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Proud pup mom, type A creative, lover of the outdoors, Top Chef fan girl, and wedding and portrait photographer. Welcome to the blog!
HI, I'M RACHEL!
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This blog post is part the story of Irene and Steven’s formal Capitol Hill engagement photos session, part lesson on how to plan an engagement session. Irene totally schooled me on how to do an engagement session like a boss!
Irene contacted me last summer to start planning her and Steven’s formal Capitol Hill engagement photos. She had a vision and I was excited to execute it with her.
To start, she planned her formal Capitol Hill engagement photos session way in advance – like six months in advance. She knew she wanted to do three looks at the three main buildings on Capitol Hill. (Yes!) Since she wanted to do three different outfits and three different buildings (we actually ended up doing four buildings because the front of the SCOTUS was closed), we did the extended session – 2.5 hours vs. the standard 90 minutes.
Irene carefully planned her three looks for her and Steven’s formal Capitol Hill engagement photos – and I’m guessing she chose her dresses based on the colors that look amazing on her because – wow! She looked absolutely stunning in all three ballgowns. Steven looked super dapper in his looks too, complete with ties to complement Irene’s dresses. So smart! She also carefully chose which dress she wanted to wear at each location, and she did a great job because I think everything coordinated together so beautifully.
If you’ve ever done a photo session on Capitol Hill, you’re probably aware that there are no public restrooms or anywhere to change clothes. I usually have my clients change in their cars or literally in some secluded bushes (mmmhmmm you read that right!). Irene and Steven had the super smart idea to book a hotel room for the night before their session so that they wouldn’t have to wake up as early as they would if they stayed at home, AND so they could easily walk back to the hotel to change between looks.
The smartest thing Irene did for her and Steven’s formal Capitol Hill engagement photos was to have her hair and makeup artist, Carolyn, stay at the hotel to freshen up Irene’s hair and makeup while they changed outfits. Not only did she ensure Irene was looking her best, but she also switched up Irene’s lip color to complement each dress color. You have no idea how happy that makes this photographer!
Now, not everyone has to go to these lengths for their engagement photos in order to get beautiful images. Literally none of my clients have ever done all of these things combined (to my knowledge). But I think Irene and Steven’s stellar photos will tell you that it is definitely worth the extra thought, planning, and investment.
In summary, here’s what this engagement session proves: lots of time + thoughtfully chosen outfits (Rent the Runway for the win!!) + extended hair and makeup session + iconic locations + beautiful, in love, happy couple = stunning engagement photos. I rest my case. (haha)
The cape! Wow!
How amazing is this gown?! Irene, you have great taste!
Can you say, power couple?! Lookin’ like they OWN the LoC!
Thanks to Carolyn of Carolyn Thombs Artistry for Irene’s hair and makeup.
Did this post get you excited to book your own wedding, micro-wedding, elopement, or engagement session?! If yes, send me a note and we can chat about what you have in mind: contact me
Hi – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia. I love taking photos of elegant people who love to laugh, as well as of much in-love couples. If you’re a dog owner, that’s a plus! I’m currently booking 2021 portrait sessions, as well as 2021 and 2022 weddings.
HELLO@RACHELEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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Rachel is a wedding and portrait photographer
Serving brilliant, elegant couples in Washington D.C. + Beyond
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