PROPOSAL: A Charming and Infectious Summer Session on UVA Campus Grounds
On a beautiful Sunday in August, Alex proposed to Claire on the lawn at UVA’s campus.
…But before Alex proposed to Claire, he made us detailed maps and diagrams about where they would be. He kept us in a minute-by-minute text thread so that we would know exactly when they were approaching. He was simultaneously incredibly nervous and beautifully coordinated. He was: Hero Fiancée. See submitted game plan below:
He had a diversion planned, and had the forethought to both not buy her a manicure (too suspicious) but also lovingly (and diligently) hold her left hand during church so she wouldn’t mess up her fingernails. What a guy.
Casey and I brilliantly disguised ourselves as humans as we lounged, faux-relaxed, on the lawn. Alex led Claire, strategically taking a vitamin water out of her hand, to The Designated Area. Everything went according to plan, if you don’t count the family of people who were nowhere to be seen up until the very moment Alex got down on one knee.
Casey, in the spot, being very updated.
Is this a commentary on weddings/tourism disguised as a Hopper Painting?
Behold! Surprise!
What a beautiful hand!
Claire was surprised (nailed it), said yes (love that), and the two of them proceeded to be the most infectiously adorable subjects. The grounds of UVA have such a variety of nooks and crannies, with beautiful architecture and lush, old trees. We love to see it.
tunnel of love
tree of love
Alex, who claimed to be overwhelmed with nerves in front of the camera, was a natural who didn’t even need our direction half the time. Claire effortlessly balanced humor and flexibility, and the two had a chemistry we felt fortunate to witness. One minute, we were excitedly snapping a sweet interaction, the next, we couldn’t even take pictures from laughter. There was also, at one point, a puppy encounter.
Yes.
“Face each other and hold hands.” Naturals!
Can we also talk about this stunner of a ring? Alex 10/10
Look at all of the laughing!
This is not their puppy.
Upon seeing a pair of golden retrievers, Claire exclaimed a need to be photographed with the puppy. The owners, not batting an eye, immediately obliged, sharing that they had their own engagement photos taken here with the older dog. We just can’t make this up.
We should really know where Alex got this ring, because there is some solid product placement going on.
The rest of our time together, though puppyless, was a fulfilling medley of tomfoolery and intimacy.
We love a good dip.
Ooh!
Aah!
We are obsessed with this tree. But also Claire and Alex.
We left the two at UVA as they had a surprise engagement dinner to attend in Richmond. Casey, taking advantage of my laugh-drunk state, decided we were going to TJ Maxx.
We bought some lovely things, thank you for asking.
Did you love the photos from Claire + Alex’s proposal as much as we did? Let us know! If you’d like to talk to us about photographing your own proposal, send us an email to book your own experience.
