For the first time in a long time, I found myself alone as I waited for a surprise proposal to happen. And not only was I without Sarah, but for once I wasn’t at one of Charlottesville’s scenic vineyards or hiding behind a column on UVA’s Lawn. I was pretending to observe a piece of pre-Colonial artwork inside the Fralin Museum of Art, the University of Virginia’s celebrated art museum. Because of the museum’s understandably strict rules about photographing the art that was on lease from various artists, foundations and other museums, I awaited Arya and Fahima on the landing of the second floor. Arya had created his own work of art – a huge poster that displayed memories from Arya and Fahima’s twelve years together. As soon as Fahima topped the stairs and saw the poster, her eyes lit up and she knew what he was about to ask her.

 

As busy as Sarah and I have been this fall, it’s been difficult for us to accommodate any last-minute photography requests. However, when I connected with Arya the day before he would propose to his long-time girlfriend Fahima, the request was too exciting to pass up. After all, it’s not every day we get to photograph a proposal inside an art museum! After Arya had gotten down up of his knee and Fahima was sporting hew newest piece of bling, the three of us ventured out into the rainy Charlottesville afternoon to capture just a few photos to celebrate their betrothal! As we chatted throughout their engagement mini-session, we laughed over the fact that totally by chance, Sarah and I had photographed their dear friends Pallu and Chirag’s surprise proposal (HERE) just a few days earlier!

 

Arya + Fahima,

We are so glad that you reached out to us, even if it was only the afternoon before! I had such a great time getting to know you two and hearing more of your story during your session. After spending barely an hour with you two, the depth of understanding you have for each other and the comfort you feel around each other was so obvious to me. It shouldn’t surprise us what 12 years together can do for a relationship! We wish you two all the best as you celebrate your engagement and begin to think about wedding planning, and hope to see you again next time you’re back in town!

 

With love,
Hunter + Sarah

 

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If you’re interested in speaking with Hunter and I about your own surprise proposal, click HERE to get in contact with us!

 

If you’d like to view more of our photos including proposals and engagement sessions like this one, click HERE to check out our portfolio!