Erik & Julia: DC Engagement Shoot

Couples

I feel like somewhere written in the fine-print of my business blueprint is written, “Loves working with the kindest, funnest couples,” because repeatedly I am so humbled by the kind, fun people who are in front of my camera!!

Engaged couple holds hands strolling a brick path through the Smithsonian Castle garden in Washington, DC

Julia was friend back at CNU, and I photographed roommate photos for her wayyyyyy back in the day!! When she reached out to me about her and Erik’s wedding for next year, it felt like no time had passed as we chatted on the phone about their relationship and upcoming wedding celebration!

Couple laughs while walking hand in hand past manicured flower beds near the Smithsonian Castle

Couple leans in for a kiss on a garden path, red sandstone castle towering behind them

Smiling woman rests her head against her fiancé's shoulder among garden flower beds

A Relaxed Engagement Session in Washington, DC

Julia & Erik brought the best, most chill, “we trust you and are here for whatever!!” mentality to their engagement session a few weeks ago in Washington, DC. I know how intimidating it can be to come to a photo session and feel unsure of how it will all go and what you need to do as the one being photographed, so whenever couples let go, trust me, and follow my lead, it not only makes me feel honored but it truly produces the best time and sweetest images!

Couple stands together on a red brick path in front of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC

Starting in the Smithsonian Castle Garden

We started in the Smithsonian Castle garden, and right from the start, it felt like Erik & Julia almost forgot I was there!! They laughed, snuggled, and danced, showing me glimpses into their true goofy sides that the other brings out!!

Couple smiles at each other surrounded by lush palms and greenery in a Washington, DC garden

Nearly kissing, the couple stands close on a shaded garden walkway framed by tropical foliage

Black and white portrait of the couple holding hands at arm's length on a leafy garden path

Couple sits together on a granite ledge, smiling at each other in the garden

Seated close, the woman touches her fiancé's arm as they laugh among sunlit greenery

Close-up of the woman's hand and engagement ring resting on her fiancé's arm on a brick sidewalk

Engagement ring detail as the woman's hand wraps around her fiancé's sleeve beside her blue floral dress

Black and white close-up of the woman smiling over her fiancé's shoulder during a hug

Adventuring the Streets of DC Along the Mall

We planned to walk over to the U.S. Botanical Gardens for the second half of our session, but the Garden gates closed earlier than expected. No matter… these two filled the streets of DC with joy and giggles as we adventured around the streets along the Mall between the Capitol and Washington Monument.

Couple holds hands walking a gravel sidewalk beneath evergreens on a Washington, DC street

Black and white view of the couple laughing together on a wide DC sidewalk lined with buildings

Couple embraces and smiles among lush green trees in a Washington, DC park

Couple hugs beneath a traffic light and Maryland Avenue SW street sign in Washington, DC

Wide view of the couple embracing under the Maryland Avenue street sign against a blue sky

GAH, can it just be August 2024 already??? I am so excited for your wedding day, Erik & Julia!!

Woman laughs kicking up a heel while her fiancé smiles beside her under park trees

Couple grins at each other beneath sprawling oak branches in a leaf-strewn park

Couple walks hand in hand across a grassy park along the Mall, framed by a sprawling tree

Playful moment as the couple pauses on the lawn, woman glancing down at her white dress

Washington D.C. never gets old for me when it comes to photography… I love all the places (including the middle of the street!) I can capture couples!! This Virginia wedding photographer will make the drive from Richmond and deal with any and all traffic when it means getting fun images like these…