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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!
welcome!
micro WEDDINGS
elopements
Oh, it’s always a good day when I get to share a surprise proposal here on the blog! Especially when it’s a Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal!
SOLID PROPOSAL PLAN
Viraj contacted me well in advance to plan his surprise Lincoln Memorial proposal to his then girlfriend, Brittany. He knew he would be able to plan a trip to D.C. (from NYC) for early July, and was excited to include such an iconic location in his proposal.
I have to give props to Viraj for putting together a really solid proposal plan! It’s sometimes a challenge for people to get their significant other to do something that might be out of the ordinary… like walking into the Lincoln Memorial in the middle of a 90+ degree Saturday while on a business trip, while wearing a super cute outfit and having their hair and makeup done. Haha! But Viraj pulled it off without a hitch!
Not only did he convince Brittany to do all those things without suspicion, he also booked me for two hours instead of one. We used one full hour for the proposal and portraits, and he utilized the other hour (the first hour) to have me hold down the spot where he would propose. I had told him that I avoid shooting at the Lincoln in the middle of the day or the evening because it gets super crowded, so he suggested the additional hour and was willing to make that investment so we could ensure he was able to propose in the exact spot he wanted.
PRACTICE IN COMMITMENT
That was a totally brilliant idea, because let me tell you – the Lincoln Memorial is one busy place on a Saturday afternoon! I spent one of the most awkward hours of my life sitting in one spot, eating my lunch, pretending to be taking pictures, and not budging when tourists stepped in to take selfies (OK, I did scoot off to one side so they had room). It was a practice in commitment! haha I was like, I am *not* losing this spot! Finally, a group of about five family members stepped in moments before Viraj and Brittany walked up, so I offered to take a cell phone pic of the family and let them know what I was up to. They offered to assist in holding down the spot until V & B were close by. So sweet! Proposals always feel like such a covert activity and it was fun to have some cohorts for a few minutes!
TRADITIONAL PROPOSAL
Viraj popped the question with a traditional down on one knee proposal, and Brittany was delightfully surprised! I just love her genuine excited reaction! She and Viraj were so sweet together taking photos in the spot where he proposed, and then we went to the back of the memorial where we had much more privacy for the remainder of their session.
Congratulations and best wishes again, to Brittany and Viraj!
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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