For Megan & Jake’s National Arboretum engagement photos, we took a bit of a winding path to finally land on this location. I go back and forth all the time over how I feel about the phrase “everything happens for a reason”, just because every scenario is so different. But I know this for sure: I believe in an energy that humans put back into the world. Whether it’s an intention, a prayer, or a brief thought or wish, people feel this stuff! Not every time, but I’ve experienced so many moments where energy is felt. That’s what I’m trying to say, I guess, is that energy or intentions can be felt. And sometimes, things work out the way they were always meant to.

In a very small scale version of this, Megan and Jake’s engagement session started with micro-wedding plans at the US National Arboretum, but shifted and changed due to the pandemic. They ended up opting to wait until this October at a different venue, but still held the Arboretum close to their hearts. It is a place that they go often and holds special meaning to their relationship. So, we landed on it for their National Arboretum engagement photos!

National Arboretum Engagement Photos

We searched high and low for places that didn’t require permits, but finally decided that the place they wanted to document their love all along was the Arboretum. I’m so glad our energy circled back there.

A side note on permits in DC–they are super easy to get, but not cheap. Maybe it’s because I’m a “stick it to the man” type of person, or because I’m just cheap, but this is crazy to me. If there is any way to have a photoshoot without needing to pay exorbitant amounts of money, I’m all for it! But in this case, it was totally and completely worth it.

The Couple

Megan and I met in elementary school, so this was another full circle moment. It was a gift getting to document her and Jake’s love and adoration for one another. She is a doula in DC, and you can gather that calm energy immediately when you meet her. I cannot wait to witness and document their wedding this fall in Frederick, Maryland!

The Arboretum was windy as all get out at the columns, but the weather was divine and we lucked out in finding parking right nearby. We took in the beauty of the Asian Gardens, the Columns, and a beautiful tree in the middle of a field. I just can’t pass up a beautiful old tree as a backdrop. Listen, I’m a photographer. It is in my nature. No pun intended….or maybe?

Planning your own session and not sure where to begin location scouting? Check out my blog post on getting the creative ball rolling! And check out my blog for more engagement sessions & love stories!