It’s Erica and Ian’s WEDDING week! And what better way to kick off the celebrations than by sharing their beautiful Old Town Alexandria engagement session?!
We really rolled the dice with this session. Rain was on the radar just hours before we were supposed to meet. But Erica and Ian were all in, and I’m so glad we went for it! The spring blossoms were absolutely showing off, and we managed to avoid the rain… Okay, maybe a sprinkle or two 😉.
Let me just say—I’ve photographed HUNDREDS of couples, and these two are truly meant to be together. They get each other’s humor, they’re playful and fun, and they laugh… a lot! Their joyful energy had me smiling the entire time. And when we stumbled upon the most gorgeous, fluffy pink blossom tree? I was in photographer heaven.
I have so many favorites from this Old Town Alexandria engagement session! And I absolutely cannot wait to photograph them again this weekend for their big day!
Ian & Erica’s Story
How Ian and Erica Met
We met as freshmen at George Mason University, it was the first week of classes and we both attended a club interest meeting where we immediately took notice of each other. Following that evening we continued to run in to each other on campus, in classes, clubs, and in the dining hall. We were lucky enough to have an impatient mutual friend who decided to play matchmaker after growing tired of hearing us muse about each other. The conspirators multiplied as events and crises were arranged to bring us together more and more often.
Eventually, we gathered the courage to ditch our handlers and spent more time together on our own. After many late night conversations in the dining hall over ice cold Cheerwine we finally found ourselves on our first date- dinner and ice skating where we only fell twice. On our second date we fell a third time, this time for each other. We spent an evening in Old Town Alexandria, the place we now call home, dining at a restaurant that will now host our rehearsal dinner.
How Ian Proposed to Erica
Erica’s favorite place in the world can be found on a 16 and a half acre plot of land along the James River near her hometown in Southeastern Virginia. It’s the Summer camp which hosts her favorite childhood memories, and where she spent the first few Summers of our relationship climbing the ranks of the seasonal staff.
When I decided to propose to Erica, the dream location was obvious. What was less obvious was the method. Frankly, Erica has always been two steps ahead. If I was going to surprise her, I would need a team to help me. I drafted a group of her closest camp friends to stage the proposal. Our plan commenced after the campers departed on Friday evening. I laid, covered by beach towels in the trunk of her friend’s SUV as he sped down the dirt road that leads to the coastline of the camp’s property.
When we arrived, I climbed out of the car, sprinted across the recreation field, and hopped the berm that concealed my spot. The proposal itself was to take place on a hidden away strip of land along the River, known affectionately as Lover’s Lane. As I crouched down below the sight line of the berm, Erica’s friends slowly directed her down to the beach that marked the entrance to Lover’s Lane. I must have hidden too well, because Erica did not initially notice me standing there. Fortunately my final co-conspirator, who was stationed on the pier with a camera, pointed to her right. When I saw the look on her face, I knew I had finally surprised my bride to be.
Ian & Erica’s Virginia Spring Engagement Portraits at River Front Park in Old Town Alexandria
Thank You!!!
Thank you, Erica and Ian, for having me document these precious memories for you all to enjoy just days before your big day!!! Photographing your engagement session in Old Town Alexandria was the perfect backdrop considering how near and dear it is to your relationship. <3 I cannot wait to document your joy and love this weekend!!! 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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