She said yes and we went on a boat ride for a little photoshoot to celebrate, these Georgetown engagement photos turned out beautiful.

Proposing marriage is one of the most significant moments in a person’s life. As a wedding photographer I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless proposals, each unique. Here are some tips on what to say when you’re proposing, drawn from my experience behind the lens.

DC Proposal photographer Samia captures Kevin proposing to Dana at Bishops Garden in DC. It was a beautiful morning, and the cherry blossoms and spring flowers were in full bloom, creating the perfect backdrop for such a special moment.

DAR Constitution Hall 

Fees and Permits: No fee for outside, inside need to make appointment 

DAR is a great location for elegance and timeless charm. The steps and columns give the perfect DC historic look, without being monument specific. With its stunning architecture and rich backstory, this place brings a whole new level of grandeur to your shoot. 

Previous work at DAR Constitution Hall:  DAR Wedding: Eleanor and Patrick’s Summer Wedding, 

DAR Constitution Hall Wedding: Jill & Kevin,

Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP) Networking Event at DAR Constitution Hall

Library of Congress Engagement Photos: Ray and Liz

Library of Congress Engagement Photos: Karen and Mike

Hugh and Sophie’s proposal at the Spanish Steps in DC was a beautiful and thoughtful moment captured in time.

Clark chose the perfect spot to propose to Amelia – Barca Social in Old Town Alexandria.

One of my most memorable photography experiences was engagement photographs at Bon Air Rose Garden with Rebecca and Thomas, who are getting married this fall at 2941 in Merrifield, Virginia. For their engagement photos, we wanted to capture the essence of spring and chose the beautiful Bon Air Rose Garden in Arlington, Virginia as the perfect location. 

Scout and Austin are planning their wedding in Wyoming, but came to Virginia to visit family just in time to take engagement photos. We took these at Austin’s uncle’s house in the heart of Clifton Virginia. It was the perfect fall day, and we also got to play with Scout, their family horse, for a few photos!

I am so excited to share these Lansdowne Resort Couples Portraits with you! Megan and Morgan recently came out for some beautiful couples photos at the highly coveted Landsdowne Resort. This stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop for their summer portrait session in Virginia. The photoshoot at Lansdowne resulted in amazing images that truly showcased the love and connection between them. Lansdowne Resort, known for its picturesque landscapes and elegant architecture, created a dreamy setting for Megan and Morgan’s portraits. The warm Virginia summer provided abundant natural light. The bright, sunny day also allowed for vibrant colors to pop in the images, making each picture come alive with joy and happiness.

Lansdowne Resort offered a variety of breathtaking locations within its grounds for the photoshoot. From beautifully manicured gardens to charming architectural features, the resort provided a diverse range of backdrops for the couple’s portraits. Megan and Morgan walked around as we explored these different spots, ensuring that each photo was unique and visually captivating. Throughout the photoshoot, Megan and Morgan focused on the genuine connection between them. We were able to capture authentic, heartfelt moments that truly showcased the love and bond they share. 

Summer is the perfect time to capture beautiful moments with your loved ones, and what better way to do it than through couple’s photos? Virginia in the summer is a photographer’s dream. The vibrant greenery, picturesque landscapes, and warm, golden sunlight create the ideal backdrop for capturing love and joy. Megan and Morgan had chosen a lovely spot by the river for their photoshoot, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. Megan and Morgan were dressed perfectly for the summery vibe. Megan wore a flowy dress that beautifully complemented the natural surroundings, while Morgan looked effortlessly stylish in a crisp shirt and blue pants. Their outfits truly reflected the essence of a relaxed summer day. The outcome of the photoshoot at Lansdowne Resort was a collection of stunning images that will be cherished forever. These photos not only serve as beautiful memories for Megan and Morgan, but they also showcase the timeless beauty of Lansdowne Resort.

Lansdowne Resort Couples Portraits by Virginia Wedding Photographer Samia:

If you’re looking for the perfect location to take engagement photos in Northern Virginia , look no further than Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg. This picturesque venue provides a stunning backdrop for your engagement session, giving you images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Chathom Manor is nestled in the heart of Fredericksburg, Virginia, offering a serene and romantic setting for your engagement photos. Whether you prefer lush green gardens, enchanting ponds, or elegant architecture, this venue has it all. Every corner of Chatham Manor is brimming with beauty, making it the ideal spot for creating timeless photographs.

