From the photographer:
Cara and Ben met in 2008 at George Mason University and have been together ever since. After school they both remained in the area, living in Northern Virginia. In 2013, Ben proposed to Cara on vacation in Captiva, Florida, asking her if she would continue “playing house” with him. Cara and Ben love the water so the couple will be married this fall at the Annapolis Maritime Museum overlooking Back Creek and the Severn River.
Photographer: Eastport Photography
From the Photographer:
Luke and Samantha are high school sweethearts, although their high school years are fading, their love is not. Their love is vibrant, sweet and real. We met at a local green house for their session, the light was perfect, their love is perfect and the photos hardly do it justice!
Photographer: Katy Murray Photography
It all started with an e-mail to a girl who I had never met in person before. My mom had given me an email address and told me I should write first and say ‘hello.’ All I knew was that her name was Kim. First there were e-mail exchanges, then telephone calls and eventually our face-to-face meeting at her place in North Carolina. When I first saw Kim, she was wearing the prettiest white dress when she opened the door. She later confessed to me that it took her hours to prepare for our first date and that she was very nervous. I was definitely nervous, too. Every new memory we shared with each other has been special, from our first time having sushi together to eventually planning our wedding. Our paths were set so that we would one day meet each other and no matter how we got to this point, we ended up in each other’s lives as husband and wife.
Isn’t that just so sweet? We love their casual stroll downtown and how Daysy documented their love of Downtown Frederick. Thanks for sharing and congrats to Kim-Ngan and John!
Shawna and Michael started out as friends, and eventually started dating. After several years together, Michael planned a special weekend getaway, and didn’t give Shawna any hints (except that she should pack a nice outfit, and another set of clothes for hiking). They ended up in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia, staying at the Thomas Shepherd Inn, for a romantic weekend, and a proposal! Shawna and Michael chose that same spot for their engagement session with Spence Photographics. They’ll be married this summer at Shade Trees and Evergreens Event Grounds in Frederick.
Henry is an architect, so when he decided to propose to Jennifer, he had some high in the sky aspirations of how he would do it – and he made it happen! First, he handmade five large puzzle pieces and sent Jennifer on a scavenger hunt to find all of them. This took her on flights up and down the East Coast, seeing loved ones and meaningful places along the way. Once she had gathered the first four pieces, she only had one left – the one that Henry had carved into a puzzle piece/ring box combo. Once she retrieved the final puzzle piece, Henry proposed… and how could she say anything but yes! Marcella Treybig Photography shared their Ellicott City-based engagement session with us.
Even though Jon and Lara shared a group of mutual friends, they never had a chance to meet each other. Each time this group would get together, either Jon or Lara would be present, but never both! Finally, when Jon’s best friend married Lara’s high school friend, the resulting house-warming party served as the perfect meeting place. There was one problem – Lara had recently decided to swear off dating. She tried to spend most of the time catching up with her girlfriends, but some guy kept entering each conversation. It was Jon. He soon charmed Lara into three dates in one week, and eventually, the two became engaged.
Jacqie Q Photography captured this lovely engagement session for Jon and Lara in the historic Frederick County Town of New Market. Thanks for sharing, Jacqie!
Earlier this month MK gave us a few good reasons why you need to take engagement photos. So, now that you have no doubt that an e-session is the right thing to do, you need some tips and inspiration to make it happen! And that’s where I come in… here’s 4 tips to help you plan and execute a great engagement session with your photographer.
TIP ONE: PLAN AROUND YOUR FAVORITE SEASON
Now that temperatures are warming up in the region, lots of couples are venturing outside to their favorite park or other outdoor destination for e-session photos. Spring is a great season, with all of the colorful flowers and blossoming trees. Keep in mind that spring can also mean rain showers, so bring along a pair of rainboots and an umbrella for some puddle-splashing fun. Summertime provides plenty of daylight and loads of location options (the beach! your family’s lake house! an amusement park!). Summer can also be your photographer’s busiest season, schedule-wise, so be sure to plan way ahead for this season. Fall colors can’t be beat, and temperature-wise, this season is pretty perfect. If you’re going for a cozy, warm feeling in your images, this is the season to plan for. And don’t count out winter! Sure, it’s cold outside, but bundling up in layers and playing in the snow can make for some awesome natural portraits. If you and your other half love skiing and snowman-making, consider planning your e-session in the colder months. Bonus: you’ll likely have your pick of dates and times, since this is the slowest season for most photogs!
