I know that most of my followers check up on my blog to see new wedding or engagement photography (which is awesome and thank you for reading!) but today I’m going to step outside of my comfort zone a bit and talk about some cool things in my personal life (yes, I have managed to maintain some scrap of personal life while running this business!). So this past December, I traveled with my parents to D.C. for a visit. I’d never been there before and it was quite an experience.

This trip was a gift to me from my parents for my 21st birthday. I could have picked any U.S. city to visit but for a few great reasons, I picked D.C.. Anyone who knows me can contest to the fact that I am a political geek, and with a double major in political science – international studies and sociology, D.C. is kind of like a mecca for all things political and/or nerdy, and for that reason alone I knew I had to visit. Also, living in Florida means I never get to wear my adorable winter wardrobe, and I desperately needed to wear those Steve Madden boots with my most favorite black double-breasted peacoat. But more importantly, I wanted to visit the city because I wanted to see the Wall with my father. My dad served as a corpsman in Vietnam, and suffered a number of injuries trying to save the lives of others. He is with out a doubt my hero and I knew with out even a second of thought that I wanted to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall with him, and if I could, I would be one of the luckiest daughters in the world. So I did, and I am. I love you, Dad.

So, as you can see, D.C. delivered on the cold weather. I now had no reason not to wear my favorite peacoat and boots, over and over and over and over again. Below is a shot of Dad trying to navigate the rainy city.

We finally made our way over to the Wall:

We also did a lot of really touristy stuff because… hey, we were tourists.

Here’s me geekin:

Also, ironically enough, I am the worst person to try and take pictures of:

hahaha. but seriously, that peacoat is awesome, no?

Mom’s photography (yes, i’m still geekin it up):

JFK’s grave:

Arlington:

Delicious delicious delicious Starbucks:

and that was it!

Stay tuned this week for a super gorgeous engagement session!

So, do you guys remember Elyse’s stunning wedding dress from this wedding? Well, head on over to the wonderful Wedding Chicks blog to see a feature on Elyse’s bridal portraits and, well, that awesome dress. While you’re there, check out the Wedding Chicks blog for all kinds of stylish and chic inspiration for your wedding day. Thanks ‘Chicks for the feature!

World, meet Lindsay and Ryan. A very in-love couple who aspire to one day own a blueberry farm and live happily ever after. I know, almost too cute, yes? And Ryan has a chocolate lab named Shooter who is the most well mannered and totally loyal pup I’ve ever met – I’ve already offered to dog sit for the honeymoon. I love that little guy! I can’t wait for their April wedding, which is going to have rustic charm and vintage inspiration everywhere. Until then, feast your eyes on these darling images of these southern sweeties:

Lindsay and Ryan, I can’t wait to meet you back in Dover for your sure to be stunning and all kinds of gorgeous rustic wedding.