Engagement photos are not just about capturing your love; they also serve as a memento of this exciting chapter in your lives. Chatham Manor provides a range of stunning locations where you and your partner can express your unique personalities and showcase your love story. From intimate moments near the fountain to walking hand in hand through the flourishing gardens, every photo taken here will tell a beautiful tale.

Fredericksburg itself adds to the charm of your engagement session. This historic city is known for its rich heritage and is a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Incorporating these stunning backdrops into your photos will add an extra layer of character and depth, truly capturing the essence of your love and the location.

When planning your summer engagement photoshoot at Chatham Manor, keep in mind the beauty that nature provides during this time of year. The lush greenery, blooming flowers, and warm sunlight will give your images a vibrant and joyful feel. With the right photographer behind the camera, these elements can be expertly used to create dreamy and romantic photographs that perfectly showcase your love.

Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg, Virginia, offers the perfect setting to create stunning engagement photos that will forever remind you of the love and happiness you shared during this special time. So, if you’re looking for an enchanting location for your engagement photos in Northern Virginia, consider Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg. Let the breathtaking beauty of this venue be the backdrop to your love story, capturing moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Engagement Photos in Northern Virginia by Virginia Wedding Photographer Samia:

Any couple considering a venue to take DC engagement photos in the summer should consider Bishop Garden. This charming location offers beautiful backdrops for capturing your love story. With its vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and picturesque scenery, Bishop Garden provides a delightful setting for your engagement session.

Imagine strolling hand in hand through this peaceful garden, while the sunlight gently filters through the trees. As a photographer, I would be thrilled to capture these magical moments for you. If you are looking for a touch of grandeur and architectural beauty, consider taking some photos outside the National Cathedral. This iconic landmark adds a timelessness to your engagement photos. Against its grand exterior, your love shines brightly, creating breathtaking images.

DC’s summer evenings offer a unique opportunity for capturing captivating sunset engagement photos. The vibrant hues of the setting sun create a warm and romantic atmosphere. As day turns into night, the sky transforms into a canvas of stunning colors, providing the perfect backdrop for your love story.

Engagement photos in DC gardens are always a wonderful choice. These enchanting spaces offer a sense of serenity and tranquility within the bustling city. From Bishop Garden to other hidden gems, the options are endless. Let the natural beauty of the surroundings enhance the love and joy that radiate from the both of you.

Lastly, the National Cathedral serves as an extraordinary location for engagement photos in DC. Its grandeur and historical significance add an extra layer of elegance to your images. With its towering spires and intricate details, it creates a majestic backdrop for capturing your love in a truly unforgettable way.

Whether you choose Bishop Garden, the National Cathedral, or any other stunning outdoor location in DC, I am passionate about capturing your love story. Let’s create timeless images that celebrate your unique connection and the beauty of the city.

Venue: Washington National Cathedral and Bishop Garden

D.C Engagement Photos by Washington D.C Wedding Photographer Samia:

One of the top locations for couples to take engagement photos is Stone Tower Winery. The winery is known for its stunning views and picturesque landscapes, which serve as the perfect backdrop for capturing Sophie and Kamal’s love story. There are so many things that make this venue special, but one of them is definitely the the pink flowers blooming all around. The pink flowers add a splash of color in the background for some interest. It also contrasts perfectly against all the greenery of the winery. 

To make this engagement session even more special, we took some photos on the drone! There is no better way to showcase the winery’s sprawling vineyards and rolling hills than from the aerial perspective of a drone. It adds an extra element of grandeur and creates great composition. Located in Virginia’s Loudoun County, Stone Tower Winery offers a captivating setting for engagement photos. With its picturesque surroundings and serene ambiance, it creates an intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a couple’s love story. The winery’s charm and elegance make it one of the most sought-after locations for engagement photo sessions in the area for couples who want timeless and classic photos.

Whether you’re a Virginia local or planning a destination engagement session, Stone Tower Winery should be at the top of your list. Its natural beauty combined with some dynamic, aerial photography all come together to make romantic summer engagement photos. So, if you’re looking for a romantic engagement photo session in the heart of Virginia, Stone Tower Winery is the perfect choice. Congratulations to Sophie and Kamal on your engagement, it is an honor to tell your love story and I can’t wait for your wedding! 

