I’m a planner….plain and simple.  I have every single weekend and just about every weekday booked in my calendar for the next three months.  So when Raphael emailed me to photograph his proposal to Kim at the Gaylord National right outside of DC the Saturday morning of his proposal, it was a big surprise that I was actually available.  In fact, I already had lunch plans in the area so it worked out perfectly for me to hop right over and photograph the proposal afterwards.  I’m so, so happy that I was available because I absolutely love photographing proposals.  The whole process is just so exciting–it makes me feel like some sort of secret agent.  And then to be able to document that moment when someone gets down on one knee is just amazing!

The Saturday of the proposal was a cold day with snow covering the ground.  Raphael and Kim were visiting the area from Virginia Beach.  The plan was to have lunch and then afterwards they would walk around the gardens inside the Gaylord National and that is when Raphael would get down on one knee.  Lunch ran over by a little bit but finally I spotted the two of them walking inside.  Raphael and I made eye contact so I knew it was go time.  I followed them around the inside gardens for a little bit while they snapped some selfies of themselves.  At this point I could tell Kim had no idea what was coming because she kept trying to take the perfect selfie–I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have delayed like this if she knew a ring was about to be presented to her.  It was a bit more crowded inside then expected so I could tell Raphael was trying to find the perfect spot. Finally he found it and got down on one knee and it was perfect! The perfect spot, the perfect time, and the perfect reaction.  Kim was so happy and excited!! It was absolutely adorable and these two are so, so sweet with one another.  After the proposal, we had a mini portrait session.  We even braved the snow outside so we could see more of the National Harbor.  I’m so thrilled for these two and I wish them so much happiness in their wedding planning and in their future lives together!