I recently had the incredible opportunity to photograph the lovely Rika and Andrew during a portrait session at the iconic Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. The morning was bright and sunny, setting the perfect stage for their romantic photoshoot amidst the stunning cherry blossoms.

We scheduled our session shortly after sunrise on a Sunday morning, where despite the very early morning start, the Tidal Basin was filled with people eager to take in all of the beautiful cherry blossoms. Despite the crowd, we managed to find pockets of serenity and captured several gorgeous photos without any passersby in the background. It was particularly special to have the famous DC monuments in the background for many of their photos – it really highlights the location and distinguishes even further from other spring portrait sessions so it’s clear, we were in one of the most famous springtime locations in the country!

Rika looked absolutely stunning in her white dress and crystal headpiece, while Andrew proudly wore his naval uniform. Although Rika and Andrew have been married for a few years, they originally had a simple courthouse wedding without much fanfare. This portrait session gave them the opportunity to celebrate their marriage in a more formal and romantic setting, something they hadn’t had the chance to do before.

Throughout the entire session, Rika and Andrew were an absolute delight to work with. Their love for each other was evident in every glance, touch, and laugh they shared, especially as they warmed up to the camera. It was heartwarming to see how much they cherished this moment, finally getting the chance to create beautiful memories together in their wedding attire.

As we wandered around the Tidal Basin, surrounded by the breathtaking cherry blossoms, I couldn’t help but feel honored to be a part of Rika and Andrew’s special celebration. Their love, combined with the stunning backdrop of Washington, DC, created a portrait session that I’ll never forget.

To Rika and Andrew: Thank you for allowing me to capture these precious moments for you. Your love story is truly inspiring, and I wish you both many more years of happiness and adventure together. May these photos always remind you of the incredible bond you share and the beauty that surrounds you in every step of your journey.