Alexandria VA Winter Engagement Session: John & Alexis
There’s something undeniably magical about a winter engagement session, especially in the charming streets of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The cold, overcast skies gave this session a beauty all of its own. Overcast days might not seem ideal to some, but as a photographer, I love how the soft, diffused light creates such an ethereal feel.
This Alexandria VA winter engagement session was my first engagement session of the year, and we managed to sneak it in just before a big snowstorm rolled into the area later that evening! The timing felt perfect, but what truly made this session extra special was my personal connection to the couple. I’ve known John and Alexis since high school—back when we attended the same Orthodox Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia! Seeing their natural, sweet connection as a couple now is such a joy!
Capturing their engagement photos was an honor, and I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate with them again this fall for their wedding. On the blog today, I’m thrilled to share more highlights from their session, along with their love story in their own words. You won’t want to miss it! Grab a cozy blanket, warm cup of tea and scroll on for all the wintery goodness!
HOW THEY MET
from her perspective
Both of us grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church, attending the Nativity of the Theotokos in Fredericksburg, VA. Over the years, we crossed paths at various church events but remained acquaintances. On my last Sunday before moving to Northern Virginia, I attended church one final time, while John happened to be there celebrating his name day. We reconnected during coffee hour 😊. Later, I found out my mom had given John a little nudge, asking, ‘Are you seeing anyone? Do you want to? You should talk to Alexis.’ And the rest, as they say, is history!
HOW HE PROPOSED
from her perspective
John proposed on the National Mall, bringing me back to the exact spot where, early in our relationship, I knew I wanted to be with him forever. It was the culmination of a whirlwind weekend—friends at a winery, work commitments, a family rehearsal dinner, and a wedding—and yet, John somehow managed to plan a perfect Monday night dinner in D.C. near the National Mall with ‘friends.’ Truthfully, I was feeling a little social-ed out but excited to dress up and enjoy a nice evening out.
I had a fleeting thought: What if he proposes? But I quickly dismissed it. He’d been way too calm all day, and I had a strict don’t-get-your-hopes-up policy. When we got into the Uber, John casually mentioned that our friends were running late due to traffic. Instead of heading straight to the restaurant, he suggested we take a walk along the Mall to pass the time.
As we strolled, we found a quiet bench and sat down. We talked for a bit, and then John asked if I remembered the last time we’d been to that spot—and the thought I’d shared with him then. I smiled and told him I’d realized I wanted to be with him forever. That’s when he asked, ‘What do you think about forever?’ Before I could fully process what was happening, he stood me up, got down on one knee, and proposed.
I honestly blacked out from the shock! John says he had more to say but quickly realized I wasn’t fully present and kept it simple with, ‘Will you marry me?’ (Smart move, honestly!)
He’d even arranged for a hidden photographer to capture the moment, and when I finally came back to reality, he revealed one more surprise: our dinner reservation wasn’t at 5 p.m. with friends—it was at 7 p.m. and just for the two of us. It was absolutely perfect.
Engaged and dreaming of your big day? I’d love to chat about capturing your wedding day memories! Click here to inquire about your wedding date and to learn more about my wedding photography services!
Alexis El Massih is a wedding and portrait photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Greece Destination Weddings
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