Sam and Nick’s proposal at Georgetown University is one I won’t forget, not just because it looked great, but because it was the first proposal I ever photographed. From the moment I got to campus, I knew this Washington DC engagement photography session was going to be a good one.
A Planned Georgetown University Proposal
Before Sam & Nick arrived, I met up with Nick’s brother at the Heyden Memorial Garden next to the observatory to get everything in place. We set up flowers and decorations so that when Sam & Nick walked in, the spot felt intentional, private, and tailored to them. That quiet corner of the garden, surrounded by greenery and the older Georgetown University buildings, was a solid backdrop for a moment like this.
When Sam walked into the garden and realized what was going on, her reaction said it all. She was clearly surprised and happy, and you could feel the energy shift immediately. When Nick got down on one knee, the mix of nerves, relief, and excitement made for real, unscripted photos that you just can’t fake.
Engagement Photos in Heyden Memorial Garden
After she said “yes,” we stayed in the Heyden Memorial Garden for a bit to grab more portraits. The greenery and landscape gave us plenty of options without needing to move far. From simple, candid moments to a few straightforward “just engaged” shots, Sam and Nick made it easy to create a solid set of images.
Walking Around Georgetown University’s Campus
From there, we walked around Georgetown University’s campus for more engagement-style photos. We stopped at some of the better-known spots, using the brick paths, stone walls, and historic architecture as a backdrop while Sam and Nick settled into the fact that they were officially engaged. This part of a session is always more relaxed, once the big question is done, people loosen up and the photos show it.
Georgetown Waterfront Engagement Photos
We wrapped up the evening at the Georgetown waterfront, which gave the photos a different look from the campus and garden. The water, the city views, and the evening light added a cleaner, more urban feel to the end of their gallery. It was a natural way to move from a quiet garden proposal to celebrating down by the river.
Since this was my first proposal, this session stands out for me in a big way. Getting to document everything, from the setup in Heyden Memorial Garden to the last shots at the Georgetown waterfront, reinforced why I enjoy working as a Washington DC engagement photographer.
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