Annamarie, Michael, and I met at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC for their engagement session last week. The Jefferson is one of my favorite places to shoot in DC. Besides being absolutely beautiful, it provides so much variety when it comes to different lighting and backdrops. Light hits the building beautifully and differently no matter when you go – you can get beautiful light coming through the columns, shade once you’re in the monument, gorgeous golden light peering over the building and trees on the stairs, the Washington Monument and Tidal basin as a backdrop, and so much more.

I always ask my couples what their dynamic is, and Annamarie shared that Michael is the “light-hearted goofball who reminds me (the worry-wart) that life is to be lived with a positive outlook.” As a couple, they really work at being a team and do a good job at building each other, complimenting each other, and talking things through instead of arguing. I love that!

The two have been engaged since May! Michael proposed by having Annamarie’s best friends walk her to a picture-perfect setting on a trail near Teddy Roosevelt Island, and sneakily followed them with his roommates and friends so they could take pictures and celebrate after. When Annamarie and her friends got to the spot, her friends had her face the Potomac and watch a little video he made. While she was watching the video, Michael walked up from behind and got down on one knee. When Annamarie turned around when the video instructed her to do so, there he was. They all went back to Michael’s house after and almost all of their friends from JMU were there waiting. Michael also did it right before Annamarie’s birthday so everyone thought they were coming for a surprise birthday party. Annamarie told me it was the best day she could’ve asked for.

After our engagement shoot, I couldn’t be more excited to shoot Annamarie and Michael’s Arlington wedding at the Top of the Town venue in October!