Stu & Emily | Jefferson Memorial proposal photography | Washington, DC

We photographers get to view a lot of intimate moments for our clients: stolen glances at the altar, the smallest detail of how she wrinkles her nose when she's really laughing, maybe even a little skin in a boudoir session. But in April I photographed a moment I'd only seen once before: a proposal. (The once before was when my own husband flashed that ring.) It was, frankly, nerve-wracking, but in the end really special and a huge honor for me. Emily and Stu: © 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com In my opinion, the best option to get your proposal on camera is to do it at the end of a portrait session. She's got a reason to dress up and I've got a reason to be there with a big camera. So I met up with Emily and Stu looking super-dapper and adorable. There were still tons of trees blooming (don't you miss Spring already?) jefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-1© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.comjefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-7© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com I still believe I more or less got away with this one without arousing suspicion. © 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.comjefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-11© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com One secret password of exchange, and Stu was off to do his thing. jefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-14© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.comjefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-18© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com All these kids started screaming as soon as Stu took a knee, and we went over to say hi after. © 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.com© 2015 Amber Wilkie Photography | www.amberwilkie.comjefferson-memorial-engagement-session-washington-dc-25 Congratulations again, you guys! I hope you've been enjoying your engagement!

Anthony & Christopher | Washington DC intimate wedding | Jefferson Memorial

Anthony and Christopher were married steps from Mr. Jefferson, rocking his big, pretty memorial. Don't get too excited, though - I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to get married on the memorial itself. But if you're quick and hide in a corner and don't bring too many guests, who's to say you're not just huddled about looking happy because founding fathers, etc. etc.? Democracy, Monticello, marriage! Anthony and Christopher: gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-25 There was literally one tree with any leaves still on it. gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-2gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-4 I try to make people do "sexy GQ" but I always end up preferring candid and fun. gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-7gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-6gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-8gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-9gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-11gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-13gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-14gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-15gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-16gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-17gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-18gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-19 Jefferson silently approves. gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-21gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-22gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-23gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-24gay-wedding-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc-26 Congratulations, guys!