Sweet & Romantic Washington D.C. Engagement Session from ZADesignz

Good Monday morning! We cannot tell you how happy we are to be back with all of you today! A week away was really much too long. (Read all about our snowy absence here.) Now, let’s get back to the love! A truly sweet love story (and proposal story) accompanies this romantic engagement session from ZADesignz! We’re so excited and hope you are too! :)

engaged couple laying with their sides by side, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

Bianca and Reilly met at a get together while attending the University of Texas in the fall of 2008. But they didn’t exactly hit it off. They both thought the other was a little weird at first. But over time, they grew on each other. By October, they were officially dating. And falling in love.

engaged couple being playful in a park, engaged couple wrapped in each others arms, engaged couple getting lost in each other, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

Last April, Reilly started The Basic School for Marine Corps Officers in Quantico, VA, leaving Bianca back in Texas. He’d known for a while that he was going to marry her, he just had to make those feelings known. In an effort to surprise her, he called and cancelled their previously made plans for that weekend, claiming he had to work. He didn’t .. obviously.

engaged couple smiling, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

engaged couple's cowboy boots, cowboy boots, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

He talked and coordinated with Bianca’s parents to bring Bianca to the 360 Bridge lookout in Austin that Friday to meet him. They’d been to the 360 Bridge many times throughout their relationship to look out at the water, the city, and sunset. It was a special and memorable spot for them both. And the perfect place for a proposal.

engaged couple leaning against a tree, forehead kisses, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

engaged couple cuddling on the grass, engaged couple getting lost in each other, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

Under the pretext of taking some family photos, Bianca’s parents arrived at the 360 Bridge lookout with Bianca as promised. Anxiously awaiting their arrival, Reilly emerged from his hiding place in the trees to greet them. She was completely surprised to see him and baffled that he’d kept the surprise a secret and actually pulled it off. (Not something he was exactly known for.)

engagement ring in green hydrangeas, ring shot, ZADesignz

engaged couple in a lit alleyway, engaged couple's shadows, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

They talked with her family a while and took a few photos before asking her to take a walk with him. Knowing what he was trying to do, her parents tried to nudge her along. But Bianca insisted on staying and taking more photos. When he was finally able to tear her away, he took her to a little cliff with the most amazing view. There, he began talking with her about their relationship. How he knew that everything good and bad had happened for a reason, to bring them closer. It was there that Reilly got down on one knee and asked Bianca to be his wife. She found herself immediately in his arms, saying “oh my gosh” over and over again, completely overwhelmed by all the emotions. She eventually said yes. A moment, a memory that neither will ever forget.

engagement ring in a red rose, red rose engagement ring, ring shot, ZADesignz

engaged couple sitting on a bench, her legs over his, give her a rose, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

{Behind the Lens with Zareth of ZADesignz} Engagement shoots are not only a great way to get to know your photographer better before the wedding, but it is also a great way to bond with your future spouse. You get to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and get beautiful photography while you are at it. I ask my clients to act as if I were not there. It can be very hard to do so. Some couples are very self conscious. I try and help them relax, and get them comfortable in front of the camera.

engaged couple walking in a city crosswalk, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

engaged couple loving in the city, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

For Bianca and Reilly, it wasn’t too hard. They were a little nervous at first, but with a few suggestions, they were able to pose naturally and show what love is all about. At one point, I think they forgot I was there photographing them at all. I was open to their suggestions, which yielded for very natural and romantic poses. And I really felt the chemistry between them while I was reviewing the photos later on my camera. We had a great time at the shoot. Hearing Bianca talk excitedly about marrying Reilly, how he proposed and of all the wedding details was really special. They are truly the cutest couple.

engaged couple loving in the park, piggyback rides, washington d.c. engagement session, ZADesignz

We couldn’t be more excited for Bianca and Reilly and the next stage of their lives together! They’ll be spending the next ten months apart – Reilly at Basic in Virginia and Bianca teaching English in China – before tying the knot. We wish them so much love and lots of luck! Not that they need it, their love for each other is all the strength they’ll need. Thank you both so much for sharing your love story with us today! And a special thank you to Zareth of ZADesignz for sharing their love and her talent for capturing it!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

*Bianca’s Wardrobe: Forever 21