Washington, DC Engagement Photography Session with Holly & Matt

One of my favorite ways to photograph couples is through what I like to call a day in the life engagement session. It’s where it feels less like a photo shoot and more like just hanging out with the person you’re going to marry. Holly and Matt’s engagement session was exactly that. They chose me to be their engagement photographer in Washington DC because we were aligned in wanting their photos to reflect who they truly are and how they spend time together.

Instead of focusing on just one location, we spent the day moving through the places that matter most to them like their favorite bar, neighborhood shops, and other landmarks that reflect their life together in DC.

Starting Where Their Story Lives: Capitol Hill

Because Matt works in government, we started off with photos near the US Capitol. Photographing them with the DC landmark in the background was the perfect way to document not only his career, but also to showcase the city that has shaped so much of their relationship.

Holly and Matt also live on Capitol Hill, so photographing them in their neighborhood doing the things they ordinarily do was a must to bring a sense of organic authenticity to their images. Plus, it helped that Capitol Hill has that classic DC charm with tranquil tree-lined streets, historic row homes, local shops, and parks.

A Stop at Tune Inn: Their Favorite Capitol Hill Bar

No “day in the life” session would be complete without stopping at their favorite Capitol Hill bar, Tune Inn. Holly loves that it’s unpretentious and full of local character. I loved capturing them in candid and relaxed moments from the street looking through the bar front windows. These are some of my favorite images of them, the in-between moments and natural laughs, the way they were when they forget I was there. This is exactly why I love being an engagement photographer in Washington DC; I get to photograph couples in their own unique way.

Exploring Eastern Market Shops

From there, we went to Eastern Market, one of DC’s hidden gems. Holly and Matt wandered through the market hand in hand, stopping to browse butter in the cases, as she shared they often do, and walked by the bookstore like they’ve done countless times before.

Eastern Market was such a great location for engagement photos because it added a documentary feel that worked great for Holly and Matt who wanted their engagement photos to feel less posed and more like real life.

Ending the Day at Lincoln Park

We wrapped up their engagement session at Lincoln Park, one of Capitol Hill’s most beautiful green spaces and another local hangout for them. Again, photographing them sitting on a park bench and walking together was another way to document them in their environment.

Why Day in the Life Engagement Sessions Matter

Holly and Matt’s session was not about perfect poses or elaborate wardrobe changes, but rather it was about depicting them as they truly are, in love, and in all of their favorite places, routines, and in the city they call home.

As an engagement photographer in Washington DC, my goal is always to create images that feel personal, meaningful, and authentic. Holly and Matt, thank you for trusting me to tag along with you both for a day and to document your love story. Your session was heartfelt, fun, and so uniquely you!