Some sessions come with a secret. When Katie reached out to Hopelynd to book a photo session with her boyfriend, Saleem, during their trip to Michigan for a State game, she was planning an afternoon of couple photos together. Behind the scenes, Saleem had reached out to us too.

Meet Katie and Saleem

Katie served as a Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2021–2022 Ambassador. She has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. She and Saleem were coming to Michigan for a Michigan State game and wanted to make time for photos together while they were here.

A Secret Plan

Behind the scenes, Saleem contacted Hopelynd with a plan of his own: he wanted to surprise Katie with a proposal during her session. With Affinity Events handling the execution of the proposal and Sycamore Design Studio creating the florals, we set the scene in a garden at Michigan State University, with a willow tree, a little green bridge and fresh flowers waiting along the path.

The Moment

When Saleem got down on one knee, Katie was so unbelievably excited. Then came the hugs, the smiles and a brand-new ring.

Celebrating Together

After the proposal, we spent the rest of the session doing exactly what Katie had booked: taking photos of the two of them, now newly engaged.

Thank You

Thank you to Affinity Events for bringing the proposal to life and Sycamore Design Studio for the beautiful florals, and congratulations to Katie and Saleem! Moments like this are why Hopelynd exists: everyone’s story deserves to be captured.

If you or someone you love uses a power wheelchair or another mobility device and wants photos that feel easy and accessible, we would love to hear from you. Want to book a session or know someone who would love one? Reach out at info@hopelynd.com.