Vendors: Venue: Stone Tower Winery, Planning: Events by Sophie

Stone Tower Winery Engagement Photos by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Samia:

If you’re looking for a breathtaking location for your engagement photos, perhaps you will find some inspirations from these Enid A. Haupt Garden photos.  This gorgeous garden, nestled right beside the iconic Smithsonian Castle in Washington D.C., offers the perfect backdrop for capturing your love story on film.

One of the highlights of taking engagement photos at Enid A. Haupt Garden is the stunning scenery. With its beautifully manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and charming architecture, this garden creates a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. Whether you’re opting for a classic and elegant look or a more whimsical and playful vibe, this location has it all.

Timing is key when it comes to capturing the perfect engagement photos, and Enid A. Haupt Garden offers an array of possibilities throughout the day. However, if you want to add an extra touch of magic to your session, consider scheduling it during sunset. For example in these Enid A. Haupt Garden photos of Katherine and Erwin, there’s a lot of warm and golden light of the setting sun, creating a truly enchanting and ethereal feel to your photos.

Engagement photos are not just about the location, but also about capturing your unique connection as a couple. At Enid A. Haupt Garden, you’ll have plenty of picturesque spots to choose from, whether it’s a romantic walk along the garden paths, a candid moment under the shade of a tree, or an intimate embrace beneath the stunning architecture of the Smithsonian Castle.

Enid A. Haupt Garden is also a fantastic choice if you’re a fan of the Smithsonian. The garden is located right next to the Smithsonian Castle, offering you the opportunity to incorporate this iconic landmark into your engagement photos. Imagine having the castle as the backdrop for your love story, creating stunning and timeless images that you’ll cherish forever.

With its enchanting beauty and historical significance, Enid A. Haupt Garden provides the perfect setting for capturing your love and excitement during this special time in your life. Whether you’re looking for a classic and elegant vibe or a more whimsical and playful atmosphere, this location offers endless possibilities for creating stunning engagement photos. Keep scrolling if you want to see more of Katherine and Erwin’s Enid A. Haupt Garden photos.

Vendors: Venue: Smithsonian and Smithsonian Gardens

Enid A. Haupt Garden photos by Washington D.C Wedding Photographer Samia

I love to take summer engagement photos , especially at beautiful locations like Morais Vineyards. This vineyard, located in Bealeton, Virginia, offers a stunning backdrop for capturing your love and excitement before the big day. Engagement photos are a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and share your joy with friends and family. Morais Vineyards provides a picturesque setting, with its lush green vineyards, elegant architecture, and charming gardens. These elements can add a touch of romance and beauty to your engagement photographs.

The abundance of natural light during summer creates a warm and glowing atmosphere, ideal for capturing intimate moments and joyful expressions. The vineyard’s outdoor spaces allow you to take advantage of this light, as well as the stunning surroundings. You can pose amidst the rows of grapevines, under the shade of a blooming tree, or against the backdrop of the vineyard’s unique architecture. Not only does Morais Vineyards offer beautiful outdoor settings, but its indoor spaces are equally captivating. The vast wooden barrels in the wine cellar and the elegant tasting rooms can be great locations for indoor shots. These areas exude a sense of sophistication and can add a touch of elegance to your engagement photos.

Engagement sessions at Morais Vineyards can be tailored to suit your personal style and preferences. Whether you envision a casual and playful shoot or a more formal and romantic session, the vineyard’s diverse settings can accommodate your desires. One of the things I love about taking photos at Morais Vineyards is that I can capture your love story authentically, using the vineyard’s charm to enhance the beauty of your images. If you are considering Morais Vineyards for your engagement photos, it’s best to schedule your session well in advance. This ensures we can plan for the perfect time of day when the lighting conditions are optimal. Additionally, discussing your vision and ideas with me beforehand can help me capture the essence of your relationship and create stunning images that you will cherish forever.

Morais Vineyards is a truly beautiful location for summer engagement photos in Bealeton, Virginia. By choosing this vineyard as your backdrop, you can create timeless images that reflect the beauty of your love and the excitement of your upcoming journey together. So, put on your favorite outfits, and let the vineyard’s charm and romance shine through in your engagement photos.

Vendors: Venue: Morais Vineyards and Morais Weddings

Morais Vineyards Engagement Photos by Washington D.C Wedding Photographer Samia:

Salamander Resort is the perfect place to take engagement photos in Northern Virginia. Located in Northern Virginia’s charming Loudoun County, this resort provides the perfect backdrop for a really memorable engagement shoot. 

