Yaptos Engagement Uncensored: 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

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.
Bring walking shoes. Walking is all you will be doing. Might as well be comfortable.
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.
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.
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

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.
Gabe told us not to wear anything baggy; fitted clothes look better in photos. Good to know!
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.
Don't be nervous. It will show in the pictures. DO relax and enjoy the moment!
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 =)