TIP TWO: INCORPORATE YOUR PERSONALITY
How do you spend your time together as a couple? Do you like to hang out with friends at your favorite local pub? Are you big fans of wineries? Or can you be found strapping on your hiking boots and heading out on a long, windy trail? Maybe you love to cook elaborate meals together? Think about your passions as a couple, and ask your photographer to incorporate those into your engagement session. Formal portraits are nice, but capturing you two together, being yourselves, and enjoying what you’re doing together can make for some truly awesome, memorable images.
TIP THREE: BRING ALONG YOUR FURRY FRIENDS.
Did you two become pet parents together? Then, bring along your furry friend to your engagement session! This may be the only time to get photos of you three together, since many venues don’t allow pets to attend wedding ceremonies or receptions. Quick tip: if you’d like to include your pet, it may be a good idea to enlist a friend or family member to come along as well, to serve as a pet wrangler. You’re probably going to want a few photos of just the two of you, and you’ll need some extra help during those times.
TIP FOUR: RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
I know, when someone tells you to relax that can be one of the most difficult things to do. Here’s how to accomplish it: Don’t overthink it. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Go barefoot if it feels right. If you love getting dressed up, then do it! But if that makes you cringe, don’t be afraid to wear a T-shirt and shorts – if that’s truly you. Don’t worry about matching colors with each other, but do try to wear complementary colors. Most importantly: Be yourself, and your photos will reflect a relaxed, happy couple.
Molly Fellin Spence is an editor for Heart of Frederick, and co-owns Spence Photographics, a Downtown Frederick photojournalism studio, with her husband, chief photographer David S. Spence.
On Valentine’s Day, romance always rules. About 14 million Americans told researchers that they’re planning or expecting a marriage proposal on hearts day this year, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. Since proposals are on so many people’s minds right about now, we thought we’d ask Heart of Frederick fans to share their own proposal stories, and give us all a little inspiration, and a lot of smiles. Here’s some of the best stories we’ve heard this year:
Adam had been planning this intensely romantic surprise for his girlfriend, Carolina at Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, Md. Carolina thought she was meeting Adam at Sugarloaf to go for a hike. It was a beautiful spring day; breeze blowing, flowers blooming. Before Carolina arrived, Adam set up two sock monkeys that he strung from a branch to look like they were rock climbing. At the bottom of the sock monkeys was a little cloth satchel made out of one of Carolina’s aprons. Adam had cooked some traditional flatbread to share with Carolina, and packed it inside the little satchel suspended by the monkeys. Adam and Carolina arrived at the spot and sat down. After looking through a special book he had made with photos and memories inside, he motioned for Carolina to untie the satchel. She did and as her apron came down, he bent on one knee and extended to her… the flatbread. She turned and looked at him, confused. But wait, there was something poking out of the flatbread! Her jaw dropped open as she saw what it was: an engagement ring. A huge cheer erupted from the left of the rock. A group of about 10 high-schoolers had been watching the whole time!
Story and photo courtesy of Jessica Patterson Photography
“After a six-month road trip across the U.S. and Canada, living in a van, we finally returned to our home state of Maryland. Since we had already touched the Pacific Ocean, we thought we had to dip our feet in the Atlantic Ocean to end our trip. So, Trevor suggested we check out the sunrise over the Atlantic. We attempted to do so a few times, but it was too cloudy outside. We gave it one last try, and even though the clouds were still were in the way, we decided to make the best of it and stuck around.” That’s when Trevor popped the question and Lynsey said yes!
Photo (at Gathland State Park in Burkittsville, Md.) courtesy of Spence Photographics
Alex proposed to Michelle at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington the day after Thanksgiving while he was in town visiting her and her family. Alex convinced Michelle that he had a meeting with a future employer so he could sneak away and set up a floral wreath at the spot he wanted to propose. He offered her a ring in an adorable turtle-shaped box because of her love of turtles. Afterward, he surprised her again by secretly flying in his family to have a celebratory dinner with them and Michelle’s parents at a nearby restaurant.
