I am fortunate to have people enter into my life that help me understand that good hearts, kind people, and believers with a strong faith in God still exists.  When I met Erica and Peter at McCormick and Schmick’s for their wedding consultation I wasn’t sure if they would hire me as their photographer, but what I did know is that Peter was going to support Erica in their wedding planning process and on their journey through life.  A genuine love exists between these two and I love Peter’s calm demeanor as he has given Erica advice from the wedding photography consultation to planning out the location of our engagement session.  Lately, the weather in the DC area has been so crazy and unpredictable that a plan B was necessary because our original session was rained out.  We met at Union Station in DC since both Erica and Peter utilize DC public transit when it’s not necessary to drive to their destination.  We also made this a contingency plan due to the weather!  If nothing else, I have to say that Erica was an awesome sport.  As I was taking their photo outside of Union Station, I apparently angered a crowd of pigeons and as payback one of them pooped on Erica’s wool coat.  She said someone told her once that this was a sign of good luck!  I truly hope so but I also hoped this “type” luck doesn’t happen on their wedding day!

Peter was born in Wisconsin and Erica is a Jersey girl, but they met through the Peace Corps.  In the Peace Corps, men and women are not allowed to be along together, so their “unofficial” official first date was a group outing with friends.  As the two became closer they talked about marriage but Peter’s proposal to Erica was totally unexpected!  Peter’s family was visiting from Wisconsin but unbeknownst to Erica their visit also included them bringing Peter’s grandmother’s diamond ring with them!  Peter proposed to Erica by presenting his grandmother’s ring. I can’t help but think this is the ultimate compliment that Peter wants to give Erica a symbol of someone that’s so special in his life. When they’re married Peter will wear his grandfather’s wedding ring as well!  I am excited to be able to share a special day next June with these two!  Here are a few of my favorite photos from their session.

Make-Up: Faces by Ms. Renee  /  Engaged: March 2013  /  Wedding: June 2014

Peter attended Lawrence University and Erica attended Cornell University, so it was only natural that they incorporated a piece of each Alma Mater into their session!