The Salamander Resort offers a good mix of nature, elegance, and tranquility. There are so many options for variety in photos here: walking hand in hand through lush gardens, posing under towering trees, and sharing loving glances against the backdrop of rolling hills. 

For Antonia and Maceo’s engagement session, we went for a combination of a playful and adventurous vibe and a romantic and posed vibe, to reflect their relationship. I should also mention the architecture at this resort! The resort’s architecture serves as a beautiful contrast to the natural surroundings, something really unique. 

During the summer months, the resort bursts with vibrant colors and foliage, making it an ideal time for your engagement photos. The way the sun sets at the Salamander is so beautiful because the fields are rather flat and the sun can come through easily, resulting in stunning, naturally lit photographs.

There are a lot of places to take engagement photos at in Virginia, and I am excited to add this one to the list. Engagement photos at the Salamander Resort allow you to celebrate your love in a unique and unforgettable way. The tranquil ambience, combined with the natural beauty of Northern Virginia and Loudoun County, provides an extraordinary setting to capture heartfelt moments. These images will not only serve as a beautiful reminder of your love story but also reflect the magnificent beauty of this picturesque region of Virginia.

Engagement photos in Northern Virginia by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Samia

These lincoln memorial engagement photos are some of my favorite photos I have taken at the DC monuments. What makes these photos so special is the story of Lauren and Patrick, who are to be married next spring. Lauren and Patrick actually met online and it didn’t take them long at all to discover that they had so much in common. For their first date they actually went to a tavern in Falls Church where they had drinks and talked for hours and made plans to get together again. Lauren still holds it against Patrick though that they actually didn’t actually end up eating dinner (even though she had already picked out what she was going to order) -they just had drinks! 😉 After getting to know one another their love for one another grew. On a December night at the Georgetown waterfront, after Italian dinner, Patrick asked Lauren to be with him forever, to which she said yes. Two of Patrick’s brothers and their significant others were actually hiding out taking pictures and videos too! They then met up with more family and friends to celebrate that night! The start of Lauren and Patrick’s forever wouldn’t be complete without me also telling you about a special puppy named Lincoln! Three days after their engagement, Lauren and Patrick picked up their puppy, an early Christmas present, named Lincoln. 

Fast forward to today and Lauren and Patrick are planning their wedding for spring of 2023 to take place at Top of the Town in Arlington. They chose this as the place to make the commitment to one another because of the gorgeous view and the timeless and classic appeal of the ballroom. For their engagement photos, we also went for a timeless and classic location that portrays their personalities and love for one another. Lincoln memorial engagement photos are some of the best if you are looking for an iconic DC backdrop, with a bit of greenery mixed in. We went for a mix of poses and candid movement and it turned out to be beautiful! Not to mention, Patrick and Lauren brought a couple things with them -champagne to pop at the end, and of course, Lincoln himself. 

Lincoln Memorial Engagement Photos by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Samia

I am so excited to share these state Arboretum of Virginia engagement photos! The State Arboretum of Virginia located in Boyce, Virginia is one of the best locations for engagement photos if you are looking for all things gardens, open fields, and full trees. You can get a lot of variety just by walking around, from the building to the gravel roads to the greenhouse area. It is perfect for a spring or summer engagement session and I am so glad Brittany and Dom chose it for their session! 

What makes this engagement session extra special is the story of Brittany and Dominic. Brittany and Dom actually met at their first jobs at the Fairfax Ice Arena. Dominic was a skate guard and Brittany worked in the box office selling tickets. Fast forward to today and they are engagement and planning their wedding for this fall! Dominic actually proposed at Enchanted in DC. They were skating on a rink at Nats Park. It was during Christmas time so it was beautifully decorated and very special. When I asked them what they perfect date night looked like, they told me it would be visiting a new area, trying a new restaurant or just sitting at home, renting a movie and enjoying each other’s company. They are getting married in Luray this fall, so a summer engagement session worked out perfectly so they have variety in their galleries and also a little bit of practice in before the wedding. Brittany wore the most beautiful red dress and Dominic wore a navy shirt and khaki pants which paired beautifully with the back drops of the Arboretum. We also lucked out with the most amazing light and weather. I can’t wait for their wedding this fall! 

