MIDTOWN, NY — Patience and Fortitude are vigilant. Their presence a symbolic reminder of New York and her perseverance through challenging times. Beyond their gaze, a celebration is unfolding inside The New York Public Library.

Considering Uma’s passion for reading, their unforgettable adventures in Italy and the high renaissance mannerism of this New York landmark, Stephen’s selection of The Rose Main Reading Room was very specific. Yet to the untrained eye, everything appears as usual with nothing seeming out of the ordinary or precariously planned.

Watching Stephen’s proposal unfold, I briefly enjoyed a stream of thought: what if Uma lets out a really loud scream in the middle of the most famous library on earth? Then the newly engaged couple runs out of the library at top speed (laughing all the way) as security chased behind them for making noise. Back to reality, I’m struck by the “gleam” in Stephen’s eyes as he proposed.

These moments immediately following a proposal are priceless. A sense of relaxation and carefreeness takes hold. This moment of simplicity and compassion are hard earned and patiently appreciated. Everyone who witnesses a wedding proposal seems to experience this effect. In these timeless spaces, engagement really lives up to its namesake.

Stephen and Uma explored the main exhibit at the Library. Outside, they made their way over to Patience for a photograph…or is this one Fortitude?

Currently on display at the library is Recollection: Thirty Years of Photography at The New York Public Library. In preparation for this project, I visited the library earlier in the week. During my trip I learned that, “photography at NYPL traces its origins back to the opening of the Astor Library in 1849″. Also, the library has 500,000 photographs by 6,000 photographers in its permanent collection.

Stephen and Uma live in California, flew out to New York two days earlier and were in India within 36 hours of this proposal. During their stay, we explored another historic (and romantic) New York landmark: Grand Central Station. For this mini adventure, I wanted to show the couple a secret about the maze-like station that a friend recently shared with me…

The next time you are in New York or around Grand Central Station, please visit the Whispering Wall. I wont give away the surprise but its best to bring a friend with you.

I first met Stephen because he used his credit card concierge to help “find a photographer” for his New York proposal. Considering that I was enjoying my “city vacation” I’d not intended to document a proposal, engagement or wedding photography story until I “returned” in 2011. What won me over is that Stephen called me back personally, asked great questions and focused the proposal on demonstrating his respect for Uma.

His appreciation of simplicity, patience and compassion inspired me a great deal. Meeting Uma, really helped me see why he was so excited about the proposal in the first place. I enjoy their shared sense of humor. For the future, I wish Uma and Stephen continued adventures as they write this new chapter together.

If You’re Engaged: Please read this short article about How to Choose the Ideal Photographer for Your Wedding.