When couples start planning their wedding photography, one popular tradition is the engagement session. It’s the perfect way to capture some sweet, funny, romantic moments between bride & groom. Usually, the couple has some ideas on what they envision for their engagement portraits. (And hey, if they don’t, Pinterest will leave you with no shortage of inspiration!) I’ve seen engagement sessions at the beach, in a park, downtown, and more – and they are all breathtaking. Often couples opt for warmer weather, but today I’m going to tell you: Don’t be afraid to shoot in the winter. When I first spoke with Alyssa, she mentioned that they wanted their engagement session to take place in Georgetown, in the winter. I love the neighborhood! So much history, culture, and urban energy in one area! Georgetown is one of my favorite places for both couples and high school seniors. There is a little bit of everything in an easily-walkable area. One of my favorite areas for Washington DC architecture, there is Georgetown University right there, as well! Breathtaking buildings and gothic-style architecture! (Maybe I should have gone to Georgetown!)

Anyway, I’m getting carried away. I love the area that much! So, after Alyssa mentioned Georgetown, she mentioned, “In January.” I. Almost. Cried. In a good way. I don’t often find willing subjects in the winter. The weather here in the Maryland/Virginia/Washington DC area is unpredictable in January. You could have a few feet of snow and below-freezing temperatures, or you could have a beautiful, mild, sunny day. There is a different kind of beauty here in the winter. I like to refer to DC as the real City that Never Sleeps, because there is always something happening, but it does slow down a little in the colder months. This is why it is a perfect time for a session! Fewer crowds, more accessible parking, and a different spin on a traditional favorite.

I met up with Alyssa + Sean, and we were lucky – it was an overcast, but mild, mid-January day. We’d already had a few nasty tastes of winter this month, so we kept our fingers crossed that we could hit that window between storms, and did we!! It was the perfect day to take a walk around Georgetown and shoot at the wide variety of spots the city has to offer. I love that within a short one to two hour window, you can be on the waterfront, among high-rise urban buildings, in beautiful canal-side parks, shopping in one of the many storefronts on M Street, or even in front of historical homes dating from DC’s earliest days. All in maybe 12 or 14 blocks of walking!

Thank you for meeting me that afternoon, Alyssa + Sean! I am so excited for your October wedding, and it was so fun getting to know you while shooting your Georgetown, Washington DC engagement! Here are some of my favorites from that afternoon! I’m trying out a new format for galleries; let me know what you think! (Click on any image for a full-size slideshow!)

Alyssa + Sean – Georgetown, Washington DC Engagement