Every so often I book an engagement session with a couple who is looking to do local portraits with the intention to have a wedding back in their hometown. I loved hearing why Washington, D.C. meant so much to Ben and Melissa when they grew up in New York! So it was so appropriate to have the iconic D.C. backdrop in their engagement session, not only because they currently live here for work, but because this is where Ben proposed. <3

When we were discussing when to make their session happen, we knew the colder weather was approaching FAST. Melissa weighed out her options and decided that it wasn’t worth it to be miserable outside with minimal layers on. I don’t blame her one bit!!! Long, flowy dresses are pretty, but I really want my couples to be 100% true to themselves and wear what makes them feel the most comfortable. I was so happy when Melissa was honest with herself because I can imagine shivering while trying to model isn’t as easy as Tyra Banks makes it look! 😉 One thing I quickly picked up with Melissa and Ben while chatting with them during our walks is how SO personable and kind they are!!! It absolutely warmed my heart on a very early and cold morning getting to know them! Together, they are incredibly sweet and excited for the future. It makes me even more excited that I was able to document this point of their journey before they tie the knot next summer in New York!

Ben & Melissa’s Love Story

How Ben and Melissa Met

from Melissa’s point of view

Ben and I met through my brother Steven. One day, my brother came home and announced that he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He also shared that he enlisted with a friend, Ben. This name was not familiar to me. Ben started coming over to my parent’s house, and I started to think to myself “Wow, he’s pretty cute!”  Unfortunately, the day came where they were both sent to bootcamp, and then stationed in Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, North Carolina). When my brother was able to come home for a weekend, I would always ask “Is Ben coming with you?” This clearly annoyed him, but he would always give me an answer.  Once I found out that Ben would be coming home, and possibly coming over to my house, I would find myself making a nail appointment, running to the mall to buy a new outfit, and clearing my social calendar. Eventually, the day came where they were both sent to Afghanistan.  I was heartbroken and scared. Ben and I weren’t in an official relationship but shared how we cared for one another. This did not stop me from sending care packages with his favorite gummy treats, salty Doritos, and of course a heartfelt letter. When Ben was done with both of his infantry tours, we finally made it official! Now, 8 years later we are living in a city we love, with our precious dog Sophie, and newly engaged!

How Ben Proposed to Melissa

from Ben’s point of view

I knew I wanted to propose to Melissa before the summer was over. She was going back to New York in a few days to celebrate the birth of her nephew. Earlier that week I called her parents to ask for permission. I also asked her brother for permission. I knew the baby was coming, and I didn’t want to take away from their special moment. Both her dad and brother said “YES! It’s about time!” So, I made dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in DC. I planned on telling her that there was a new military memorial on the mall, and I wanted to check it out before dinner.  That day it POURED rain all day long. I was getting nervous that Melissa wouldn’t want to leave the house, and that the rain wouldn’t allow for the proposal I envisioned.  Thankfully, it stopped raining, and the weather started to cooperate. Once we started walking around the reflecting pool, Melissa started asking a lot of questions like “What is the memorial for?” “Where are they building it?” “Where did you hear about the memorial?” I was quick to answer her questions, but when there was no memorial being built, I defaulted to “Oh, I guess I was wrong. Let’s just go to dinner!” We started walking back towards the Washington Monument along the reflecting pool. We were both hot and hungry, and I used this to my advantage. I said “Hey let’s cut across this field. It will be quicker.” She responded with “I don’t want to walk in that grass! It’s been raining all day, and I don’t want to get muddy.” Thankfully, the ground wasn’t muddy, and we began to walk across the grass. We were holding hands, and once we were in front of the monument I stopped and got down on one knee. Then I looked at her and said, “I love you, will you marry me?” She started to cry, and later she told me that she “blacked out” and couldn’t remember exactly what I had said to her. Finally, she said “Yes!” Afterwards we had an intimate and private celebration at Old Ebbitt Grill and a nightcap at the W Rooftop.

Thank you, Ben and Melissa, for waking up SUPER early to photograph these precious engagement portraits. <3 It was an absolute JOY being around you two!! I felt as though we could have hung out all day long chatting away. 🙂 I love that and adore you two together!!! I wish you both the absolute best throughout your wedding planning time!! XOXO!!!

Congratulations!!!