Engagement Session at Airlie Warrenton VA

Some engagement sessions unfold exactly as planned. Others take on a story of their own – and often become even more memorable because of it.

DaiJordan and Rylee’s engagement session at Airlie in Warrenton, Virginia happened in two parts. Our first afternoon together arrived with steady rain, the kind of soft early fall rain that settles into the gardens and quiet pathways. Rather than reschedule completely, we embraced it. With umbrellas in hand, we spent an hour wandering through the grounds, capturing a series of romantic rainy-day moments that felt intimate and cinematic.

A few weeks later, we returned to Airlie for the second half of their engagement session on a sunny September afternoon. The gardens were still lush and green, and the property felt just as peaceful and tucked away as ever. With the rain behind us, we were able to explore more of the estate together and photograph in many of the beautiful corners that make Airlie one of my favorite locations for engagement photos.

Rain Day Session – Part One

Airlie Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Airlie is one of those locations that really has everything.

Tucked into the countryside of Warrenton, Virginia, the property offers a wide variety of settings within one walkable space. From the elegant Spanish staircase to the refined formal gardens, every corner is thoughtfully designed. There are winding pathways, a quiet pond with a stone bridge, a butterfly garden, and even a whimsical green doorway that feels like something out of a fairytale.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander slowly and always discover another beautiful spot just around the corner.

One of my favorite details within the gardens is a classical statue tucked among the greenery. Anyone who knows my work knows how drawn I am to classical sculpture and old-world details. That small corner of the garden is always a favorite of mine, and it made a beautiful backdrop for a few portraits.

Airlie has a quiet magic about it – refined yet relaxed, romantic without feeling staged – which makes it a perfect location for engagement sessions in Northern Virginia.

Sunshine Session – Part Two

The Sweet and Relaxed Couple

DaiJordan and Rylee have a calm and easy energy, which carried naturally throughout their engagement session. Our time together felt just as down-to-earth as they are – sweet, relaxed, and full of genuine chemistry.

Rylee had created a mood board ahead of the session, which gave me a glimpse into how she envisioned their photos. She clearly has an artful eye herself, and her ideas helped shape the overall feel of the afternoon.

My photographic approach tends to lean slightly editorial in composition, but always with a natural, relaxed feel. I love when couples can interact naturally and simply enjoy being together. The result is imagery that feels timeless and classic, while still remaining intimate and connected.

Those qualities came through effortlessly in DaiJordan and Rylee’s photos.

From quiet umbrella moments in the rain to golden afternoon light in the gardens, their engagement session captured both sides of the story – romance and playfulness, stillness and movement.

It was also a particularly meaningful season for the two of them, as part of the session included a few photos celebrating the exciting news that they are expecting their first baby!

Looking Ahead to Their Virginia Wedding

DaiJordan and Rylee will be celebrating their wedding locally in Virginia this coming June, and I’m so looking forward to capturing the day for them.

By then, their little one will be part of the celebration as well, and it will be such a joy to document this season of life for their growing family – rain showers, sunshine, and all.

Alexis El Massih is a wedding and portrait photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and destinations beyond.

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