Despite having been a Washington, DC wedding photographer for many years, I think it’s safe to say I still tend to be a bit too trusting in the city. Especially around the monuments, I often find that everyone keeps to themselves. There are, of course, the few tourists who ask to snap a photo with brides and grooms (I still wonder what they do with those pictures), but in general, it’s a pretty friendly atmosphere. I often instruct my couples to feel free to leave their changes of clothing some place behind us so it doesn’t get in our shot and they don’t have to worry about lugging it around. And so far, it’s absolutely never been an issue! That was until Sarah and Kevin’s sunrise engagement session at the Jefferson Memorial this past July.

We arrived on a beautiful summer morning; the heat wave had just broken due to weekend storms and left cooler temperatures behind. Unlike the craziness of cherry blossom photos during spring, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. There was a local nearby getting in his morning workout with a view, but the place was otherwise empty — just one of the many perks of sunrise shoots! The pictures started rolling and before I knew it, we found ourselves up in the atrium area having left their clothing down below. Well, wouldn’t you know, not more than a few minutes later the same gentleman who was working out came up to let us know someone was poking around inside their bag! Luckily nothing was taken and we quickly grabbed everything… obviously keeping it within sight for the rest of the shoot! It definitely was an eye opener for me, as you never know who may be lingering. Sarah and Kevin could not have been more kind about the situation and we all got a good laugh after realizing the bags were still in tact. I guess I won’t be quite as carefree in the future! 

Sarah and Kevin, thank you for getting up to meet me at sunrise on the most perfect July morning! It was so wonderful getting to know the two of you and I cannot wait to celebrate your wedding day at Rixey Manor next June!