State Arboretum of Engagement Photos by Wedding Photographer Samia:

This engagement photos Maryland session was one my favorite engagement sessions to date and I am so excited to share it with you! Paige and David actually met a month and a half before COVID started through Hinge. David had this amazing picture where he was eating noodles out of a backpacker’s food pouch grinning broadly. He also had a few others where he was adventuring outside. Paige really liked his smile and outdoorsy focus, so she messaged him. They had 8 dates before COVID. When COVID hit, Paige went home to be with my family and wanted to “press pause” with David. When she came back from being with my family in June of 2020, she took him up on his earlier offer of quarantining with him and they split time between her apartment in DC and his house in Silver Spring. Fast forward to today and they are planning their wedding for this fall! 

David and Paige decided Briar Patch was the place for them when David saw the colorful but mismatched tablecloths in the breakfast room – he said it felt like Paige and that he could immediately see our family and my friends crammed in in the morning. They both liked the beautiful old trees and the well-loved feel of the place and they also liked that we could have our families on site and be there the whole weekend. For their engagement session, we decided to keep things sentimental and actually chose to go on a little trail that Paige and David used to walk often during COVID. I’m so glad we did because it turned out to well, and I can’t wait for their wedding this fall! 

Engagement Photos Maryland by Wedding Photographer Samia:

Old Town Alexandria was the perfect spot for Virginia and Coy’s engagement photos and I am so excited to share this Old town photoshoot with you. Coy and Virginia met for their first date last May at a coffee shop in Alexandria, Virginia—just a few minutes away from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. They walked to a small park, and enjoyed coffee and conversation in what seemed like a random gazebo. If you know Coy and Virginia, you won’t be surprised that they talked about crypto and Zimbabwe. In short, it seemed like a smashing success! However, Coy had to cut it off after an hour and a half to volunteer at church, and Virginia wondered if he was making up an excuse to leave…especially after he mentioned that he would “be out of town for a few weeks.” Any such doubts were quickly erased as Coy proved to be an excellent date-planner and Virginia was quickly swept off her feet. They fell in love while enjoying an Italian dinner in Dupont Circle, strolling around DC’s Tidal Basin, exploring Mount Vernon (during the great Cicada emerging of 2021), and visiting nearby Hunt Country. Most importantly, they fell in love through sharing their faith.

They’ve expanded each other’s horizons: Coy now enjoys Virginia’s favorite BBC series Father Brown; Virginia now enjoys Coy’s favorite cartoon Adventure Time. Coy now appreciates Virginia’s wide range of musical taste-including Lionel Richie and John Denver-and Virginia now tolerates Coy’s obsession with bluegrass. Truly a perfect match!

After securing blessings from the McNallys, the stage was set for Coy’s proposal during a March weekend. On a Friday evening, Virginia awaited in anticipation for a grand gesture while Coy sat in a Jiffy Lube waiting room texting her amusing videos of ducks he found on the internet. After Virginia wondered if this was some sort of trick…Coy revealed that there were no big plans for the evening. Virginia’s patience paid off the following morning. Coy planned an intricate scavenger hunt spread out over three locations and with clues delivered by Virginia’s dear friends Olivia and Hillary. At the end of the hunt, Virginia found Coy waiting for her at the coffee shop where they first met. They walked in the snow to the gazebo that once seemed random but now holds great significance, and having lost all feelings in his toes and fingers, Coy asked Virginia to marry him. The next morning, they attended a worship service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Virginia—the site of their future marriage ceremony. It was truly a perfect match!

Old Town Photoshoot  by Virginia Wedding Photographer Samia:

These Old Town Alexandria engagement photos are some of my favorite to date! Shabnam and Josh actually met online. For their first date, they went to the Dubliner in DC, where they bonded over their love for Ireland and movies. Josh actually proposed to Shaby at the National Arboretum, which is one of their favorite spots to go for a walk. He did it on their 3 year anniversary. Fast forward to today and they are planning their wedding for this fall 2022, and it is going to all take place at Hotel Dupont in Washington DC.

What does their life aside from wedding planning look like? They are both currently working from our home. They break up the day by having a late breakfast, watching an episode of Columbo or Murder She Wrote, and motivate each other to work out when work is all done. In the evenings, they actually go to the movies about 1-2 per week. I also think it is so cool that Shaby and Josh also visit book stores and record stores once a week. They enjoy exploring new restaurants and planning future trips, cooking and music. When they aren’t out exploring, they love to stay in for dinner and a movie.

