It was 6:30AM on a Sunday when I met with Jonathan and Erin. The two both admitted to being rather camera shy and felt that the concept of posing for an hour was a bit unnatural; I couldn’t agree more! No one is used to having a stranger capture intimate moments of kissing and nuzzling. 

After a few warm up poses, these two became naturals! I couldn’t believe how much fun they were having! This completely reaffirmed my belief that a couple should do an engagement session before their big day. The pair can relax, know their “good side” and really have a fun on their wedding day having had a warm up prior to the picture taking. 

What I think really did the trick to easing their minds was actually nothing that I did! They both more or less just fell into being themselves together by talking and walking. After awhile, the two completely forgot that I was there. You can tell a lot about their relationship just by the way Jonathan looks at Erin. They are so in love that editing this was a extremely difficult! Every shot was filled with cuteness. Even when I did pose them, the two would naturally break out into giggles and smiles. 

Although the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most recognized and iconic places in the world, on this little Sunday, it completely felt like ours. The back of this historical landmark is my favorite romantic hide away. I’m absolutely in love with the white marble, the soft lighting and the unintentional matching of the future Mr. & Mrs. Ray.

Because I remember being so nervous for my own engagement shoot, I brought this couple a little prop gift to help ease their jitters. Ben and I had a wooden last name sign at our engagement shoot and it made me feel like the camera focus wasn’t 100% on us for the first few pictures. These two couldn’t have been cuter with their new last name and Jonathan even admitted, “Okay, this shot will make my mom cry.” I just love these two crazy kids and I can’t wait to see what their future holds.

Here are some more of my favorite shots of the day: