There might not be a better place in Washington DC for a proposal than the Lincoln Memorial! We’ll get into the specific reasons below. But suffice it to say that this iconic monument gives you everything you need to make popping the question romantic and unforgettable. Which is why Jayson and Michael came to us with that location already in mind! And thanks to some great luck with the sunset, we got some proposal and engagement photos that were beautiful, romantic and quintessentially DC!
Why the Lincoln Memorial Is Perfect for DC Proposal and Engagement Photos
Thinking about proposing to your partner and want it to be spectacular? As promised, here are a few reasons why the Lincoln Memorial is THE ideal location at which to pop the question:
- It gives the pictures an unmistakably DC feel. The Lincoln Memorial is without a doubt one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Nation’s Capital. The gorgeous columns, the pleasing geometry of the monument’s silhouette, the significance of the president sitting inside… Nothing says “DC” better than the Lincoln Memorial! So if the DMV has been a part of your love story, proposing at this monument is the perfect way to honor that.
- The view is spectacular! One of the coolest things about a proposal photoshoot at the Lincoln Memorial is that you get one of the best looks at the National Mall. From the top of the steps, you can see the Reflecting Pool with the Washington Monument and US Capitol rising up behind it. So the photos of you popping the question to your partner get some “bonus” DC elements in the background.
- Engagement photos at the Reflecting Pool afterwards. The Lincoln Memorial isn’t just a great location for unforgettable proposal pictures. It’s also one of the best spots in Washington DC for an engagement photoshoot. So as soon as you’ve finished popping the question and enjoying your first minutes as an engaged couple, we can take you out to take some mind-blowing pictures of the two of you down by the Reflecting Pool.
Beautiful Marriage Proposal on the Steps of the Lincoln Memorial…
Unlike many of the proposals we document, Jayson and Michael’s wasn’t a surprise or a secret. (The couple had discussed it before the photoshoot.) Though that made the proposal a little less dramatic, it did have a couple of advantages. First, we didn’t have to worry about getting passersby out of the way without accidentally spoiling the surprise. Second, it allowed us to pose the couple so that the lighting and backdrop were perfect. That was actually a special advantage during Jayson and Michael’s proposal. The Lincoln Memorial was under construction that day. So as is often the case at that landmark, scaffolding and other equipment spoiled the view in certain areas. By being able to arrange the “scene” beforehand, we created images without any distracting or unattractive elements.
Whatever their proposal lacked in drama, though, it more than made up for with sweetness. The words they said to one another were so meaningful and lovely that they even got us choked up a little. So even though the scene was staged, the emotions were real and beautiful.
Michael was the first to propose. We had him and his future groom stand on the top step of the Lincoln Memorial with a gorgeous view of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument behind them. Once everything was ready, Michael got down on one knee, said what was in his heart and slid a ring on his boyfriend’s finger. Jayson said yes (of course!), and we got some pictures of the couple sharing a celebratory embrace and kiss.
…And Another Popping of the Question by the Reflecting Pool
For Jayson’s proposal to Michael, we decided to vary things up a bit. As unforgettable as the vista at the top of the Lincoln Memorial steps is, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the other spots nearby on the National Mall. So we brought the couple down to the platform just above the Reflecting Pool. From that area, you get a very different but equally spectacular view of the Washington Monument.
Once there, it was Jayson’s turn to get down on one knee and ask Michael to marry him. With the National Mall behind him, he professed his love for his future husband. Tears came to Michael’s eyes as Jayson opened the ring box, removed the symbol of their love and slid it on his fiancé’s finger.
Gorgeous DC Engagement Photos by the Reflecting Pool
As we mentioned above, one of the best parts of a proposal at the Lincoln Memorial is the opportunity to follow it up with some iconic engagement pictures. As we were already standing near the Reflecting Pool, we took Jayson and Michael down closer to its edges. Once there, we took some sweeping, expansive shots of them with the National Mall behind them. We also got some playful pictures that highlighted how much fun and humor plays a part in their relationship. One of our favorites was a photo of Michael picking up Jayson in his arms!
Stunning Sunset Engagement Pictures by the Lincoln Memorial
In a city full of awesome locations for sunrise and sunset engagement photoshoots, one of Washington DC’s best is perhaps the Lincoln Memorial. It’s one of the few places in the National Capital where you can get equally good backdrops at dawn and dusk. In the mornings, the sun comes up behind the US Capitol and Washington Monument. If the sky turns to fire, you get beautiful colors in the waters of the Reflecting Pool. In the evenings, the gorgeous colors of a sunset make a spectacular backdrop behind the Lincoln Memorial. All you need is a little luck!
Luck is exactly what we got during Jayson and Michael’s engagement session! Just after the photos down by the Reflecting Pool, we saw that the sky starting to light up in a promising way. So we brought the couple back partway up the Lincoln Memorial steps. We took some epic engagement portraits of them there. With the monument soaring above them and the clouds in the sky turning golden, the photos of Jayson and Michael couldn’t help but look majestic.
We then turned around and noticed the way the golden hour light was catching the Washington Monument. While the rest of the National Mall darkened, the obelisk turned a striking soft orange. So naturally, we took some gorgeous photos of the couple posing in front of it.
By that time, the real sunset magic had begun. The sky had started turning dark blue, and the edges of the clouds had become a delicate pink. With these gorgeous colors as the backdrop, we created colorful engagement images of Jayson and Michael in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Then as the heavens turned bright red and orange, we took some closeup shots that highlighted the sweet and tender side of their relationship.
A Big Thanks to an Awesome Couple!
Jayson and Michael, we appreciate you asking us to be a part of your beautiful proposal! We’re sure that your wedding will be just as lovely. And we can’t wait to document it!
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