There are some couples who make a session feel effortless from the very beginning, and Mallory and Tommy were exactly that. Their proposal at Holy Trinity Catholic Church was filled with so much emotion, anticipation, and genuine joy that you could feel the excitement in every moment.

From the second Tommy got down on one knee, the entire atmosphere shifted into something unforgettable. Mallory’s reaction was full of happiness and emotion, and it was one of those moments that reminds me why I love photographing proposals so much. These are the memories couples will look back on for the rest of their lives, and being trusted to document something so meaningful is always such an honor.

The architecture and timeless beauty of Holy Trinity Catholic Church created the perfect backdrop for such an intimate and emotional moment between the two of them.After the proposal, we headed to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens for their engagement session, and honestly, it could not have fit their personalities more perfectly. The gardens gave us such a romantic and elegant setting, while Mallory and Tommy brought all the laughter, energy, and connection that make a session truly special.

One of my favorite things as a photographer is when couples simply enjoy being together instead of focusing on the camera, and that was exactly how this session felt. They laughed constantly, held onto each other naturally, and made every interaction feel authentic and full of life. Some of the best images from the session came from the in-between moments, the quiet smiles, the way Tommy looked at Mallory when she laughed, and the little moments of connection that happened without posing or direction. Those are always the moments that tell the real story.What made this session so memorable was the balance between elegance and fun.

We captured romantic portraits surrounded by the incredible scenery of Dumbarton Oaks, but we also embraced movement, spontaneity, and all the little moments that reflected who they are as a couple. Their chemistry made every frame feel natural, and it was clear how deeply they care for one another. Sessions like this are such a beautiful reminder that engagement photography is about so much more than taking photos. It is about documenting a season of life that passes so quickly, preserving emotions that deserve to be remembered, and creating images that will bring couples back to these moments years from now.

Mallory and Tommy’s session was full of joy, connection, and genuine love, and I feel so grateful to have been part of such an important chapter in their story.