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Rachael Mattio

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Couple kissing between columns in DC

An Engagement Session at the Library of Congress

Engagement

A Chic Engagement Session at the Library of Congress

Claire and Brice’s engagement session at the Library of Congress and throughout DC was a dream. We started out at the Library of Congress, made a pit stop at the Supreme Court and ended at the National Gallery of Art. With these stunning locations it is easy to capture the aesthetic and unique architecture of DC without hitting the Monuments that are oh, so loved. 

Black and white image of a man looking down towards his fiance during their engagement photos.
A couple kissing in front of a green lamppost outside of the Library of Congress.
Couple sitting with each other on the grand staircase outside of the Library of Congress.
Couple resting their heads together during their engagement session.

The Beginning: The Library of Congress

We started our session right outside of the Library of Congress before the building opened in order to beat the crowds and to get the beautiful architecture to ourselves. The gorgeous white building and ornate details surrounding the building is reminiscent of European architecture, which architects intentionally modeled off of 19th century French architecture. For Claire and Brice, this design fit perfectly into their vision for their engagement session. 

Also shout out to this perfect dress Claire wore!

An engaged couple holding hands and walking along the staircase at the Library of Congress
A detail image of a woman wrapping her hand's around her fiance's arm, wearing her solitaire diamond engagement ring.
A woman brushing her hair back as her man stands behind her.
An engaged couple standing together, posing with their heads together during their DC engagement session.

About the Claire and Brice

Claire and Brice met in high school, Claire was a cheerleader and Brice played basketball (can you say iconic love story?). But they did not actually start talking until after highschool when Claire so bravely slid into his DMs (we love a female power move). After a movie-perfect date at a beach bar in their home state of NC, the rest was history. They happily moved to DC and have been thriving since! 

The proposal story is just as cute! Brice and Claire frequently picnic together, so when Brice invited Claire on a picnic near the Spanish steps it Claire was not suspicious of anything. However, when she showed up and saw Brice in a suit, she immediately knew what was happening! Brice proposed to his love with a diamond ring inspired by one of Claire’s icons- Grace Kelly. Claire was so elated that he had to drag her to the next surprise: a celebration with the people they love. 

Starting the engagement session at the Library of Congress was perfect for them. C + B love traveling and consider it to be one their favorite things to do together. With the European architecture, the session fit into their relationship perfectly. 

Couple kissing passionately in front of the columns at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Next Stop: The U.S. Supreme Court 

After starting their engagement session at the Library of Congress, we decided to walk to our final location, thanks to beautiful weather and sunshine. Before the final destination, we stopped for some quick portraits at the U.S. Supreme Court building. This building is the perfect place to get the Monument column aesthetic without all of the hassle. Keep in mind if you go during the week, court may be in session. On a weekend, the only “danger” are the crowds. Despite a small crowd, we were able to navigate for a good handful of images. 

Couple holding hands and walking down the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Man and woman sitting on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Woman has her hand resting on the knee of her partner.
Couple leaning onto the U.S Supreme court columns during engagement session.
Detail image of a woman pinching her hands together against her green PepperMayo dress.
A detail image of a cushion cut diamond ring in a solitaire setting.
Couple kissing between columns in DC
A chic black and white image of a couple leaning against the columns outside of the U.S. Supreme court during their engagement photos.

Adding this location to your Library of Congress Engagement Session

This location is located right beside the Library of Congress. To tackle both of these locations, you can park on the street and simply walk to each one. I recommend starting the sessions before 10am to avoid crowds. 

Black and white blurry image of a couple walking through an art gallery.

Our Final Location: The National Gallery of Art

Our final location was the National Gallery of Art, which is about a 20 minute walk from the Library of Congress. This location was the first location picked for this session, so to say we were most excited for it is an understatement. I love incorporating interactive locations into my sessions, and the gallery of art is just that! When I work in locations like this, my posing style changes. We go from a more art guided posing system, into something that is still art guided but meant to look more candid. Claire shared her pinterest boards with me, so I knew exactly which vibe she was going for as well! 

Couple looking at each other with a piece of art in the background.
Couple out of focus while art at the National Art Gallery is in focus.
A black and white image of a couple lightly touching hands during their engagement session.
Couple dramatically looking at each other in between an arch.
Couple holding hands in an art gallery during their engagement session.
Engaged couple passionately holding one another for couple's photos.
A man and a woman posing together in the National Art Gallery. He is sitting on a bench while she leans onto him, wearing a green satin dress.
Black and white image of a couple walking through an art gallery as groom kisses his fiance's hand.
Couple holding hands while looking at a piece of art.
Man lifting his fiance to kiss her in an art gallery.

Session Planning Tips for an Engagement Session at the Library of Congress (or anywhere!)

I love working with a well thought out session. Keeping an open dialogue with me about how you vision your session allows me to plan the perfect shoot for you. One of my favorite things to do is hop on a call and discuss outfits and locations. Afterwards, I will send over some boards and links for you to shop from or to gather inspiration for yourself!

The columns of the U.S. Supreme Court.

A Library of Congress Engagement Session

If you are looking for a breathtaking location to have your DC engagement pictures taken, consider adding the Library of Congress to your list of options. This location is sure to make for timeless images you will love forever! 

Are you still looking for your wedding or engagement photographer? I am Rachael, a Virginia, DC, and destination wedding photographer and I would love to chat about your special day.

If you are looking for more tips, check out my other blogs. 

DC Engagement Photos | A Guide to the Perfect Session

Tips for Engagement Photos with Your Dog

 

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