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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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micro WEDDINGS
elopements
I’m excited to share with you the sweetest Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal today!
Iconic Proposal
Nate was so excited to propose to his girlfriend and he picked one of the most picturesque, iconic place to pop the question in the D.C. area – the Lincoln Memorial. Not only did he pick such a beautiful spot, he planned for his Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal to take place when both of their families were in town to celebrate Thanksgiving. So thoughtful! And I’m sure their parents appreciated being in on all the celebrating!
The Premise
Nate told Hannah they had a family photo session at the Lincoln Memorial, and that they had to make it there in time for that. (When really, they had to rush over after work to make it in time for the proposal before the sun set that day! haha) Smart, Nate!
Sneakiest Little Sneaky Sneaks
The funnest part about our plan was that Nate wanted to propose between two of the columns so that in the photos you’d be able to see the Washington Monument, reflecting pool, Capitol dome in the background. Great idea and somewhat difficult to guarantee because there are often people hanging out in those spots, enjoying the view.
I got there early and sat in the spot as I waited for Nate and Hannah to show up so that no one else could take the prime spot! I told Nate that I’d just stay there until they walked up and that he should pretend he didn’t know who I was. I would act like a random person just hanging out, and I’d ask if they wanted to use the area and then I’d walk back into the monument and get in place so I could capture the proposal.
Y’all, I felt like a CIA agent and an actor, all at the same time! haha It felt so sneaky! But we pulled it off without a hitch, and Hannah didn’t suspect a thing! I got into place just in time to snag beautiful photos of Nate’s Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal (which he did with a ring made by Alexandria & Co with all family stones) and all of Hannah’s adorable, sweet reactions after saying yes! Woot woot!
Portrait Time
After Nate popped the question, we took some time to walk around the area and take portraits. We hit all the good spots, as you’ll see below. And I just adore how in the moment and excited they both look about being newly engaged. It’s so clear to see how taken Nate is with Hannah – it really shines through in their photos.
Yep, that’s the shot we were going for!
The sun came out just in time for a couple glowy portraits! The perfect highlight to their happy smiles 🙂
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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