Carrie and Nirja were engaged last summer, and I am SO excited to finally share the moment with you! These two are truly the sweetest humans, and getting to witness their Surprise Proposal at Cylburn Arboretum was such an honor. Carrie and Nirja’s love story is one that just makes you smile from ear to ear.
Carrie and Nirja’s story starts in 2020 on Hinge — and if you ask them, fate clearly had a hand in it.
Nirja was living in Philadelphia at the time, while Carrie was in Towson. Nirja had her distance filter set to under 25 miles, but somehow Carrie’s profile still slipped through… almost 100 miles away. By the time Nirja realized the distance, it was too late — she had already fallen for Carrie.
After a year and a half of long distance, Nirja moved to Maryland to be with Carrie, and the rest is history. Carrie is an elementary school teacher, while Nirja is an actuary (aka a math and statistics wizard). They describe themselves as total opposites — Carrie is dreamy and whimsical, Nirja is practical and grounded — but in all the best ways, they balance each other out. One thing they absolutely have in common? A shared love of animals and spoiling their two rescue pups.
When it came time to plan the proposal, Nirja knew exactly what Carrie would love: a beautiful, nature-filled location that also welcomed their dogs.
Cylburn Arboretum checked every box — lush gardens, quiet corners, and plenty of green space to wander together.
Nirja visited the arboretum multiple times in the weeks leading up to the big day, scoping out a spot that felt intimate yet breathtaking. She landed on a secluded garden path framed by vibrant greenery — the perfect place to get down on one knee.
On a hot summer day, with their pups happily standing alongside her, Nirja met Carrie in the gardens! Nirja had created a plan with some of their friends to get Carrie there without raising any suspicions. When the moment came, Nirja knelt down, asked the question, and Carrie’s face lit up with pure shock and joy. To be fair, all surprise proposals bring a happy tear, but something about this one — their journey, their love, and the way they’ve built a life together — just hit extra hard.
After Carrie said “yes” (and the dogs got their fair share of snuggles), we wandered the arboretum for portraits. Even in the summer heat, Carrie and Nirja stayed close, laughing, holding hands, and sneaking kisses. It was the perfect way to celebrate the start of their next chapter!
Carrie and Nirja are counting down to their wedding in July 2026, and I already know it’s going to be such a joyful celebration.
Until then, I’m so grateful I got to be part of this big milestone and am SO excited to share a glimpse into the afternoon!
Carrie and Nirja, thank you for trusting me to capture your Surprise Proposal at Cylburn Arboretum — and for letting me love on your pups in the process! Here’s to all the adventures ahead. Enjoy a peek into their beautiful proposal below!
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