We Joined Gail and Jake at Sunrise in Washington DC for Their Engagement Session in the Iconic Cherry Blossoms that Surround the Tidal Basin

As photographers, we always love when couples come to us with unique ideas for their engagement sessions. So when Gail, a local chef, and Jake, a DC police officer, approached us with their vision of a sunrise session around the basin with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, we were thrilled.

Why Sunrise?  

Washington DC’s Tidal Basin is a magical location that draws crowds from all over the world every spring. This city is always full of energy and life, but there’s something truly magical about the National Mall at sunrise. This time of day is the least crowded, except for a few other photographers. As the sun begins to rise, the cherry blossoms come to life in a breathtaking display of color. Soft pink petals are illuminated by the warm light of the sun, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere that is perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Capturing the Perfect Shots

At first, we could tell that Gail and Jake were both incredibly excited and just a little bit nervous. We encouraged them to just relax and have fun with the session. We walked around the basin and looked for spots with the perfect light and open backgrounds. Josh and I coached them through some of our go-to starting poses, and they became more at ease. Gail and Jake were so natural together, and it was obvious that they were completely in love. They laughed and joked with each other throughout the session. We were able to capture some truly beautiful and candid moments between them.

The Jefferson Memorial

One of the highlights of the session was when we reached the Jefferson Memorial. The memorial is a popular spot for photos, but at sunrise, it was practically empty, giving us plenty of space to work with. Gail and Jake stood on the steps of the memorial, holding hands and looking out over the water, as we took some breathtaking shots of them against the rising sun.

As the session came to a close, we made our way back to the cherry blossoms. Gail and Jake told us how much fun they had during the session and how grateful they were to have these photos to remember this special time in their lives.

As a photographer, it was an absolute pleasure to work with Gail and Jake. They were both so genuine and full of love for each other. It was an honor to capture that love in photos. We know that they will cherish these images for years to come. We feel lucky to have been a part of such a beautiful and memorable engagement session.

Want to Capture Your Engagement Session in the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC? 

We are always down to travel for a unique and memorable adventure! Here are a few things to consider when scheduling a Washington DC Engagement Session in the Cherry Blossoms: 

• The Crowds: The Cherry Blossom Festival draws more than 1.5 million people to the city. The Tidal Basin is a very popular place to be! Navigating crowds to capture the most beautiful images requires skill and patience. 
• The Timing: The timing of the trees peak blooming is completely dependent on the weather. A warm winter leads to earlier blossoms, while a cold winter can push the blossoms much later. And once the trees bloom, the beautiful flowers do not last long. You will need to be ready to plan your trip on short notice. 
• Permits. The Tidal Basin is part of the National Parks Service. Photography policies are subject to change and permits may be required. 

Want to see more sessions with beautiful spring blooms? Click HERE