Kate & Freddy’s Stunning Sunrise Engagement Session on the National Mall
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!!!!!!!”