This cherry blossom engagement mini session was captured by Michelle in April 2024. Michelle is a Washington D.C. engagement photographer and Washington D.C. wedding photographer available for weddings and portraits throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.

Their Story

Katie, Trav, and I go way back to 2019. I first met these two at Katie’s brother’s wedding in Fort Belvoir in June 2019. Katie was in the wedding party and Trav was along for the ride! I captured their photo together at the reception and we had a lot of fun. Since then, I have followed along with Katie on Instagram in her relationship with Trav. They were finally engaged in December 2023 in Alexandria—the perfect homage to their relationship deeply rooted into the location. This cherry blossom engagement session was the perfect backdrop for spring photos on the water.

From Katie: “Trav and I went to undergrad together at the University of Mary Washington. However, we grew up in the same area and went to high schools that were less than a mile from each other. After we met, we found out that we had so many mutual friends, and probably crossed paths multiple times without knowing it!”

The Proposal

“It was December 23rd and we were planning to get dinner with another couple. We got dressed up and before we left, Trav mentioned we needed to walk our dog, Dewey. I figured we’d just walk around the block because we had reservations, but he insisted we keep walking. A mile later (in heeled booties) we reached one of our favorite parks to take Dewey, Jones Point.

We walked into a little gated area with a lighthouse, and that was when it hit me. He got down on his knee, with Dewey perfectly positioned next to him. As we were walking home, I realized we were well past the time of our reservation, but Trav insisted our friends would understand and we didn’t need to call them.

We have a favorite bar in Old Town, called Chadwick’s and had joked for years that after we got engaged we would go a celebrate there. We dropped off Dewey and home, and headed straight the Chadwick’s. To my surprise, Trav had planned a surprise party with all of our family and friends there. Needless to say, as soon as we booked a date, we went to Chadwick’s and reserved it for our after party.”

Click here to view Katie and Trav’s cozy Belle Haven Country Club wedding in Alexandria.

Click here to view more engagement sessions on the blog!