A Surprise Proposal: Claire and Chris 💍
Every Wednesday morning at 6 am, Richmond’s early rising fitness fanatics converge on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for November Project RVA. Started in Boston, November Project is a free fitness movement focused on creating a community of happy and healthy people holding each other accountable to workout and keep it positive. Groups in cities across the country and around the world participate in November Project, and Richmond has one of the largest groups in the peak spring/summer season. But no matter what, rain, snow, or shine, November Project RVA runs year-round. Co-led by Ja Jones and Chris Kerns, the group encourages social interactions and positive community building. You never know what new relationships can be created in between burpees and running around the block.
Photo courtesy of November Project Richmond Facebook page
I started attending the workouts in 2017 when the group was still a November Project tribe called All The Way Up RVA, and I met Chris Fuller and Claire James, as well as many other friendly people who would eventually become friends. Claire was from Ipswich, Suffolk in the United Kingdom and started working at Virginia Commonwealth University as a postdoctoral researcher in 2016, and Chris grew up in Richmond. I don’t know exactly when they started dating, but I could tell there was an electric attraction between them. They complimented each other so well, and they have since supported each other through weekly workouts, marathon training, and more.
Photo by Joe Fuller | Edited by Joe Fitzpatrick
After I took the 2019 November Project RVA Yearbook Photos, Chris told me he wanted me to photograph his surprise proposal to Claire at the VMFA where they met for the first time. I felt so grateful to be offered the opportunity to capture this special moment in their lives.
When the day finally arrived it was drizzling rain, but Chris planned to move forward with the proposal despite the conditions, staying true to the November Project protocol. Without much cover, I ducked behind a large potted plant outside the entrance and captured the romance unfold as Chris led Claire outside.
Moments after SHE SAID YES, Chris and Claire’s family stormed outside to celebrate with the newly engaged couple and get a glimpse of Claire’s stunning engagement bling-bling. Even though it was drizzling rain, their love shone so brightly.
