Back in 2013 I had the pleasure of being the undercover photographer for Matthew’s proposal to Michelle at UVA and then ironically, I ended up being the second shooter at their beautiful Verulam Farm wedding, despite the main shooter not realizing I knew the couple. It was crazy that it happened that way but I’m so glad it did!

This past weekend I got to be a part of Matthew’s sister Julia’s proposal!! The Aronsons have been long time friends of my family’s so when Julia’s mom texted me the week before hinting that someone was getting engaged, I immediately knew who it was. Chet and Julia were in town for the UVA basketball game so he had arranged for one of Julia’s best friends and her best friend’s new boyfriend to hike up with them to make it seem like it was a normal day. Because Julia had just met this boyfriend, they were able come up with a story that he was in a photography class and had to take photos to get some practice. Brilliant! He ended up capturing the entire process of them hiking up as well as the proposal on the top of the mountain, which I obviously wouldn’t have been able to do without giving myself away!

Julia and Chet have been dating for over five years so there was a lot leading up to this day and according to Julia, it was huge surprise. After Chet popped the question on top of Humpback Rock, they climbed down the snowy mountain and I got to meet them and their families at Veritas afterwards to celebrate!! We had cupcakes, BBQ, champagne, and I got to take so many sweet portraits of the two of them.

Julia and Chet, I hope you’re soaking in this amazing engagement and I am so thankful I got to share this past weekend with you!!