Raunak proposed to Sanjana at the place where two rivers meet and three states converge (Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia), it’s just over the Pennsylvania border, too in the small town of Harpers Ferry — what a kind, thoughtful, intelligent couple, I couldn’t be happier for them, dang I love being a DC proposal photographer.
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Raunak shares, “While I was searching for photographers in the area and looking through their work online I stumbled onto Lisa’s page and her style was everything I was looking for: warm, candid and real. Her photos felt romantic, real, and full of emotion. It also helped that she had such a wide range of beautiful sessions on her website.”
“Working with Lisa was so fun and easy. We had a couple of virtual meetings beforehand to plan the how, where and when. And how we’d make sure she was positioned at exactly the right place without giving it away. She was super friendly, thoughtful, and professional throughout the whole process.”
Sanjana adds, “Lisa is the best! I’m usually very shy in front of the camera, but Lisa made me feel so comfortable. I felt very starstruck and impressed when I learned about Lisa’s achievements in photography, and knew that we were in good hands for our photos!”
Popping the question: DC proposal photographer
Raunak smiles, “I wanted the proposal to feel really special because I knew how much this moment meant to her. I honestly never pictured myself doing something like this. For years we’d joke about this exact moment and I’d tease her that I was never going to do anything so “corny”. But I guess when you meet someone that special, love makes you do the things you swore you never would. And so I wanted the raw, real moment captured exactly as it happened.”
He continues, “Right after the proposal both of us were nervous and awkward in front of the camera, but Lisa made us feel comfortable so quickly. Within the first few minutes, it felt natural. She kept talking to us, guiding us and making us laugh. We never felt like we had to pose like models. It felt like we were just being ourselves and that is what I loved most.”
Meeting While Earning Masters Degrees at the University of MD!
Raunak grins, “Sanjana and I met during our master’s business school orientation. It was the very first event of the program and I had just arrived from India a few days before. So everything felt new and overwhelming. There were so many people, names, and conversations to keep up with, but there was something about Sanjana that stood out.”
“We weren’t even in the same classes once school started, yet we kept running into each other in the hallways. Almost like it was meant to be. Every time we saw each other it felt like the world stopped and no one else was around. We started hanging out casually and fast forward to now… she’s my fiancée.” 🙂
Sanjana says, “I met Raunak on our very first day of orientation for our Master’s program at UMD (Go Terps!). After many weeks of small talk and casual hello’s in the hallways, he finally asked me out on our first date to get some boba! I would describe Raunak as a very goofy and sweet guy. He is very empathetic towards everybody in his life! There is never a dull moment between us, and I never go a day without laughing at his endless jokes.”
Daisies: on her dress and in her hair and a symbol for him, too!
Raunak says, “Sanjana is the cutest. I adore how she finds joy in the little things like a golden sunset, an animated kids movie, random flowers or a cozy little moment. I love how she’s never afraid to be silly around me. She also makes a real effort to be part of my world, she’s always curious and asking questions, especially about sports. As a huge sports fan I find it so endearing that she tries to be a part of that with me (and yes, she even supports my favorite football club) which I find very cute.”
“The daisy moment felt very natural. Daisies have always reminded me of her. They are delicate, bright, a lil demure and beautiful in a simple way. When I saw the wild daisies and noticed the tiny flowers on her dress, I just thought it would look cute to put one in her hair.”
Sanjana smiles, “Raunak finding the daisy for me is just another example of how he always considers the little things. For any event throughout the years (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) he always finds ways to incorporate the things I love with whatever he plans! One of the many things I love about Raunak is how selfless he is — he will go out of his way to make sure everybody is comfortable and happy!”
Exploring Harpers Ferry as a newly engaged couple
Raunak explains, “Harpers Ferry felt like the perfect place because it is so naturally beautiful and peaceful. There’s something special about the spot where three states Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet and where the rivers come together too. It felt almost spiritual, two paths meeting and becoming one, which felt fitting for the day. On top of that, there were so many gorgeous, picturesque spots all within walking distance, so we could wander around and capture completely different backdrops without ever going far.”
Two rivers, Three States and so much meaning!
Sanjana shares, “Personally, all three states mean a lot to me! I was born and brought up in Maryland, and also met Raunak here. I have visited my brother out in West Virgina several times and have fond memories of it. Lastly, Raunak and I currently live in Virginia and think it’s the perfect mix of the natural beauty of West Virgina and the busy life of Maryland!”
“Raunak and I have always loved scoping out beautiful spots at national parks and on hikes, so I am very grateful and happy that this is a place that we can always go back to and revisit the memories we’ve made here.” 🙂
Bollywood, but in Real Life!
Sanjana shares, “Growing up, I used to watch a LOT of Bollywood movies with my family. We’d always have music from the movies playing throughout the house and during car rides, so that has definitely created some core memories for me.”
“Taking some photos on the railroad tracks reminded me of several old music videos from movies in the 90s/00s! It felt so playful and light hearted in the moment, I felt like we were the main characters! Another moment I loved was running through the brick streets right around sunset. The weather had finally cooled down and the lighting looked so perfect. It felt very surreal in the moment.”
Raunak concludes, “Working with Lisa was such a unique and special experience. I’ll be honest, I was really nervous at first especially because this was such an important day for us. But from the moment I booked her for our special day, the way she helped me plan everything and how creative she was throughout, I knew we were in the best hands.”
“We started off awkward and nervous, but she kept the conversation going and made everything feel so natural. I am really glad I trusted her with this moment. Looking back, I cannot imagine anyone else capturing our special day the way she did.”
Sanjana adds, “I highly recommend Lisa for any of your photography needs! She really has an eye for the perfect shots — the background, lighting, posing, and of course making sure you look your best too! She makes the photoshoots a judgement free zone, ensuring you are super comfortable, and at the end of the day, having fun!”
Proposal Photographer: Slideshow
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5 thoughts on “Proposal Photographer: Raunak & Sanjana”
So nicely captured. Both of them are looking very beautiful. Excellent blog post Lisa !!
-Nitin
Nitin,
Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog post! What a pleasure it was for me to photograph this kind, loving, intelligent couple! So glad they found each other and so glad they found me too 🥰
The blog beautifully captures how a meaningful location can make a proposal even more memorable and emotionally significant.
The heartfelt storytelling around this special moment makes the experience feel genuine and inspiring to every reader.
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This proposal story beautifully captures the emotion and thoughtfulness behind Raunak and Sanjana’s special moment at Harpers Ferry. The candid descriptions and personal reflections make the entire experience feel genuine, romantic, and memorable.
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The heartfelt storytelling makes the entire experience feel authentic, inspiring, and truly special for every couple.
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