Hannah and Max’s love story reads like something out of a modern romance novel. They first met during online Shabbat services while at Yale in 2021, yes, thanks to COVID technology played cupid, and kept running into each other the following fall. Their connection deepened at the Harvard-Yale football game that year, and soon they were officially a couple. From a few years together in Connecticut to a year in Boston, they finally made the move to Durham, where Max is pursuing law school and Hannah works at the hospital nearby, with business school on the horizon. Walks through the gardens have been a part of their story, though no single spot had yet claimed the title of “their place.”

When it came to proposing, Max knew Hannah was more private than public, and he wanted something simple, elegant, and unforgettable. Enter the stunning Duke Gardens. Max wanted the proposal to feel intimate and timeless, true to the aesthetic Hannah adores: minimal, romantic, and easy to revisit in memory. He also wanted it to be a complete surprise, so hidden photography was the plan.

We scoped out the gardens to find a quiet, beautiful spot that wouldn’t draw a crowd. The anticipation was real, but the moment itself was effortless. Max popped the question, Hannah said yes, and we captured every second! Without her even realizing a camera was there (untill I popped out from behind the bushes ofc). From her delighted expression to Max’s beaming smile, the images speak for themselves.

After the proposal, there was an intimate engagement dinner at Vin Rouge with their families secretly in town. I even snagged a phone recording to relive the moment later. The best part? They had their images back that very night, so they could celebrate and share immediately.

Here’s what Max had to say in a glowing Google review:

“Sarah beautifully captured our engagement. She was communicative throughout the planning process and helped me pivot to a better spot when the initial selection was busier than expected. Sarah got us our photos within 4 hours of the engagement. Thanks for helping make our day special!”

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Capturing Max + Hannah’s engagement was a joy—not just for the love story, but for the moments that felt truly them: quiet, elegant, and full of genuine emotion. Duke Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for a proposal that will live in their memories forever.

Watch the BTS video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWWl9KDBgLP/?igsh=d3o2dHU0NTBraDN2

Looking for a surprise proposal photographer? I’m your girl! Learn more here: www.goldandsage.com/propose