There are some shoots that just feel like magic from the very beginning. This was one of them.
Brian and Leah had always dreamed of doing their engagement session during cherry blossom season in Washington, DC. They flew in from Chicago, and I traveled down from New York, all of us hoping to catch the peak bloom. Cherry blossom season can be unpredictable, but we lucked out. The trees were in full bloom, soft pink petals everywhere, and the light was perfect. The Tidal Basin looked like something out of a dream.
We started early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and it gave us a calm and peaceful atmosphere to shoot in. Brian and Leah had chosen outfits that worked beautifully with the setting. Everything felt effortless. Their chemistry, the light, the soft tones of the blossoms — it all came together in a way that felt natural and timeless.
After the Tidal Basin, we made our way to the National Cathedral. It was a completely different mood, with its grand architecture and dramatic textures, but just as stunning. The space gave us a chance to capture something more editorial, a little more structured while still keeping the emotion front and center. The light pouring through the arches added something really special to the images.
What made this session stand out wasn’t just the beautiful locations or the perfect timing. It was the experience. Brian and Leah brought so much warmth and trust into the process. Even though we were all coming from different places, the session flowed with ease. It felt honest. It felt present.