Story and photos courtesy of Lindsay King Photography
“My entire family was staying in our family condo in Bethany Beach, Del., for the weekend, celebrating my mom’s birthday. On our last day there, I was in the kitchen with my mom when Dave said Olivia, his daughter, wanted to take a walk on the beach, just the three of us, before it got crowded. I put on my flip flops and the three of us walked down to the beach. Walking on the beach, we didn’t make it far before Dave said, ‘this is a good spot,’ and I said, ‘a good spot for what?’ Dave took me by the hand, and proposed. Olivia was standing off to the side watching and crying just like me (only quieter). She said, ‘will you be my stepmom?’ All three of us were crying and hugging!”
Story and photo courtesy of Meghan Butler, director of events for Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
Rachael of Rachael Boer Photography recently sent us the cutest engagement session using our very favorite backdrop – our beloved Downtown Frederick.
“Kim and John were looking for a historic urban setting for their engagement portraits. I instantly thought of Frederick, since the downtown area is extremely cute and offers a lot of variety. We scheduled this session for sunset and had a great time exploring the Historic District, shooting in alleys, parks, sidewalks and on street corners. What we captured is an engagement album full of love, laughter and gorgeous sunlight. These two were married a few months later in a beautiful outdoor ceremony and have recently celebrated their first anniversary!”
From the photographer:
Cristina went down to Peru to help out at an orphanage, and on the last week there, she met Gonzalo. During the next few days, he would either look for her or text her. She came back to the states, and it was not quite over yet. It started with facebook chat, made its way to texting, and finally they admitted feelings for each other. So Cristina decided to go to Lima, Peru to visit him. The day she got there, he got a ring. And before she left, he got down on one knee.
Having the engagement session in downtown Frederick was PERFECT. It was full of energy and they had a blast, at least I hope so! Their love is evident in the many smiles and hugs.
Photographer: Elizabeth Fogerty
It isn’t quite time for snow in Frederick, but it’s coming! Here’s an engagement session to get you ready… and see? It’s not that bad AND you can do cute photos!
When you’re committed to making something work, you just find a way. For Fiorella and Kyle, this means dealing with a long distance relationship right now while he lives in Richmond for med school and Fiorella stays in Northern Virginia. They met back in their college dorm and have been finding time to spend with each other ever since. One of those times happened to be a trip together to Peru to see Fiorella’s family. They would celebrate New Years there, but also a new beginning. Fiorella didn’t know about that part yet though. As they flew down, Kyle practiced what he would say over and over in his head. The ring was tied tight to a string to his belt loop and tucked into his pocket. Fiorella will admit that she had their trip planned out each day down to the hour, which left Kyle with very little time to pull off a proposal. She never saw it coming. They went to dinner and then headed off to a party to watch fireworks. Once they started, Kyle suggested that they go outside for a better view. So they walked along the beach. Fireworks sparkling and waves lapping, hand in hand. This was the moment, Kyle decided. He asked Fiorella, “How do you say sand in Spanish?” Arena. “And how do you say fireworks?” Fuegos artificiales. “And how do you say Quieres casarte conmigo?” It was the line he had been practicing, but Fiorella couldn’t believe what she was hearing. After realizing that he was indeed serious and that she had a question to answer, she said yes. She’ll tell you it was the most beautiful night of her life. Thank you to Kelly Ewell Photography for sharing!
Jonathan and Julia met as young children while going to church together. At 10 years old they were teased by siblings that they liked each other. It was soon realized that they in fact did like each other. They spent a lot of time instant messaging and writing notes to each other. For Julia’s 13th birthday, Jonathan bought her a heart shaped locket with a picture of him in it. Parents got wind of this and things quickly changed. Fast forward 6 years later to Julia’s college graduation, when her brother invited Jonathan on the family’s celebratory trip. Jonathan stayed an extra day when Julia’s friends went home and they spent time talking and catching up. They were surprised by each other’s personalities and changes during those six years. About three weeks later the two went to a family wedding together and their families were so surprised and excited, as it had been predicted for years. After 17 months of dating, Jonathan proposed on Christmas Eve. He asked Julia to grab gifts out of the trunk, she opened the trunk only to find the open ring box. When she turned around, surprised and confused, she found Jonathan on one knee. The 6.5 month engagement will consist of planning a wedding and buying a house. The two are getting married July 13th, 2014 at The Links at Gettysburg and will be honeymooning in Punta Cana. Thank you to Mary Sarah Photography for sharing this day with us!
