Engagement Session at The Kennedy Center and Georgetown Waterfront

You know those couples that just feel like they were made for each other? That’s Esra and John. These two are some of the sweetest, most thoughtful people, and it was such an honor to celebrate their love story during their engagement session at The Kennedy Center and Georgetown Waterfront. We had gorgeous summer weather, iconic DC views, and their golden retriever, Maya, absolutely stole the show. (You’ll see what I mean when you scroll!)

Esra and John’s story is one for the books.

they met through a mutual friend about seven years ago, and when they knew things were real, they didn’t wait. After getting engaged, they decided to go ahead and get hitched! Their proposal was laid-back and meaningful—just the way they wanted it. While living in Austin, they went for a walk near a park they loved with Maya. There was a creek, wildflowers, and some of their closest friends waiting nearby. John proposed right there by the water, and their friends even snapped a few photos! That evening, they celebrated over dinner at home, and the next day, they eloped at a local park with one of their friends officiating. How incredible is that?! Just the two of them, their pup, and a lot of love.

Not long after, Esra and John moved back to the DC area, so naturally, we needed to include some iconic DC locations in their engagement photos!

This past summer, they celebrated big with their family and friends at The View at Bluemont— and let me tell you, it was stunning! But before the wedding day came their engagement session, and I’m still not over how perfect it was. We started at The Kennedy Center for those dreamy, modern vibes with the city skyline in the background, and then made our way down to the Georgetown Waterfront for golden hour by the water. We even got to meet up again a few weeks later with sweet Maya, breaking up her time in front of the camera to really let her sweetness shine!

Which brings us to Maya!

Esra and John’s beloved golden retriever was the ultimate MVP—she posed like a pro and brought so much joy to every single photo. I always love when couples bring their pups along because they’re such an important part of your story. Maya was absolutely living her best life, and she made these photos even more meaningful.

Esra and John, I’m so grateful I got to celebrate this chapter with you two. Your love story is such a beautiful reminder that there’s no one right way to do things—you just have to do what feels right for you. Scroll on to see all the sweet moments from their Kennedy Center and Georgetown Waterfront engagement session (and, of course, all the Maya cameos!).