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Adventure Engagement Session in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Jazmin & Brennan explore the blue ridge mountains for their engagement session. They first hike the Appalachian trail to bears den overlook to the scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Then they head for the water with a river trip canoeing along the Shenandoah River. Lastly they finish they journey at Bears Chase Brewery to cool off from the hot summer sun with some local craft beer!
Fate is a funny thing, especially when reflecting on the beginning stages of a budding relationship. When retracing those early steps and decisions that lead to two paths crossing, one can realize the true fragility of these life changing moments. It invokes a sense of bewilderment of how two people can come together when so many alternate decisions could’ve derailed the meeting entirely. There must be a helping hand of fate at play.
Jazmin & Brennan were exploring these thoughts about the night they first met over a decade ago as they trek along the scenic path of the Appalachian Trail heading towards Bears Den Overlook. They were almost two ships passing in the night as Brennan was reluctant to go out and join some friends that very evening.
Bears Den Overlook is a rocky outlook on the Appalachian Trail in nestled in Bluemont, Virginia. The open ledge offers beautiful panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and is a prime location to watch the sunset. It is an easily accessible 0.5 mile round trip hike of only making it a perfect location for an engagement shoot.
They were both briefly situated in Jasmine’s hometown with plans on jet-setting back to their respective corners of the country within the following week. If they hadn’t met that night, Jazmin couldn’t image a second chance for them to encounter one another.
With some encouragement, Brennan did muster up the energy to head out for the evening and that is where he set his eyes on her and they instantly hit it off. What drew Jazmin to Brennan was his sense of humor that made their meet ups that much more enjoyable and they had a few more date together within that short amount of time.
When the time came for their departure, they both were eager to keep a line of connection open and this really stood out to Jazmin for how willing he was to make plans for the future after only knowing each other for a short amount of time. He did not want to let the distance get in the way and wanted to make sure he gave it a fair shot.
Over the years, they moved many times across the country, and each new venture required navigating through its own set of challenges. Yet, they grew closer each time as they learned to grow together it became the foundation of their relationship.
Their ability to rely on each other through thick and thin underscored that they were team. With each new corner of the country came their own set of adventures exploring local landscapes as well experiencing different cuisines and nightlife scenes along the way.
View their save the date video
Closely adjacent to Bears Den Overlook snakes the Shenandoah River that is popular for water activities and including kayaking boat & brew tours to local wineries and breweries in the area.
In planning their engagement shoot, when the opportunity arose to incorporate canoeing as a water activity, it felt like a nature choice for them as they have enjoyed many watering activities like river day trips, kayaking, and paddle boarding over the years. Snorkeling was as actually how these two got engaged!
They were on a cross country road trip to meet family in Tampa but decided to take a detour to quick detour down to the Florida keys as Brennan was planning on proposing before meeting up with family later in the week. He figured snorkeling would be the perfect opportunity and was trying to book an excursion, but unfortunately everything was sold out for 2 weeks in advance.
The few places that had spots left were pre-canceling because of high winds forecasted for the following day; however, he did end up securing a tour to a secluded patch of mangroves.
While out in the water, Brennan had secretly packed her claddagh ring that he gave to Jazmin as her first Christmas gift and pretended to pull it out of the water. Jazmin was very confused especially how he was even able to find it with all the murky sediment, so she panicked and told him to put it back.
After some coaxing Jazmin realized what Brennan was trying to do and then was overwhelmed with emotions, and it was a challenge to get her back to the boat without drowning herself in her own tears as they filled up her snorkeling mask.
Watch their Love Story Video
Once back at the marina and sunset approached, they took a romantic stroll on the beach and Brennan proposed again with the actual ring which came as a double shock to Jazmin as she thought the one in the water was it!
The last stop of their adventure engagement session was Bear Chase Brewery. This destination farm brewery unique in the Bluemont area was originally a historic homestead turned brew barn and taproom. Like Bears Den Overlook, this also has picturesque views of the blue ridge landscape looking outwards to the east.
Throughout their long-term relationship marriage has always been the end goal and every step in the engagement stage has been filled with excitement! Even after 11 years together, we still learn and grow together with every high and low along the way.
They have been taking their time planning the wedding and really trying to enjoy each stage along the way. The whole process has brought them closer together and have implemented their newfound tactics to tackle all of their everyday tasks as a team. Jazmin & Brennan will be celebrating their nuptials with friends and family later this spring at Brentsville Hall.
“From a person that is typically not great at posing for photos, the Til Death Team made it feel natural.
The entire experience was enjoyable!”
We had a great time during all aspects of the engagement session! From our initial meeting we voiced we were a shy couple who didn't particularly feel comfortable in front of a camera. As soon as we met the team in person, we instantly felt comfortable and the nervousness went away. As the engagement session went on, the more fun we had! Not to mention that the whole team is down to earth, awesome to work with, and dedicated to the task at hand. The teams professionalism and easy going personalities made this a memorable experience!
