Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Amanda + Dave

He asked if she needed a date to her senior prom.  He had escorted her during her previous year as a junior (after she went in a roundabout way and had her aunt set them up together), and thought she might need a date again that following year.  While nothing really materialized after junior prom, enough sparks flew at her senior prom that they started dating full time after that night, now over 7 years ago.  Amanda says she knew he was the one from the very beginning.  I asked Dave when he knew, and he replied, "Two years ago when I asked her to marry me."

Bigger sparks flew the night they got engaged.  It was the 4th of July and they were with Amanda's family in Havre de Grace, waiting for the fireworks display to begin.  Amanda sensed it was going to happen at any moment.  She had been hugging on him that evening and (discreetly) felt his pockets for the ring box.  Not finding it, she realized it wouldn't be that night.  But after the National Anthem played out its tune, she turned around to find Dave on one knee.  Her mom was so surprised watching the moment unfold in front of her that she stood there in shock, camera in hand.  But didn't take any pictures.

While there are no photos of the actual moment Dave proposed, we did have plenty of time to walk around Old Town Alexandria and celebrate their engagement while capturing their love for each other.

Amanda and Dave, thank you for an AWESOME engagement session!  I'm so excited for your wedding that's just around the corner!!  xo Pin It

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Julie + Paul

They met 4 years ago through a mutual friend.  Paul saw Julie standing there talking to her and thought she was cute, so he walked up to be introduced.  Their first few dates were hanging out with their friends - because they came to realize they had a lot of friends in common.  Little did Paul know that Julie wanted a real date - just the two of them.  But by then it didn't matter anyway; they already knew they wanted to be together.

Julie and Paul will be having a small, private marriage ceremony, but in keeping with their love of travelling they will be honeymooning in beautiful Ireland in May.  I told them, with my most charming smile, that I do travel documentary and portraits, but I don't think I'll be getting that invite to Ireland.  Ah well, maybe next time...  ;)

Aren't these two hoooottttt??!  And if you know my love for sportbikes, you know why I about died when I heard we were using Paul's new Triumph for the shoot!

It was seriously chilly during the session (in the 40s!), but Julie wanted some great photos in her super cute outfits, so she rallied through it for "high fashion!"

Julie and Paul - thank you for such a great session!  And Paul, if you need someone to babysit your Triumph while on your honeymoon...call me. Pin It

Country Engagement Session: Christine + Shaun

They must have been at the same bars and restaurants at the same time, and probably passed each other on the street, without even knowing it.  This was the conclusion they came to after they met in 2009 at a Red Sox vs. Nationals game and discovered they lived only blocks from each other.  After the game they went to a bar for drinks, and Shaun wasted no time asking Christine out on a date.

He caught her unaware this past March.  She should have sensed something was going on when Shaun, a guy's guy, was drinking a glass of wine with her on the patio of the beautiful Bluemont Vineyard.  As they headed back to the parking lot to continue their Sunday drive, she threw her arms around him and said, "I love you so much!"  Shaun then reached into his pocket, presented Christine with a beautiful ring, and said, "Well, then will you marry me?"

I'm so excited for their June wedding at the Blackthorne Inn!  They are both Irish, and the Inn is owned by an Irish family, so when they happened on this venue in the country they just knew it was the perfect place to celebrate on their wedding day.  Christine is also a bridal blogger.  She is Miss Irish Bride on It's a Bride's Life.  I love seeing her inspiration boards and all the ideas she has for her wedding day.  And as a graphic designer, I know she's going to have so many fun details that truly capture who they are as a couple!

Christine and Shaun decided to have their engagement session at their new home in Stafford, VA.  They have a beautiful house in the country, and it was so calm and peaceful...

Ohhhh, Christine....stop it!!  You are way gorgeous!

They had these fabulous Kate Spade glasses, a gift from Christine's friend, and we couldn't resist using them for the shoot!  (This made Shaun, a guy's guy, happy.)

This is the first time I've made my clients chug during a session (hey, we had to change locations to continue shooting!).  But they didn't mind...

Christine found these amazing custom burlap pillows on Etsy, and they made a perfect complement to their family room decor.  And knowing she's incorporating burlap runners into their wedding details also has me excited!

We had some amazing November weather during their session.  And the golden light in their back yard?  Peeerrrrfect!

Christine and Shaun exchanged furtive glances when we arrived at the lake and I spotted this run-down area at the back of a building.  "Trust me," I said.  And I love that my clients do trust me!  I couldn't resist the lines and angles back here...

The green coat?  Well, she's Irish, and it was a must-have for the shoot.  (And I secretly coveted it because my favorite color is green...)

Christine and Shaun, I had so much fun during your session and I'm so excited for your wedding in June!  Thank you for having me in your home - I hope you grilled an amazing dinner after I left!  ;)  xo Pin It

Woodlawn Manor Engagement Session: Erin + Daniel

Her friend left her alone with a stranger.  Erin had invited him over to hang out, and he brought Daniel with him.  But when he walked outside with her roommate to smoke, she and Daniel were left alone.  A little awkward at first, they started talking and really hit it off.  

But then Daniel left.  For 3 weeks.  He had taken a trip to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with his dad.  But the bond he and Erin formed was not easily forgotten.  Their first date after he returned was a double date with Erin's roommate, a shy guy who wanted to take a girl out but was too nervous to go on his own.  And during dinner, they talked all night long, like no one else was in the room.  And I'm not talking about Erin and Daniel!  I'm talking about Daniel and Erin's roommate's date.  Daniel and this other girl had so many things in common that they were off in their own little world for the evening.  Daniel didn't realize he was doing this, and to this day Erin claims she doesn't consider that to be their real first date.  

Even though that evening was not as Erin and her roommie had envisioned, Erin and Daniel continued to talk, and text, and get to know each other.  He even upgraded to unlimited texting, just for her.  

They were once two strangers, alone in a room.  They have become two people, completely in love.

Erin wanted her wedding at Woodlawn Manor, but since their date wasn't available, she did the next best thing...had their engagement session there!

Dimples!  I seriously love them, and Erin has the best one!!  So every time I was looking for that certain smile from her, all I had to say was, "Dimple!"

Erin used to ride and loves horses, so we were excited to have this fella come over and say hello...

I told them our session was done and we started heading back to our cars.  But when I saw this spot, I made them stop for another photo...I just couldn't resist!  I mean...look at these two!!

Erin and Daniel, I had sooo much fun during your engagement session, and I'm so excited for your wedding in June!  xoxo... Laurie Pin It