at Purdue, neither one of them would’ve believed you.
But, during their first semester at Purdue, Allen and Clare had English 106 together. And, on their first day, Allen and Clare got to chatting after Allen told Clare, “I like your backpack.” (They giggle about this pickup line now!)
When Allen found out Clare was a bio-chem major, he said, “I really struggle with chemistry. Can I have your number in case I need chemistry help?”
Clare gave Allen her number, and while Allen did text her, he never asked her for help with chemistry.
Over the next few months, Allen, Clare, and a group of other students became friends and started doing their homework together.
It took a few months of “awkward tension” according to Clare before Allen and Clare disclosed their feelings to one another, but when they finally went on their “official” first date, it lasted all day long!
You see, Clare invited Allen to go with them to her sister’s swim meet. Then, they got dinner and walked around campus for hours just chatting.
Allen and Clare dated through the rest of college, and they now live in Lebanon, Indiana where Allen works as an engineer and Clare commutes to Indiana University School of Medicine’s West Lafayette campus. And, they’re getting married!
Clare told Allen that she wanted to be swept off her feet, so Allen did exactly that when he proposed!
Clare is a girl after my own heart. You see, she’s very type A and always has a plan. (Clare also knows when to step back. With a full med school schedule, Clare is trusting her sister to do quite a bit of her and Allen’s wedding planning. I love this VRP bride!)
Because she’s such a planner, Clare’s friends and family often let planning and organizing fall to her. Clare loves this, but when it came to their proposal, Clare told Allen, “For once, I just want to be swept off my feet and not be responsible for the planning.”
Allen took Clare’s request very seriously and planned the perfect proposal!
Allen told Clare that she needed to clear her schedule for a few days and that they were going on a trip but that she couldn’t ask where.
Clare did as she was told and couldn’t wait for their trip!
Not wanting Clare to feel too anxious, Allen decided to tell Clare where they were going as they left—Shenandoah National Park to spend a few days hiking (one of their favorite shared hobbies)!
Clare was 99% sure Allen would propose that weekend, but since they would be in Virginia for a few days, she assumed the question would be popped later on in the trip.
Knowing Clare would be suspicious and wanting to truly surprise her, Allen decided to propose during their very first hike!
Allen and Clare hiked to a 90-food rolling cascade. While Clare was focused on taking in the beauty of their surroundings, Allen shocked Clare when he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.
Way to go, Allen! It’s hard to surprise a planner, but you did it!
Clare & Allen decided on November engagement photos at Purdue University—where their love story began!
Considering Clare and Allen met at Purdue, doing their engagement photos at Purdue University only made sense!
So, on a chilly November evening, Allen and Clare met me on campus. Just wait until you see how adorable these two are!
We hit up many of the iconic spots on campus like the Bell Tower and Purdue Arch, as well as spots that are sentimental to Allen and Clare including Heavilon Hall—which is where they had their English class together!
Allen and Clare, I LOVED hanging out with you guys and having you in front of the camera! I can’t wait to do it all over again on your big day!
Congratulations, Allen and Clare!
Even before COVID, Allen and Clare knew they wanted to have an intimate wedding. This darling couple will become husband and wife surrounded by their immediate families, bridal party, and closest loved ones at Traderspoint Creamery in May 2021. Then, they’ll enjoy an intimate dinner (which will definitely include the cheese board according to Clare) with their guests.
Allen and Clare, thank you so much for trusting me to be your wedding photographer! I just adore you guys and am so glad Grant and Kiersten shared my info with you! (Grant, a 2020 VRP groom, is in med school with Clare and graciously shared my info with Clare!)
Your big day will be here before we know it, but in the meantime, I hope you love these previews from your November engagement photos at Purdue University!
“Let’s go noses and foreheads together right here, guys, since you surely used to snuggle out here all the time back in your Purdue days, right?” I asked Clare and Allen with a laugh.
“Actually,” Clare told me, “We did sit out here and eat cookies at 2:00 in the morning once. So, kind of!”
Clare knew exactly what she wanted her ring to look like, so she and Allen worked with Stall & Kessler’s to create this beauty!
Clare and Allen met at Heavilon Hall, so photos in front of the building were definitely in order!