~ Jazmin & Brennan
“We are extremely grateful for your dedication and ensuring that everything was perfect before concluding the shoot. ”
Kate & Freddy’s Stunning Sunrise Engagement Session on the National Mall
Kate and Freddy’s engagement session coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial over Memorial Day weekend. The DC natives first met and fell in love just a few blocks from the National Mall. They chose this location for their engagement shoot because of all the sentimental memories made throughout their developing love story. The couple wanted to showcase and celebrate the life they’ve built together in DC before tying the knot in Georgetown this fall.
Summer mornings on the National Mall are some of the most tranquil moments in the Nation’s Capital before the city becomes overwhelmed by the routine hustle and bustle. You can hear early ballads of the birds as the rising sun warms the stones of the monuments and awakens them from slumber.
At the heart of the mall sits the iconic Reflecting Pool, where the sun’s rays refract an abundance of light and cast beautiful reflections of the adjacent Washington Monument. Here, you can find geese sunbathing alongside its as the occasional jogger passes by.
On the Eve of the Lincoln Memorial’s 100th Anniversary, Kate and Freddy were blessed with a calm and sunny morning walk up to the steps of the Lincoln despite it being Memorial Day Weekend.
The Memorial was dedicated 100 years ago on May 30th, 1922, in honor of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Inspiration for the design is attributed to the Parthenon in Athens with its opulent marble columns that tower to heights near 100ft.
With their wedding happening later this year in DC, the couple knew they wouldn’t have time to visit many of the historic locations for their formal portraits. Yet, they still wanted to find a way to incorporate the mall and monuments as they have significant meaning to the couple.
Light is dispersed across the Grecian columns creating a beautiful gradient effect while Kate and Freddy stand together in the sun's warmth as they gaze out into the distance on their future life together.
Over the years, the monuments have grown to have sentimental meaning for the couple hosting many great visits with friends and family. Moreover, it was a continual space for casual dates with long walks and deep conversations.
It had become part of their routine as a couple, so they decided an engagement session on the mall was the perfect way to celebrate the life they had built together in DC because it reflected many elements of their developing love story.
View their save the date video
The DC natives first met only a few blocks from the Lincoln Memorial at the VUE Rooftop Bar that sits above the Washington Hotel and overlooks the DC Skyline. They both had overlapping social circles and had heard of each other before meeting at the mutual friend’s gathering. That night they shared drinks and an engaging conversation that promptly piqued each other’s interests.
Kate quickly became smitten with Freddy but was apprehensive about being the one who said, “I love you” first, so she danced around it for a while until Freddy eventually drew it out of her, and then he quickly followed suit. Their conversations continued to blossom over the years and have become something the couple cherishes most about their relationship today.
Kate and Freddy cheer in celebration on their route to Tidal Basin as they promenade through scenic elm trees that parallel the Reflecting Pool. The sun peaks through the swaying leaves and glistens that path ahead of them.
Tidal Basin is famously known for its cherry blossom trees that undergo peak bloom in early spring; however, the area continues to maintain its beauty throughout the summer into the fall.
You can frequently find Kate and Freddy boating on the Potomac River or out on the town with friends. Quality time is often spent snuggling up for a movie night with a good home-cooked meal, but their favorite is when they can host their friend at home because it is the best of both worlds.
Fun Fact: Water from the Potomac River feeds into Tidal Basin is used to help maintain water levels in the reflecting pool!
Some of their top favorite trips together include going to the magical land of Disney World and the even more magical city of Paris, which inspired Freddy to recreate their time together in the city of love when planning to pop the question.
While Kate’s friends were deviously keeping her away from the house, Freddy adorned their home with hundreds of rose petals and candles while Kate’s favorite Parisian instrumental played indefinitely on repeat until her arrival. When she finally did make it home, she opened to door to find Freddy down on one knee and found herself full of love and excitement. They hope to continue their love of traveling together and anticipate their upcoming honeymoon to the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy will take the cake!
The first Yoshino cherry trees were planted along the basin loop trail on March 27, 1912, and now, thousands of people flock from all over to see the puffy pink blooms during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
When planning their wedding, food played a centric role in selecting Sequoia DC as their venue for being one of their favorite foodie spots with fantastic views of the Georgetown waterfront. Equally, RPM Italian was chosen for their rehearsal dinner to commemorate the first meal they shared as a newly engaged couple the night Freddy proposed.
A visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial marked the final stop on Kate & Freddy’s engagement adventure, where the 30ft granite sculpture dedicated to the civil rights activist Dr. King overlooks the Basin.
Looking ahead to the wedding day, Kate and Freddy are most excited about celebrating the life they’ve built with friends and family and busting some moves on the dance floor with a live band.
“WE FINALLY GOT TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND THEY ARE SO SO SO SO SO AMAAAAZZINNGG!!!!!
WE ARE ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE AND BLOWN AWAY!!!! =D. =D”
Kind Words From the Couple:
Working with TDM was so much fun! Kirah was the leader we all needed, and we had a blast joking around with En and Jeremiah. All three of them made us feel comfortable, and were a great balance of giving us some direction but also letting us come up with ideas and capture the candid moments where we were just ourselves. Even still, we had no idea the pictures would turn out so perfect!!
~ Kate & Freddy
“Can’t wait to share with family and friends and on social media!!!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!”