I don’t typically get up in the wee hours of the morning (hello to all of my fellow sleep-in lovers out there!), but when I do, it’s typically for a good sunrise!!! Chris and Stephanie were willing to brave not only the early rise but the CRAZY cold temps! Bless their souls because I was wrapped in a coat, scarf, and gloves… And for them? Well, not as many layers. We had the most incredible glowy light from the sun rising behind us, and so we took advantage of the beautiful pink sky! Chris and Stephanie live in the D.C. area, so it was important to have the cityscape documented since it holds a special place in their heart right now. Life moves so fast so if they end up moving somewhere away from D.C., they will have these memories to cherish forever. <3 I loved that we were also able to document a preview of spring with the pink magnolia tree close to the tidal basin!! As soon as we got in our cars to go fetch the pups, a CRAZY and unexpected snow storm came through!!!! It was insane. I was listening to the radio station, and even they were surprised to look out the window to see snow. But I was excited to take them out in the snow and photograph more photos — What a beautiful contrast from the first part of the shoot!!! 🙂 It’s as if we documented a spring and winter session all within 1.5-hours!
Chris and Stephanie are the sweetest together!!! And I loved our connection as Stephanie was not only a JMU Alumni, but she was a Dukette! GO DUKES!!!! 🙂 Because of the freezing temps, Chris made sure to attend to Stephanie whenever she needed a helping hand or just keep warm. I loved seeing his selfless love for her during our time together. I cannot wait for these two to tie the knot and document the celebration with family and friends! It’s going to be a FUN day/night!!!
Chris and Stephanie’s Love Story
How They Met
Stephanie and Chris met in the summer of 2010 working at a Bertucci’s in Herndon, Virginia. Stephanie was leaving in the fall to attend graduate school in Italy and Chris was attending George Mason University. That summer they would spend their night shifts debating politics, sneaking cappuccinos, and flirting. Anyone who knows Chris and Stephanie knows that they are opposites in many ways (including their 1 foot height difference). Despite those differences, they have always had a strong connection. For Stephanie’s entire year in Italy the two kept in touch via email and Skype. Chris picked Stephanie up from the airport with flowers and they have been together ever since! A wanderlust pair, their relationship has included many trips across the US, to Thailand and throughout Europe. They have been together through Stephanie’s time in law school (yes, she went to school again), purchasing their first home, and adopting their 2 rescue dogs. Chris and Stephanie love building their lives together and can’t wait to be married.
How Chris Proposed to Steph
Seven years later Stephanie and Chris were going back to Florence, Italy. In the months leading up to the couple’s trip to Europe, Stephanie had become suspicious that Chris was going to propose during the vacation. Suspecting that Stephanie was onto him, Chris decided to propose two weeks before their trip. It was a typical Friday date night with dinner plans. Stephanie thought Chris’s impatience was unusual as the restaurant was only a few minutes away. While Stephanie was getting ready, Chris asked her to check on their dog, Lucy. He said that something was wrong with her collar. As Stephanie rushed to Lucy, she spotted a bright, shiny ring attached to Lucy’s collar. Surprised, Stephanie couldn’t stop laughing and crying. Chris, also laughing, almost forgot to actually ask her to marry him.
Thank you, Chris and Stephanie, for waking up super early and braving the weather!!! What an unforgettable time together! I can only imagine what your wedding day will bring. 😉 Cannot wait!!! Congrats and enjoy this preview from our time together!!! XOXO!
Hair and Makeup by Melissa and Shenoa from Makeup by Ana B
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