When Lauren and I first sat down in a coffee shop to talk all things weddings, she already knew that Old Town Alexandria was where she and Russell wanted to have their engagement session; not simply because of the gorgeous waterfront or quaint cobblestone streets, but because this is where their love story begin. After they hired me, a Washinton, DC wedding photographer, to capture their big day in Williamsburg, we made it official and agreed to meet downtown with their pup on a sure-to-be beautiful fall day. When deciding where to start, we decide it should be the place they first met. See Lauren worked at a restaurant on King Street when she first moved to the area. On her last night before leaving for a new job, Russell stopped in and asked her out on a date. They have lived together in the area and it clearly holds a special place in their lives. 

I loved hearing the story of Russell’s proposal to Lauren; it actually very closely reminded me of Rob and I’s engagement, so I felt an immediate connection with these two! As a private couple, Russell knew Lauren wouldn’t like a grand gesture in front of a crowd — he knew an intimate moment between the two of them was much more her style. Her took her out for a fancy dinner and upon arriving back at their apartment, she saw rose petals scattered that Russell had prepared while she was at work. 

I know how easy it is to build a connection with a place. As I mentioned, Rob also proposed to me in our apartment. It’s also the place where we planned our wedding, got our first dog, and bought our first home. I love the connection these two have made with Old Town Alexandria and think we had a perfect session walking all over the city, finding new nooks to be part of their love story for years to come. Lauren & Russell, I can’t wait for your big day next September!