Destination E-Shoot at Washington, DC



"What's the skyline like at Washington, DC?"



This is DC's skyline lol

I laughed so hard when Marc asked me this on the way to DC.  I love taking him to places he's never been to before... especially historical places.  Since we needed to get our engagement shoot done with our wedding photographer, we decided that it would be fun to meet our photographer at DC (where he's from) and celebrate Marc's birthday all within the same weekend.  We're so glad we did it, and we're hoping to visit again so we can go to the museums that we missed out on AND see the monuments at night since it rained on Saturday evening. 

Before I get into my Top 5 tips for traveling to DC and Top 5 tips for engagement shoots, I wanted to give a special shout out to our wedding photographer, Gabe Aceves.  He was so kind enough to move our engagement shoot to Sunday since Saturday was gloomy and rainy.  Sunday ended up being sunny, beautiful, and a perfect day for an E-shoot AND for Marc's birthday!  I was so thrilled it worked out because my outfits were definitely not rain proof!  I learned so much about our photographer within 2 hours of what seemed like hanging out and walking around in the city with a friend rather than an E-shoot.  Super cool and talented guy!  Gabe, thanks for showing us showing us around and we are stoked that the beauty of DC will be in our engagement photos and that we get the privilege of you being the mastermind behind the photos! We're looking forward to seeing you on September 2nd for the BIG DAY!

5 Tips for Traveling to Washington, DC

1. Don't rent a car.  First, driving in DC is impossible with the huge round-abouts with 8 different exits! Second, all of the monuments, museums, memorials, the White House, the Capitol, etc... all in the same vicinity and walking distance.  Third, parking is a beotch and hella expensive.
2. Bring walking shoes. Walking is all you will be doing.  Might as well be comfortable.
3. If you know someone from DC, have them be your tour guide and show you what you must see and what you must eat.  Also, less likely for you to get lost.  If anything, ask others who have been to give you some ideas.
4. When visiting the memorials, treat it as it is... A place to remember and honor the people who lost their lives for our country.  Don't just walk by and say you've done it; look at the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, study the soldiers' faces at the Korean War Memorial, understand the meaning of all the symbols at the World War II Memorial, etc... It will give you a better perspective and appreciation.
5. There are park rangers that do free guided tours, or there is a phone number posted at the memorial to call and you will get a guided tour over the phone!  By the way, a majority of the Smithsonian Museums are FREE!

5 Tip for Engagement Shoots

1. Don't be too matchy because it's just plain out cheesy. Marc and I did different shades of blue for our outfits.  One of my outifts was a little bit louder, so Marc toned it down by wearing a gray sweater. 
2. Gabe told us not to wear anything baggy; fitted clothes look better in photos.  Good to know!
3. Gabe also told us to wear something that represents our own style.  This also has to do with the make up and hair. Don't try to be someone you're not.
4. Don't be nervous.  It will show in the pictures.  DO relax and enjoy the moment!
5. Get to know your photographer!  When you're comfortable with your photographer, then you will look comfortable and natural in the pictures. Once the wedding comes along, then it will be just like meeting up with an old friend you haven't seen in a while =)

White House... obviously :P

Yap Stone from Island of Yap!

Fob Alert!

Marc and I wanted to get a picture of us sitting on Lincoln's lap... but we decided that we didn't want to get arrested :P

 

Flaming Volcano!  We were good for the rest of the night after this drink!



Marc's "Black and Blue" beer at DCA for his birthday!

The end of our DC trip, but ready for our next adventure!

Best part of wedding planning...

Besides the whole mushy gushy stuff of planning the day you will marry your other half... the best part of planning a wedding/least stressful is THE FOOD TASTE TESTING at your reception venue! Marc and I had been waiting for this event for months!  Our venue made the event all romantic for us.  I almost forgot that we had to make the difficult decision on what was our favorite since it was all so scrumptious. We met the head chef who happened to be one of my mom's good friends/the mother of one of my best friends from high school!  Very small world.

Marc and I were so funny.  We chowed down and made so many mmmm... and omg so good.... remarks that we made sure to save a little bit of each meat for the end so we could compare the tastes.  (Of course, Marc got caught up with the view outside and had so many ideas on pictures we could take during the tasting).  We finally made the decision of the meats, then we had to decide on the vegatables, starches, salad, dressing, and wine.   I can't wait until Tammy makes the appointment for cake tasting with the bakery!!



LOL!  This is Marc and me after the tasting... we felt like fattys.

On a more personal note, the 5 month mark has been the most stressful month for me so far.  At 6 months, it was like "hey, half a year until the wedding! Woo!" And then 5 months is like, "holy crap... it's right around the corner and there's still so much to do!"   That's when it hits that the wedding is really happening.  Before, it was just an image in my mind.  Now, everything has come to fruition and it became REAL. There are so many little details that need to be prepared that it can get overwhelming.  I've already openly told Tammy twice that I was having a freak out moment. 

Tammy's advice: Relax, Relate, Release.... Wooosahhhh.

I know it sounds funny, and it was!  The small laughter I had when I read that text helped my mood in so many ways. First, I realized that I was being ridiculous.  Second, it reminded me to take a deep breath.  Third, I remembered that everything was seriously under control.  I know I'll have more freak out moments, but I think I'll snap out of it faster than the last two... hopefully... for Marc's sanity ;)

In 9 days, Marc and I will be on a plane heading to Washington D.C. for our engagement shoot with Gabe Aceves and a celebration for Marc's birthday! We are definitely looking forward to meeting our talented wedding photographer, the photos, and enjoying D.C.!  Toodles everyone!