Marty + Eric Sunrise Engagement Story

Marty & Eric met while they were both graduate assistants at Stevenson University. For one of their first dates, they went to visit the Capitol Christmas tree in D.C. all decked out for the holidays. Almost 4 years later to the day, they went back to spend the day in D.C. to take it all in again. After spending the day walking around D.C. they got a little bit turned around and almost missed the Christmas lights. When they finally arrived at the tree the lights hadn’t been turned on yet and it was cold so Marty initially wanted to just go back home. After a little nudging from Eric, they stayed a little longer and when the tree lit up, he got down on one knee and proposed with snow falling down around them.

We met for their engagement session at Rocks State Park, just before sunrise. While we trekked up the trail to the King & Queens seat overlook, we could see some light just barely start to flicker between the trees on the hilltop. I love sunrise sessions because of that warm golden light, but also the quiet. I am no means an early bird, but there is something special about being out in nature while the birds and the hills are just waking up and you can just take everything in around you. That is, unless you have a rock-climber surprise you by jumping up behind you from seemingly out of nowhere while you’re standing on the edge of a cliff ;).

I loved that M&E were up for anything. They walked along the edge of the overlook, took the time to be present and take in each moment together, and weren’t afraid to be themselves. They allowed themselves to get cozy and romantic and be silly and have fun laughing together. After sunrise on the mountain, we trekked back down to Kilgore Falls, played with their pups, and ended the session by the waterfall. If you’re wondering if I’ll ever get up early to be a third-wheel on a sunrise hiking date- the answer is most definitely yes. <3

Here are a few from our morning together…