Jefferson Memorial Washington D.C. Engagement Session | Anna + Darian

This engagement session was super extra special for so many different reasons! It may get messy and convoluted here for a minute but hang in there because I want to tell you exactly why it was so glorious!

These irreplaceable relationships all go back to 2002 when my brother, Jed, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - a type of childhood cancer. He died in January of 2010 but continues to be a huge part of my life. His oncologist for his eight years of treatments was Dr. Ungar. For the many years that we spent with him, we heard little bits and pieces about Dr. Ungar's daughter, Anna.

I could really go into a lot of detail here but I'll spare you from most of it! Jed's fight has shaped most of the major aspects of my life including my alma mater. I chose to attend The Pennsylvania State University because 1) it's home 2) to get involved with Penn State THON. THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Our mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research - all in pursuit of a cure. Their year-long work culminates each February with a 46 hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon in which I participated as a student for 4 years (and for 16 years total).

During my senior year as the Captain of the Photography Committee for THON, Anna interviewed to be on our committee and obviously got the position. It's also where I met Meg and Caity.

These three girls make my world go 'round. Words cannot sufficiently explain how grateful I am for them (and how proud I am as the resident old lady of the group). Five years later and their friendship means more to me every single day.

Here's where this session gets even more special... Caity - the powerhouse behind Cait Kramer Photography - and I were able to co-shoot Anna and Darian's D.C. engagement session! Savannah Smith Photography will also be shooting A+D's wedding in conjunction with Cait Kramer Photography!

All I could think about during our session was how life magically brings us the people we need at just the right time and gives us the opportunity to foster such precious relationships. Gosh, I am so grateful.

Caity and I met up with Anna and Darian at the Jefferson Memorial for their serene sunrise session. Which means I woke up at 3 AM to get to D.C. in time! That's how you know I love these two.

Darian deserves a shout out here too - he is hysterical, so tolerant of our craziness and really perfect at making Anna laugh those big, authentic belly laughs. Perfect start to a marriage, right?

This is just the first of two engagement sessions for Anna and Darian so yes, we'll be back with a summer State College engagement session before their July 2019 wedding at Historic Acres of Hershey! But for now, enjoy some of my favorites from their amazing Jefferson Memorial sunrise engagement session and then pop over to Caity's blog to see her favorites too!!!!