Wedding Planning Pointer #4

As I start to think of the best places in DC to have our engagement photo session, I find myself overwhelmed. There are so many gorgeous places in and around the city, can’t we have 10 engagement photo sessions? It seems unfair that we have to pick just one or two. If you’re a bride-to-be I’m sure you’ve struggled with this as well. So to help narrow it down and give you some ideas, I’ve compiled the 10 best places around DC to have your engagement photos taken.

The memorial Bridge by Ellie Trybuch

1. Memorial Bridge: This can be in your photo session mix. Its such a great landmark and its so beautiful.

2.The DC Monuments: Nothing says “classic” like the DC monuments. Weave around the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial or sit down for a picnic next to the Washington Monument. Gorgeous.

3.Brookside Gardens: A walk down the path of this little Maryland Garden is sure to be enchanting. Peter Bang, who is hands down my favorite photographer in the area, captures romance like no one else. His Grace & Daniel photo shoot at Brookside Gardens is just gorgeous.

4. Georgetown: The architecture and charming feel of Georgetown is unmatched. Shelby Leigh did a photo shoot with some good friends (and future family members of mine) that are absolutely amazing. These pictures should inspire you to mix it up a bit on an old stone road.

C + T by Shelby Leigh

5.National Cathedral and the adorable little church next to it: It’ll be a quick taxi stop but you will have THE cutest pictures! The stop chapel with bright red door has always been one of my favorite viewing pleasures on Wisconsin. And there’s not a soul in the world that can argue the beauty of the National Cathedral. Many of us can’t afford to get married there… but that doesn’t have to stop you from having the pictures!

6. Annapolis: A quick drive and you’re in the nautical setting of Maryland’s capital. My best friend (and main-of-honor), Kelly, had her engagement photos taken there and they remain some of my favorite.

K + B Annapolis, MD

7.Tidal Basin: I know this can be grouped with the monuments. After all, they’re right beside eachother. But, I could not resist sharing this amazing photo-shoot, once again by Peter Bang, by the Tidal Basin. Lisa & Chen look so in love and the Cherry Blossom setting by the Tidal Basin is just so gorgeous, it needed its own shout out.

8. Great Falls VA: Rushing waters, calm creeks, large rocks with an ancient spirit, huge trees with old stories…this place has it all. It can be rustic, it can be exciting, it can be serene, or it can be the moderns outdoors backdrop of your dreams—your choice. Either way, you will not be disappointed. It’s beautiful.

9.The place you officially became ENGAGED! Engagement sessions are inherently exiting and thrilling, but there’s no better place to bring back the genuine romance like THE place he proposed! Be it a restaurant, a cafe, or a lawn—you should go there. The feeling you get when you return will lend to some gorgeous photos.

10. A Virginia vineyard: Just frolic through the fields and play around a little. The green setting and tall plants will provide a fun yet breathtaking setting for these once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Vineyard- Kristy Huston Photography