Couple Captures Love Story in DC E-Session: Michael + Telisha

When Michael and Telisha first met, they didn’t exchange words right away, but they definitely caught each other’s eye. The two were at a birthday party for a mutual friend. Telisha immediately noticed Michael and asked a friend, “Who is that?” Michael wanted to know all about “the girl in the pink dress”.  Their friends got involved and quickly spread the word of the mutual attraction. It took connecting on social media to finally break the ice. Michael messaged Telisha on Facebook, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

The DC couple dated for three years before Michael popped the big question on a beautiful beach in his hometown in St. Croix. After asking Telisha to take a walk along the beautiful island coast, the two walked up to a small pier. When Telisha pulled out a camera to take pictures, she noticed Michael was acting strangely. What she didn’t know was that he had already set up a secret photographer to capture what was about to be a life-changing moment.

Next thing she knew he was on bended knee. Excited and shocked, Telisha found it hard to muster up a response. “I don’t know what to say” she blurted out at first, which gave Michael a slight panic attack. Yet thankfully she eventually managed to say “Yes!” The crowd that had gathered on the beach cheered and congratulated the soon-to-be bride and groom. Telisha and Michael wanted to have a natural and informal engagement shoot that captured their love story in the city where they shared their first date, Washington D.C. Learn more about their upcoming nuptials and get a glimpse of their fun shoot with Rachel Smith Photography.

Bride-to-be: Telisha Thomas -Registered Nurse
Groom-to-be:  Michael Rivera – Talent Acquisition Specialist
E-Session Location: Washington DC

The E-Session
We didn’t have a theme to our engagement session. We just wanted to be ourselves. Our first time date was in D.C. and now we both work in D.C., so the location was significant to our relationship. We also shot our Love Story video during the engagement session. It was fun adding videography to the photography shoot.

The First Date
Our first date was going to see fireworks. He lived in Pittsburgh at the time but he came down to visit his mom in D.C. for the 4th of July holiday. At the last minute I suggested we meet up for a date since I was close to D.C. As we lay on a blanket waiting for the fireworks to start Michael leaned in and kissed me. It was particularly romantic because as soon as he kissed me the fireworks show started. So I like to tell people that when we first kissed fireworks literally went off!

Favorite Thing to Do is a Couple
We love to travel to different cities and try out as many different restaurants as we can. We’re foodies!

How Wedding Planning Has Been
The wedding planning has been a little hectic so far. I work full-time and I’m also in graduate school so it’s been interesting trying to find time to squeeze in wedding planning during the semester. I’m doing a lot of the wedding planning during breaks between the semester and when Michael isn’t on travel for work.

Looking Forward to Most on the Wedding Day
I’m looking forward to saying our vows to each other. I look forward to the commitment and promises we will make with each other for the rest of our lives.

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