For their engagement photos we went to Old Town Alexandria, the perfect location for water views and inner city scape and cobblestone.  We started by the water and then made our way around Old Town, ending up at the tunnel for the most gorgeous sunset view that poured into their photos. I am so grateful to be telling Shaby and Josh’s love story through pictures, and can’t wait for their wedding this fall!

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Photos by Virginia Wedding Photographer Samia:

These Library of Congress engagement photos are some of my favorite to date! Karen and Mike actually met at an ice cream social. Karen’s roommate introduced them to each other but while Michael was trying to make moves, she was more focused on creating the perfect ice cream sundae.  Mike asked Karen out and for their first date they went to Jaxson’s, a popular restaurant and ice cream parlor in south Florida. After dinner, they drove to the beach where they laid under the stars talking and watching the waves crash. A few dates and some (extremely) corny jokes later, as Karen explained it, she was hooked. A few years later and Michael’s family invited Karen on a cruise. She knew something was up when he convinced her to do a “photoshoot” on the beach in Aruba. Michael popped the question surprised Karen with having invited her parents to Aruba also, since he knew how much family meant to her. Today, they live a pretty fast paced life -they both work full time jobs, love to travel, and they have a puppy. When I asked Karen and Mike what their perfect date night looks like, they said the perfect date night would be a romantic dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower while on vacation in Paris.. but until then, they love to make homemade pizza together and watch movies.

For their photos, we went to the Library of Congress. They Library of Congress is a great location for photos if you are looking for that iconic DC backdrop, with a touch of history. What I also love about the Library of Congress is that the sun sets right in front of the building, which makes for a lot of lighting for photos. If you are looking for a place to catch great sunset photos, Library of Congress is definitely one of them.

Library of Congress Engagement photos by DC Wedding Photographer Samia:

I am so excited to add these National Portrait Gallery engagement photos to the portfolio! Marissa and Matt actually met on Bumble when Marissa had just moved to the area. They matched on a Friday, chatted all weekend long & Monday had our first date. For their first date, Matt’s sister in law recommend Clare & Dons in Falls Church. Matt shared, before he saw Marissa for the first time, he didn’t think she was real. On that first date, they stayed and chatting till closing, and fast forward to today -they have been together ever since! When I asked Marissa and Matt what life looks like now, they said they both work from home so they enjoy each others company. Their jobs bring them flexibility so they can spend lots of time together! Their perfect date night would be heading to North Side Social in Falls Church for a wine and charcuterie night all dressed up, and then going for a walk right after.

Matt proposed actually at a photoshoot that Marissa put together with a photographer on a hike at Great Falls! For their photos, we went to National Portrait Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery is a great location for engagement photos if you are looking for a bit of an iconic DC backdrop, with a little bit of art history infused. We started the shoot outside on the steps, and got a bunch of different angles. Marissa and Matt’s outfits were also the perfect combination playing on each other, and they kept their photos timeless.

National Portrait Gallery photos by DC Wedding Photographer Samia:

Alex and Zach lucked out with the sunset for their photos at the Kennedy Center earlier this month! The Kennedy Center is one of the best places for engagement photos because of it’s open space and natural light. Anywhere there is water or white walls nearby, there will be even and great light, and the Kennedy Center has both! What I also love about the space is how easy it is to crop out other people from the photos generally, since there are so many walls and pieces to use for framing. The Kennedy Center is a great background if you are looking for a modern take on DC, with a little bit of trendy and fun thrown in. The key with the Kennedy Center, and most engagement shoots, is actually in the outfits you choose.

I helped Alex and Zach pick outfits that were timeless and classic -white and blue or white and black never fails, and this gives space for the light and backgrounds to have more color without being overwhelming! What I also love about the Kennedy Center is that no matter which direction you shoot in, you will have green lighting. I always like to start with the light on the couple for the first half, and then switch to a backlit evening once the sunset is in full swing, which you can see down below. That backlit light with a little wind makes for the most movement and natural looking photos! I loved this session and working with Alex and Zach, and I am so excited to add this special sunset to the portfolio.

