Halfway through this darling engagement session, Brittany and Andrew felt as though they had to confess something to me… They were UNC alumni! In college, there was no feud more powerful than the one between UNC and Duke but weirdly enough, even though I am a Blue Devil through and through, some of my very best friends went to UNC! Now in DC, I actually LOVE running into anyone who shared my North Carolina experiences: He’s Not, TOP) and Franklin Street were all a major part of my college experiences too! So Brittany & Andrew’s “confession was met with laughter and heaps of inside jokes.

Michelle contacted me a few weeks before this session; she and her fiancé Tommy had decided to elope and wanted to get married within the month. Just them, and officiant and me. We planned a time and location but these two just couldn’t wait! In true elopement fashion, they went down to the Fairfax Courthouse and tied the knot before this photo session even took place! They chose Bear’s Den because it represented them: they love the outdoors and are a super adventurous couple that needs no frills or pomp and circumstance of a traditional wedding.

I have known Charlotte forever! We swam on the same club team in high school in Boca Raton, Florida. She was always a breath of fresh air and so fun to be around. She is not only stunning and kind but she is also a Marine! Charlotte’s commitment to her country lead her on a journey to meet the love of her life: Joe.  

Every year, I have couples request photos in the cherry blossoms. And rightfully so! Ben and I even did our engagement photos with cherry blossoms! However.. tourists are swarming, even at sunrise! The Tidal Basin can be nuts. Because everyone wants their spring blooms without hundreds of people swarming, I have compiled a list of alternative photo locations that still allow for maximum blossoms but minimal people.