There’s something truly magical about Washington D.C. in the springtime. Evelyn and Calvin’s engagement session at Dumbarton Oaks Gardens captured that feeling in every frame. The wisteria was in full, fleeting bloom. The gardens were glowing. And their energy together? Pure joy!

A Spring Fairytale in Bloom

Dumbarton Oaks is already one of the most romantic spots in D.C., but this time of year? It’s next-level stunning. The wisteria vines were showing off—cascading purple blooms hanging like chandeliers over stone pathways and garden walls. We started their session nestled among those vibrant blossoms, letting the magic of the moment unfold naturally.

Prioritizing Real Connection Over Posing

The wisteria at Dumbarton Oaks was honestly the dreamiest backdrop—those soft purple blooms hanging in all the right spots, framing Evelyn and Calvin like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.

My approach on a shoot day is pretty simple—I’ll set the shot, guide them into a pose that feels natural and flattering, and then I throw in a little chaos. A joke, a silly prompt, something unexpected. That’s when the magic happens. Real laughter, real movement, those little moments that are actually real. I want my couples to look back at the pictures and not just remember that I posed them, but also remember the genuine laughter we shared.

With Evelyn and Calvin, it worked like a charm. I guided them into a walking or standing pose, and the next they’re cracking up or pulling each other in tighter. That’s what I love capturing. Not just pretty photos, but the actual joy of being together in that moment—with the wisteria blooming around them and spring showing off like it was all meant to be.

From there, we wandered the grounds—meandering through the rose gardens, dancing across the tulip-filled lawns, and laughing our way along the cobblestone walkways. At one point, we sprinted toward the iconic old fountain in the heart of the property, where Evelyn and Calvin’s genuine connection truly shined through in some of my favorite running shots ever.

Their laughter, the movement, the energy—it was all so real and alive. I didn’t have to pose them much; they just were together. And the photos reflect that beautifully.

A Hidden Gem

Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is more than just a pretty garden—it’s a piece of D.C. history. Originally a private estate dating back to the early 1800s, it became a cultural hub in the 20th century, known for its art collections, scholarly research, and insanely beautiful gardens designed by the iconic landscape architect Beatrix Farrand.

The grounds are full of character—cobblestone paths, secret garden nooks, grand old fountains, and winding terraces that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time. Every turn has a new texture or backdrop to work with, which makes it a dream for photography.

It’s one of my favorite places to shoot because it offers that rare combo of elegance, charm, and wild seasonal beauty—especially in the spring when everything is bursting with color. Whether it’s tulips, roses, or those magical few weeks of wisteria, there’s always something incredible in bloom.

The National Cathedral in the Rain

After the gardens, we made our way to the National Cathedral, a location that never fails to take your breath away. Evelyn changed into a timeless white silk gown, flowing with every breeze, and Calvin matched her elegance perfectly in a bold, tailored blue suit. The contrast of their modern, chic look against the gothic architecture was chef’s kiss.

As if the universe was on our side, a soft spring rain started to fall—not too hard for it to ruin our shoot, but just enough to make everything feel more intimate and cinematic. The garden behind the cathedral became our stage for some of the most romantic portraits I’ve ever taken. It was cozy, quiet, and completely unplanned in the best way.

One for the Books

This session will stay with me for a long time. The connection I felt with Evelyn and Calvin, the way they trusted me, and the freedom I had to follow the creative spark—I could feel myself coming alive behind the camera. These two brought their full selves to this session, and the result is a collection of images that feel real, personal, and timeless.

Planning Your Own Engagement Photos in Washington D.C.?

Spring is the season for dreamy engagement sessions in the city—especially at iconic locations like Dumbarton Oaks, the National Cathedral, and the many tucked-away gardens and parks that D.C. has to offer.

If you’re recently engaged and dreaming of photos that feel like you—genuine, romantic, and a little bit magical—I’d love to help you plan a session that celebrates your story.

Let’s create something beautiful together.
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