Kennedy Center Engagement Photos by DC Wedding Photographer Samia:

Shelby and Red are the sweetest and their stylish Washington DC engagement photos were amazing to photograph! The two have been together since August 2017 after meeting at Reda’s uncle’s restaurant, where they were both working. It took them over a month to realize that they were more than friends but a kiss in Arlington sealed their fate. Now, these two wonderful people are planning their Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast wedding day to bring their families together!

Reda and Shelby chose to do their engagement portraits around Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. It’s absolutely beautiful in the fall and wound up being the perfect upscale look for their portraits. Honestly, I haven’t met two more stylish people than these two. Just look at those outfits! They both have such a great, relaxed city loving vibe to them and I loved spending the afternoon with them!During our session, I got to hear more about Reda’s proposal for Shelby. It was SO sweet. While visiting Marrakech and his family, he surprised Shelby completely with his proposal! When she said yes, they were able to have a huge engagement session with his family and friends from Morocco! It was so sweet to hear how he worked hard to surprise her with something special and memorable.

I cannot wait to see these two again in April for their Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast wedding! They are planning to have a large bridal party, a red old fashioned mustang, all the spring colored flowers, their dog, and so much more and it’s going to be amazing!

Washington DC Engagement Photos by DC Luxury Wedding Photographer Samia:

 Chris proposed on Christmas Eve 2019 on his parent’s balcony after everyone had gone home after Christmas dinner. It was 35 years after Chris’ dad proposed to his mom. However, it was not on purpose. Chris wanted to propose the day before at Dallas’ Reunion Tower but the moment was not right. On the evening he proposed, his parents had bottles of Mumm’s champagne ready to pop just in case it happened over the holidays. This is the same brand of champagne they had for their proposal story.

Choosing the best location for your photos really important! I always encourage clients to pick a location that is meaningful and fitting to you. For example, if you don’t regularly hike in the Shenandoah then getting photos done out in park will be beautiful, but not as meaningful as somewhere that is truly special to you.

First, here is my Bucket List of locations in the D.C. Maryland, and Virginia area. These are locations I have never been to, but always wanted to photograph at!

SAMIA’S BUCKET LIST LOCATIONS

• Larz Anderson House
• Washington National Cathedral 
• The Wharf 
• Kennedy Center Rooftop
• The Line Hotel
• The Berliner D.C.

And, here are more location ideas:

WASHINGTON D.C. LOCATIONS

Indoor: Jack Rose, Meridian House, The Fairmont Washington D.C., Patterson Mansion

Outdoor with Water Views: Georgetown Waterfront

Outdoor Park: Rock Creek Park, Botanical Gardens (fees may apply*), National Arboretum (fees may apply*) // Examples: Danny and Sarah | Rock Creek Park

Rooftops: Union Market Parking Lot Rooftop, The Reach at the Kennedy Center

Iconic: Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill // Examples: Amanda and Tim | Thomas Jefferson Memorial Engagement Session

Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings: Patterson Mansion, Meridian House

NORTHERN VIRGINIA LOCATIONS

Indoor: Country Club of Fairfax, Old Hickory Golf Club

Outdoor with Water Views: Great Falls Park, Aquia Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, Shenandoah National Park // Examples: Lyndsey and Stephen | Old Town Alexandria Engagement , Kelly and Eduardo | Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session , Brittany and Jon | Shenandoah National Park Engagement Session

Outdoor Park: Algonkian Park, Rose Garden, Manassas Battlefield, Virginia Arboretum

Outdoor with Mountain Views/Overlooks: Shenandoah National Park, Bear’s Den Overlook

Wineries: Fleetwood Farm Winery

Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings:

(Loudoun County: Goodstone Inn, Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast, Salamander Resort and Spa)

(Old Town Alexandria: The Carlyle House, The Athenaeum, Cedar Knoll)

MARYLAND LOCATIONS

Indoor: Rawlings Conservatory, Strong Mansion, The Engineer’s Club, Clara Barton House

Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings: Rawlings Conservatory, Strong Mansion, The Engineer’s Club, Clara Barton House

IN HOME SESSIONS 

If staying in and/or cooking is your favorite thing to do together, than this is the perfect choice! Its also a perfect choice for winter. I love the idea of hanging photos of you together in your home, in your home! // Examples: Ean and Shelby | In Home Session

Choosing the best location for your session can be tricky, I’m always happy to jump on a call and help brainstorm! Once you have your location picked, you’ll want to look into the best outfits to match! You can get more help with this by checking out the What To Wear To Your Engagement Session blog post!