Mariane has always been such a kind person since I met her when we were both in undergrad at George Mason University. She’s the kind of woman that we should all hope to be a little more like: diligent, organized, timely, detail-oriented, but also generous, intentional, thoughtful, and joyful. She brings an infectious energy to any conversation, and makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years even if you just met. Michael perfectly balances her out– from when we met at their engagement session I realized how sweet, calm, caring, bubbly, and flexible he can be. Together they’re just so down-to-earth and humble people, and I am so thrilled they chose me to capture their relationship and their special day!

We met down at Jones Point Park in Old Town Alexandria, VA for their engagement session. Jones Point Park is a special place to Mariane and Michael because they often took walks there on dates, and Michael actually proposed at a charming little pier in the park! On this particular day it was a bright and sunny afternoon in November, which made for a perfectly crisp, fall engagement session. Jones Point Park is a small park right on the southeastern tip of Old Town, with a trail that leads straight to the waterfront. Throughout the park you’ll find gorgeous walkways leading to a colonial house along the water, multiple docks and piers, an adorable playground fit for families, basketball courts, and some play areas under the highway overpass that becomes quite breathtaking during golden hour. We met at the little colonial house on the outer edge and walked our way back toward Old Town. Along the way I learned that Mariane and Michael’s favorite date activity is grabbing coffee or watching movies and finding new restaurants, which I immediately appreciated since that is also what Andrew and I typically do too! Even more special was that they grabbed coffees before their engagement session and basically made a date out of it!!

Toward the end of their relaxed engagement session, Michael walked us to the spot where he proposed to Mariane (how romantic) and we took some portraits there as the sun was setting. A cool mist came over the water as the sun went down, and we all got super excited because the next time we would all see each other would be on their WEDDING DAY! Mariane and Michael are getting married March 2nd, 2019 at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria and I cannot wait to capture all of the breathtaking details of their special day! For now, enjoy some highlights from their engagement session at Jones Point Park!