Analisa & Shawn’s First Date-Inspired Engagement Session in Washington

When I first heard the story of Analisa and Shawn’s first date, I knew we had to do something a little different for their engagement session. After meeting online, they went to AMC movie theaters for their first date, then wandered across the street to browse books at Barnes & Noble, where they bonded over their mutual love of books and coffee. So why not recreate the whole thing?

We planned their Washington engagement photography session around those little details that made their first date theirs. We started out at AMC on a beautiful summer morning, capturing them together in a place that already had a little history for them. Some super iconic photos to start the day? Yes please!

From there, we headed across the street to Barnes & Noble and wandered through the bookstore together. There was something really fun about watching them settle into the same easy rhythm they probably had on that very first date—looking at books, laughing, and just hanging out together.

We wrapped up the session with drinks at the Starbucks café inside Barnes & Noble, which felt like the perfect ending to a session built around their story.

That’s one of my favorite things about engagement sessions. They don’t have to be complicated or overly posed to be meaningful. Sometimes the best photos come from recreating a first date, grabbing coffee, wandering through a bookstore, or doing something you already love together.

For Analisa and Shawn, their engagement session was a little snapshot of where their story started—and I loved getting to document it with them.

Love these photos and looking for authentic storytelling photography or videography on your wedding day? Reach out on my website for a for a free consultation! ^^