Billy chose the Anderson House at the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, DC as the perfect backdrop for his proposal to Taylor. This stunning venue features an abundance of 19th-century architecture with clean lines and that iconic white stone that the District of Columbia is famous for. Being photographer’s themselves, Billy knew that Taylor would love nothing more than to have this special moment documented so they could revisit it in photographs for years to come. Little did Taylor know, there would be more than one photographer capturing this occasion…

See, Billy and Taylor had been asked by Kir and Sarah, the hosts of the Real Talk Workshop, to act as models for one of the styled shoots taking place that day. They were very familiar with the concept and happy to help out their friend; in exchange, they would have some updated photos with one another in a killer dress with some gorgeous hair and makeup. Turns out, those photos would end up being their engagement photos :)

Billy had e-mailed our hosts in the weeks leading up to the shoot and asked if he could propose at some point during the session. I think reading that note, Kir probably choked on her cookie dough ice cream and kissed her cats before replying, “heck yes,” if I know her at all. During the shoot, we had them demonstrate the different types of first looks a couple could do on their wedding day; when Taylor turned around, Billy was on one knee and had no idea whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity of 12 photographers clicking like crazy. To all of our delight, she, of course, said “YES!” and these two celebrated with pizza later that evening. 

To Kir and Sarah, I had no doubt you’d put on the COOLEST workshop ever and you certainly didn’t disappoint. To Taylor and Billy, I wish you both nothing but all the happiness in the world!

Venue | Anderson House at The Society of the Cincinnati
Photographer | Alicia Lacey Photography
Host | Kir Tuben
Planner | Sincerely Pete
Hair & Makeup | Agapé
Bridal Shop | BHLDN
Suit | THE BLACK TUX
Film Lab | RICHARD PHOTO LAB