Spring is here, and I’m so excited to kick off the season with Maggie and Jake’s spring engagement session in Washington, DC! These two are absolutely adorable! 😊
When they hired me as their wedding photographer, they mentioned wanting their engagement portraits to coincide with cherry blossom season—and while the peak bloom had just passed by the time we made it out there, we were still able to find some blossoms hanging on! I had also just recovered from what I suspect was the flu (thanks, Flu B 😅), so I was extra grateful to be back on my feet in time for this beautiful, busy (and very rainy!) weekend. We made it work, and I’m so glad we did!
Before every engagement session, I have my couples fill out a short questionnaire. It helps me get to know them better, understand their comfort level with PDA, and learn about any specific photo goals they may have. When I was reading Maggie and Jake’s responses one evening, I couldn’t stop smiling! I kept saying to my husband, “SERIOUSLY?! These two are the cutest!!!” He eventually asked what I was going on about, and I had to share this sweet excerpt from Maggie:
“What I love most is the way he loves. He sees me, appreciates me, and makes me feel appreciated in a way I never expected. He’s not just my partner; he’s my other half.“
Cue the melting heart. I jokingly—but also seriously—told them they should turn their questionnaire answers into personal vows for their Stone Tower Winery wedding. It was such a joy to read about their bond, and I already adore them both! Check out some of my favorite portraits from our time below!
Jake & Maggie’s Story
How Jake and Maggie Met
from Jake’s perspective
We actually met at a mutual friend’s college graduation party. It was one of those instant connection moments – we were drawn to each other right away. The whole night just flowed; we kept finding ourselves closer and closer, and, well, we ended the night with a kiss! Then, Maggie left for a summer in Big Sky, Montana. It was a bit crazy, but the distance somehow made us even closer. We talked almost every single day, even though we couldn’t see each other.
When she finally got back, I knew I had to plan a proper first date. We went out for pizza, keeping it casual. It was so sweet, Maggie was so nervous she barely touched her food! I actually thought she didn’t like the pizza, so we avoided that place for two years! It’s funny now, because it’s become one of our favorite neighborhood spots. As for falling in love, it was kind of a slow burn, but also like a lightning strike. That summer of long-distance talking really built a strong foundation. And then, seeing her again, and realizing how much I missed her, it just clicked. It was like we were already in love, we just had to catch up to it.
How Jake Proposed to Maggie
from Maggie’s perspective
In October, we had a romantic Sonoma getaway, excited to come back after visiting this past May. On our first day, without any official plans (or so I thought), we ended up at a beautiful vineyard to do a wine tasting and tour. While walking the grounds, Jake turned me around for a picture, and when I turned back, he was on one knee proposing! He’d even arranged for one of the vineyard employees to capture the moment. We celebrated with incredible Mexican food at one of Sonoma’s best food trucks!
Maggie and Jake’s Washington DC Engagement Portraits
Thank You!!!
Thank you, Jake and Maggie, for a fun time getting to know you two a little better before your big day next year!! You two are ADORABLE! If your joy was this much just for your Spring Engagement Session in DC, I can only imagine what it will look like on your wedding day! I cannot wait. <3 Congrats!
Stephanie Messick Photography, LLC is a Colorado Springs, Colorado Wedding, Engagement, Maternity, + Family Photographer, also serving Northern, Washington DC + Central Virginia. Learn more HERE or contact her HERE!
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