IT STARTED WITH A BOLD MESSAGE & ENDED WITH A 'YES' | NORTHERN VIRGINIA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 12
“It started with a bottle of Yellowtail Chardonnay and a bold Instagram reply.”
That one small moment led to everything that followed for Meghan and Brandon, and it perfectly sums up their story.
Meghan and Brandon grew up in the same small town in Pennsylvania. They went to the same schools and lived in the same area. Somehow, their paths never crossed. Meghan knew of Brandon as the football star. Brandon did not know Meghan at all. Years later, social media quietly brought them together. One summer night in 2020, after drinking a very large bottle of wine (shout out Yellowtail Chardonnay), Meghan replied to one of Brandon’s instagram stories. He posted a picture with one of his friend’s children with the caption “fun uncle = funcle”. Meghan, who was feeling the Yellowtail, replied back, “you mean a hot uncle”. That message turned into conversations, then a date, then a life together.
Their first date was at Idiom Brewery in Frederick, Maryland. Brandon remembers being drawn to Meghan’s love for travel, hiking, kayaking, and her bright energy. Meghan remembers how natural it all felt. They have now been together for four and a half years, building a relationship centered around joy and friendship.
Joy follows Meghan and Brandon in a quiet, natural way. Brandon brings a lightness that makes even the simplest moments feel fun, while Meghan carries a bubbly warmth that fills the space around her. Together, they are so genuine and playful, building something strong while still laughing their way through it all.
They love doing things together. Traveling to new places, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and pickleball are all things they love to do together. They also like long walks, especially slow morning walks with coffee. These "coffee walks" as Brandon called them when we first spoke about his plan, became a big part of his strategy to surprise Meghan with the proposal.
Their proposal felt just like a normal day, which made it even more special. It was a Sunday in Old Town Alexandria. Fun fact, we originally planned for the day before, but quickly made a pivot due to weather so that their proposal was filled with sunshine! They wen to church in the morning then grabbed coffee after. A walk along the water before "meeting friends for brunch" to celebrate Meghan’s birthday or so that's what she thought was the plan.
The sun was bright as they walked along the Potomac. Meghan wanted to turn around so the sun would be behind them. Brandon insisted they keep going. He was adamant that they continue along the path they were on. They reached a bridge on the south end of Old Town and kept walking. Brandon stops and says “that’s a really nice bridge”. Meghan thought nothing of it as they had walked over this bridge many times. Brandon asked to take Meghan’s photo looking at the water. She stood there with her back turned. There was a pause. When she turned around, Brandon was down on one knee with a ring in his hand. I captured the whole thing on video and snapped pictures in tandem.
Meghan was completely surprised. The moment felt unreal. Brandon felt the stress fade away as soon as she said yes. "I could not ask for God to drop a better day in late November for us to celebrate each other", Brandon shared. Not sure if they caught this, but me the photographer even shed a tear. It was such a beautiful moment!
After the proposal, I stepped back and gave them space. From a distance, I watched them hold each other tight on the bridge, eyes closed, taking it all in. The love was visible. The happiness was felt. It was an honor to witness.
Throughout the session, their connection felt easy and real. They laughed. They cracked jokes between the "omg we are engaged" and diamond ring gazing. Underneath the excitement I could tell there is a strong friendship between Brandon and Meghan. The kind that makes everything feel lighter.
We ended with a simple picnic and time to slow down. I stepped away and let them soak it all in as the day quietly settled in. Afterward, we took photos while wandering through the quintessential cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row, letting the moment stretch just a little longer. The quiet conversation. The giggles. The way they leaned into each other. Everything felt effortless and full.
As they settle into being newly engaged, Meghan and Brandon are beginning wedding planning this year. They want their wedding day to feel energetic and alive. Vibey music, a crowded dance floor, and friends and family who aren’t afraid to let loose are what they hope for the day to look like.
Cheer to that! Meghan and Brandon, thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful chapter in your lives! Your love, humor, and happiness made this session unforgettable.
Comments