When I first connected with Jared (he/him) and Jira (she/her), I knew their romantic proposal at Old City Philadelphia would be something truly special. Both are brilliant graduate students forging remarkable paths—Jira pursuing her MD-PhD at Mount Sinai and Jared working toward his PhD in Planetary Sciences at Brown. Amid the bustling energy of their academic lives, they chose Philadelphia’s historic charm as the stage to mark their next chapter.
What made this moment so extraordinary was how Jared and Jira’s personalities flourished against this timeless backdrop. They’re a couple who embraces balance—Jared’s quieter, introverted nature and Jira’s outgoing, extroverted energy form a perfect harmony. Together, they strike that delicate blend of romantic and fun, soulful and playful, allowing their session to feel both intimate and effortlessly joyful.
For me as a photographer, it’s important to celebrate love stories in all their forms—highlighting the subtle moments that define a couple’s unique bond. Documenting Jared and Jira’s romantic proposal at Old City Philadelphia meant focusing on their affectionate smiles, the comforting way they hold each other, and the soft laughter they share when recalling a favorite film scene. These are the details that reflect a love built on understanding, compassion, and genuine connection. In fact, I love being hired to photograph proposals for this very reason. You can even find some more of my proposal sessions by checking out this link here.
In the end, Jared and Jira’s romantic proposal at Old City Philadelphia was about more than just one question. It was about commemorating the journey that led them here—finding strength in adversity, forging closeness during uncertain times, and emerging more in love than ever. Their story reminds us that true partnership is about growth, support, and the comfort of knowing that you’ve found your teammate for life.
Looking ahead, Jared and Jira want their photos to transport them back to this moment, allowing them to feel loved, happy, nostalgic, and timeless. As their photographer, it was a joy to witness their milestones and capture the essence of their relationship. Their proposal is now woven into the fabric of Old City’s history, yet it remains uniquely their own—a personal love story that shines as warmly as the evening light that day.