MaryClair + Hayden | Engaged - Elizabeth Gelineau Photography

A Grand Hotel Point Clear Engagement

Who doesn’t love a good proposal story?! I know I can’t get enough of them! Each one is unique and I always love hearing my brides tell them. Hayden carefully planned how he was going to propose to MaryClair. It all started with a faux dinner plan.

When Hayden suggested they grab a drink at Bucky’s at The Grand Hotel beforehand, MaryClair wasn’t suspicious. Even though going out for a drink before dinner was sort of out of the norm, MaryClair says she’s never one to turn down a good cocktail, so she was game for heading to Bucky’s before dinner at The Supper Club. She didn’t see that this was actually a ruse to get her to The Grand Hotel. Unbeknownst to MaryClair, Hayden had been to the hotel a few days beforehand to select the perfect proposal spot. He even lined up a photographer to capture the moment!

After drinks at Bucky’s, it was time to head to dinner. MaryClair thought it was strange that Hayden chose to park at the opposite end of the hotel property from Bucky’s, but she still didn’t realize she was in for a big surprise! It was nearing sunset when they arrived at the spot where Hayden planned to propose.

MaryClair said it finally hit her what was happening when she saw Hayden pull a ring box out of his coat pocket. He got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife! It wasn’t until after she said “YES!” that she realized the photographers that had been nearby taking photos were actually there to capture the proposal!

Thinking this was this best surprise she could ever imagine, they headed to MaryClair’s dad’s house. But the surprise wasn’t finished yet! Hayden had arranged for all their family and friends to be there to celebrate with them. How sweet is that?!

High School Sweethearts

MaryClair and Hayden’s love story began in high school – they met each other when they were students at McGill-Toolen Catholic. I love a high school sweetheart love story, especially when it’s connected to my own alma mater. MaryClair was so easy to talk to the first time I chatted with her on the phone. I instantly knew we were going to have fun working together. When I finally got to meet Hayden at the engagement session, he was exactly as I imagined – so friendly and equally easy to talk to. I can tell that wedding day is going to be so much fun!

Since Hayden proposed to MaryClair at The Grand Hotel, it was perfectly fitting for us to return there for engagement portraits! MaryClair is an interior designer, so of course she knows how to choose a color palette for their outfits. I loved that both of her outfits were the perfect compliment for the scenery at The Grand Hotel. I told her that I was wishing I had a skirt like the one she wore for her first outfit. It was so cute and perfect for twirling photos!

I seriously love this skirt! See what I mean about it being PERFECT for twirling! Can’t wait to see these two on the dance floor on their wedding day!