We are digging this sweet, simple engagement session! No props, no setups- just two people crazy in love in a place they enjoy!
From the photographer, Mary Brunst:
They are a couple so obviously in love, and so obviously each others best friend. I had an absolute blast hanging out with them and photographing them in downtown Frederick, MD along the Carroll Creek Promenade… where Bryce had proposed to Megan a few months earlier.
This engagement session was photographed at a huge 100+ year old barn that has been renovated into designer spaces displaying and selling their pieces in each room. Edwina is a designer who has a space at this shabby chic vintage location in Lucketts, VA. Edwina is from Alaska, and Renzo (groom) is from Peru. They both live and work near DC bonding over their love of South America, and their daughters.
Thank you to the talented Marcella Treybig for sending this along – so beautiful!
We love when engagement sessions not only show off the personalities and love between the couple, but also the beautiful area of Frederick County. This session does all of those things and more.
From the photographer, the lovely Kelly Ewell: “Once we started shooting, their love for each other really became clear. It was the way they’d glance at each other. The way their hands would fall into each others’. The way they would simply be around each other. Doing engagement portraits is not only to give the couple some great images of this time in their relationship, but it’s also a benefit for me as a photographer to see how two people interact together. It really prepares me for when I shoot the wedding and have a more hectic day to already be familiar with a couple.”
Well, we were hoping there would be no reason to post any other snowy engagement sessions, but here we are four days into March with two snow days! Spring, are you almost here?
The only good thing about more snow is that we get to show you this beautiful and sweet e-session by Daysy! And, these two are getting married this week- how exciting! Congrats you two!
Why did you do your engagement session in Frederick? Is there anything special about the places you went?
We were looking for a place where we could find in the same area churches, pavilions, gazebos, so we would have different backgrounds. Our photographer suggested Frederick and we loved! No regrets at all! We really like the results!
Kathy of Mathy Shoots People shared a sweet little winter engagement session with us, and we had to share. This session just goes to show that you don’t have to wait until spring to have beautiful engagement photos! And check out that ring- beautiful and unique!
“Alex and Ben met us at Great Falls in Maryland for a brisk walk around the park. They love the outdoors and thought it would make the perfect backdrop to their session. These two have a sweet, simple love and you can tell they’re totally infatuated with each other. They’re adorable!!”
With more snow slated for tomorrow, we thought it would be fun to share a sweet snowy e-session with you!
Collin + Becca braved the cold to do some adorable photos in downtown Frederick near Baker Park.
Where do we begin with these two? They are full of joy and so adorable! Alyssa and Michael had a charming outdoor engagement session in December, right in the heart of Downtown Frederick and even at a Christmas tree farm! We just love when the holiday lights go up around Frederick – they make us feel so festive! Photos by Mary Kate McKenna Photography
Allison + Dustin were voted “Cutest Couple” in high school and we can totally see why! When these two started to think of where to do their engagement session, they decided they had to go back to where they met – Urbana High School. Dustin actually proposed on the football field, so this was the perfect place to celebrate their love. Photos by Mary Kate McKenna Photography
Talk about a cute engagement session! Ashley and David weren’t married in Frederick, but since they have such strong roots in the area, they decided this was a great place to have their e-session done. Teri of tPoz Photography captured their sweetness perfectly.
From Ashley:
David and I chose Frederick for our location of the engagement shoot without second guessing! I grew up in Frederick, it’s my home, it’s who I am.
While our wedding took place in Annapolis, where David was born and raised, we wanted to honor my roots by having our pictures taken around the city.
We started at Visitation Academy where I went to school up until high school–it was the first place that came to mind honestly when Teri asked where exactly we should go. The beautiful gardens they have and the playground I played on everyday while I was enrolled in (the picture of me and David on the swing is one of my favorites!).
It was so much fun being able to walk from there up to Baker Park telling Teri and David different memories I had along the way. Baker Park is just so pretty, the bell tower, the band shell and the gazebo, I just loved it growing up and even now when we visit to take our dogs.
