Don’t let these two fool you… It was FREEZING when we met up for their engagement session on a bright and early morning in Washington, D.C. last week. While Lacey wore a flowy, sleeveless gown, I had my winter gear on (the entire getup: snow boots, gloves, coat, and a scarf). But you would have thought these two were just as cozy as I was, although, I made sure they often snuggled to keep each other warm! 😉 I’m glad we managed to make this session happen after postponing once before due to weather. The tricker part was the fact that they live in NYC, which meant a little more coordination since I only book weekday sessions. As much as I am more of a country lifestyle kind of gal, I loveeeeeee visiting the city, especially New York City!!! With my favorite Holiday season approaching fast, we talked a little bit about the beauty of NYC during Christmas time, and now I want to go visit ASAP! You better believe that if I end up going soon, I’m totally making a pizza tour happen! I added that to my bucket list after Garrett and Lacey told me about their fun experiences in NYC. So fun and different!

Garrett and Lacey are city lovers if you couldn’t tell. Although, I love that they are planning to get married at Keswick Vineyards in Charlottesville next summer! <3 It’s going to be a beautiful celebration of the start of their marriage together. And even though they live in NYC, they wanted to take their engagement session back to Washington, D.C. where their love story began. <3 The funny thing is I’m noticing a recent trend in my couples’ love stories… I’ve had a lot of couples mention meeting or getting together at a Nationals Game. Seems like THE place to be, and I don’t mind it because it IS the place to be (even if they don’t have the best winning streak ;)). I love Garret and Lacey’s down to earth personalities, but better yet, I love how they make each other smile and laugh! I know that this is only the beginning of photographing their joy as we come up on their wedding day next June. 🙂 I cannot WAIT!!!!

Garrett & Lacey’s Love Story

How Garrett and Lacey Met

They were first introduced in passing at a Nationals game in June of 2013 through mutual friend who were dating. This fleeting interaction left an impression on both of them — both separately asking their friends who each other were over the next few months.

Their paths wouldn’t cross again until January 2014, when those same friends moved out to San Francisco together and they re-connected at their going away party at Garrett’s house. They instantly hit it off and joked around that Lacey “weekend-ed” in Dupont with Garrett and his roommates.

During their first year and a half together, they were almost inseparable and both knew that the person they were with was someone special. They built their love on a foundation of trust, respect, laughter and a mutual adoration of Thai food.  In July of 2015, they moved from DC to NYC and began exploring the world. They knew that it was just the beginning of their adventures, and they can’t wait to grow and explore together.

How Garrett Proposed to Lacey

Lacey’s favorite place in the world is Nags Head, NC in the Outer Banks. Growing up, her family had a house there, but even after it was sold, they frequented the beach to fish while spending quality time together and gathered at the local restaurants they grew up enjoying (shout out to Dare Devil’s Pizzeria). For the past 6 years, they’ve even gone down during Thanksgiving week to soak up one last beach week before the weather turned too cold.

Garrett started joining Lacey’s family at the beach for Thanksgiving a few years back and he knew how special this place was to her. He also was very thoughtful and knew she would want her family with her to celebrate their engagement. So he planned to propose over Thanksgiving 2017 in the OBX — the perfect setting to ask his best friend to spend her forever with him.

When they woke up that day, Lacey was unsuspecting, but Garrett had planned a surprise with her family. With a photographer planted a quarter mile down the beach to capture the moment, Garrett needed a reason to go for a walk on a windy day. Her dad and brother called Lacey to let her know that they were down the beach and reeling in the biggest fish they’ve ever seen. Fortunately, Lacey took the bait and, after walking into a stiff wind, Garrett found the right spot near the photographer to get down on one knee and propose.

Lacey was completely surprised and of course said “yes!” through her tears of joy.

Thank you, Garrett and Lacey, for coming out to DC for these incredible memories together!!! 🙂 I’m so glad we had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other, especially during our walks around the Tidal Basin! You two are precious, so fun, and personable, and I cannot wait for more adventures with you two again in the future!!! I hope to come up to NYC in the near future so we can enjoy a slice of pizza (or two) together! Enjoy this preview from our time together!!! XOXO!

Congratulations!!!!