There is something so special about capturing a love story that began with a twist of fate and grew into a true partnership. Alex and Kara’s engagement session was an absolute joy from start to finish. We spent our time exploring the historic charm of the Charlottesville Downtown Mall before heading over to the park by the UVA Credit Union at Pantops, where the scenic views set the perfect backdrop for this sweet couple.

Of course, the real star of the show was their cream Golden Retriever, Duke! Golden Retrievers hold a truly special place in my heart—my husband and I have had two of them over the years, and our very first, Caddy, was a cream Golden just like Duke. Needless to say, having Duke join the session made the day extra meaningful. A huge shoutout goes to Kara’s mom, who was a total rockstar behind the scenes, keeping Duke’s attention and making sure he gave us his best poses!

How They Met & The Beachside Proposal

Kara and Alex’s story proves that timing is everything. After following each other on social media for a couple of months—and Kara playfully leaving Alex on read for a few weeks—their paths finally crossed in person when their college classes merged. The moment they locked eyes, they couldn’t stop looking at each other, and everything quickly fell into place.

Fast forward to their junior year of college, just two days before Kara’s birthday in March. Under the impression that her family was simply taking birthday photos at Buckroe Beach, Alex turned to her and asked, “Are you ready for the magic to start?” before getting down on one knee. To make the moment even more unforgettable, both sets of her grandparents were walking toward them in the distance to celebrate!

Adventurous, Charming, and Grounded

Getting to know Alex and Kara through their questionnaire showed just how perfectly they balance each other out:

• Kara brings an adventurous, supportive energy to the relationship. She loves baking, setting up monthly calendars, reading, and diving into trivia.
• Alex brings an outgoing, charming personality and is fluent in Spanish. He loves spending time at the gym, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.
• Together, whether they are heading to the beach, camping out in their Bronco, or taking trips to Disney World, their absolute favorite place to be is simply at home together as homebodies with Duke.

When asked what they love most about each other, the admiration is mutual and deep. Kara treasures how caring and hardworking Alex is, while Alex shares that Kara’s encouraging nature makes him want to be a better person every single day.

Alex and Kara, capturing this season of your life was such a privilege. I am so excited for you as you plan your wedding and build your future together!

If you are planning your own Charlottesville engagement session—or if you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will welcome your four-legged best friend with open arms—I would love to connect! Head over to my Contact Form to send an inquiry and tell me all about your vision, or take a look through my Wedding Experience Page to see how we can bring your dream shoot to life. I can’t wait to hear from you!