After six years of capturing weddings and engagements in the Washington DC metro area, we have a few favorites. Old Town Alexandria in Northern Virginia is a location that we are always excited to visit.
Old town offers many different scenic places to enjoy as we photograph your portraits. We usually start at the Carlyle House. Just a few blocks from the waterfront, it's stone facade harkens back to the 19th century. Behind the house, a well attended garden and brick wall is a tranquil break from the tourists that walk along King Street and the Potomac River.
From there, we usually take a short walk to one of the many cobblestone lined alleyways that are tucked behind the rows of historic 17th and 18th century homes lining King Street. Ivy covered brick walls line the alleys while light streams in above the rooftops.
Prince Street is part of the historic district. Boasting it's original cobblestone and old trees forming a canopy from the brick sidewalks, it's a bit busy on the weekends. We can usually sneak a few photos in between the cars heading to enjoy the restaurants and shopping just a block away.
Then we leave it up to you whether you want to head to the waterfront or the popular Wilkes Street Tunnel. The waterfront offers sweeping views of the Potomac River and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The tunnel is a great place to take some silhouetted portraits, or a dramatic portrait in the light that reaches just a short way into the entrances.
Once we are done, take the time for a nice relaxing dinner at one of Alexandria's many restaurants. Our personal casual dining favorites are Virtue Feed and Grain on South Union Street, Pizza Paradiso on King Street, or Caphe Bahn Mi on Cameron Street. If you want to end your session with more of a fine dining experience, Magnolia's on King, Vermillion, or Restaurant Eve are amazing, just be sure to call ahead and make reservations.
