Together, Jarrid and Jen make a beautiful couple! A fun fact about these two is that Jen’s brother played a MAJOR role in connecting these two. You’ll have to read their adorable love story below to find out how, but I adore Jarrid and Jen and their love story! Not only are they are sweet as can be, but gosh, you’ll see below that they can rock a J. Crew shoot! Haha! During our initial meeting a few months ago, Jen and Jarrid mentioned their vision of using a sailboat for their engagement session. They both grew up in the VA Beach area and as you can guess, there’s no shortage of water activities between their love of the beach, boating, and fishing! I thought how dreamy it would be to include a sailboat in their engagement session to make it ‘so them’ and also different from a typical session in Old Town Alexandria. So, we made it happen and I felt as though I was photographing real-life models!! #sodreamy

Since the point of Jarrid and Jen meeting in their hometown yearssss ago, their families have moved out of state, but they decided to stay in Virginia and relocate to the DC metro area for work. With Jen being a nurse, I was fascinated hearing about her work life since it’s a different story every day! Plus, with Alex being in the residency program down in Florida, we talked a lot about that process as well. 🙂 Jarrid is involved in sales for cloud technical stuff, which is above my head! Ha! But it was great getting to know their backgrounds and stories as we walked around Old Town Alexandria! They nailed these portraits, and I cannot wait for them to rock their wedding photos next year!!!

Jarrid & Jen’s Love Story

How Jarrid & Jen Met

from Jen’s point of view

Jarrid and I have known each other since middle school (fun fact he’s my oldest brother’s best friend). Through out my senior year of college we should send each other a text or two. I would let him know when I was going to be home for the weekend. He would occasional send a text telling me to come home for George Mason events. We still to this day question who texted who first. Of course I always say it was him! One summer we went to a Nationals game together and I knew right away there could be something more. He made me smile and laugh that entire night. After I graduated I moved back to Northern Virginia and the rest is history! He’s been making me laugh and smile ever since.

How Jarrid Proposed to Jen

from Jen’s point of view

Jarrid and I had plans to try District Winery a new restaurant on the water in DC. I was suppose to work Easter Sunday so we wanted to do something early. Before dinner we walked on the dock to explore the new area. With the nationals stadium in the background taking it back to our first date, Jarrid got down on one knee and asked to spend forever with me. Of course I said yes! My brother and his girlfriend were there to capture this moment for us. We then had an amazing dinner at District Winery. After dinner we went back to our apartment where he had a pink yeti with champagne in it waiting for me in the apartment when we got back. We celebrated the rest of the night with family and friends. It was beyond perfect!!! I wish I could live the moment over and over again.

Thank you, Jarrid and Jen, for handling the obstacles of chilly fall weather and balancing on a boat for these portraits!!! I would say you both nailed it!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Just looking through these photos have me so excited for next year!!! I cannot wait to document your love with family and friends. But until then, enjoy this engagement season together! XOXO!

Thank you, Mariner Sailing School, for letting us use one of your sailboats!!!

Congratulations!!!