We fell in love with Zhen Lin and Ben Li’s fun portraits that they took with Clarence Chan Photography at the National Mall and National Harbor. When you read their story, you’ll understand that not only are these photos full of good ideas to steal, they’re also perfect for Zhen and Ben’s playful personalities.
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Zhen had met Ben through the Chinese American Student Society at Virginia Tech, and from the start, she knew he was extremely friendly and caring. This impression was confirmed one night when they started instant messaging one another. Upon learning that Zhen was feeling down, Ben sent her a goofy video of his “Awkward Dancing” that he’d performed at a culture show. The video cheered her up, and continued to entertain her through the rest of college whenever she needed a mood boost.
When Zhen started joking about her upcoming half birthday, Ben used it as an excuse to plan a surprise date. He took her to see the carved ice extravaganza at The Gaylord at National Harbor, and finished the date with a half a cake lit with birthday candles. Two and a half years later, a cherry blossom season proposal at the Jefferson Memorial set the pair up for happily ever after.
Zhen and Ben’s engagement photos at the National Mall and National Harbor that show some easy ways to mix it up at DC’s classic photo hot spots. Take a look, and take notes!
Bring along a cute sign.
An ampersand like Zhen and Ben used, cutout letters of your initials, or a chalkboard with your wedding date all work.
Puddles? No problem.
Make the most of any residual rainwater with a reflection photo.
Let the architecture do the talking.
Not every photo has to be a close up–sometimes the photos that seem to catch you during a romantic moment are the best.
Take advantage of the blooms.
Spring is a lovely time of year in Washington, DC, so if you’re taking engagement photos during that season, make sure to make the most of the many flowering trees in the District.
Mix up your backgrounds.
Two many monuments? Find some cool walls–Georgetown can help you out there–and take some shots.
Think about how you’re going to use the photos.
Photos with a lot of space not occupied by your beautiful faces are perfect for overlaying text for a save-the-date card or website background.
Just have fun with it.
Does every single photo have to be perfectly posed? Nope, not at all. You’re getting married, and it’s supposed to be fun!
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
