GABRIELLE + ERICH: autumn anniversary session at manassas battlefield

In late 2022 (I still can’t believe it’s already 2023, time is flying), I had the absolute privilege of shooting an engagement session for Gabrielle + Erich!

They actually booked this session in 2021, right after they got married. Gabrielle had been following me on Instagram, and wanted a fun session to mark their first year of marriage. They were on my books for an entire year, while I eagerly awaited the chance to finally meet them!

When the time came along to plan their session, they were completely open to whatever I thought would be best. This made my job easier, but after waiting an entire year for this session, I wanted it to be perfect! The session was scheduled for early November, which tends to be a pretty tricky time of the year in Virginia. Typically, all the leaves are gone, the grass is green, and the beautiful tall grasses that we’re used to have been mowed for the winter. Truthfully, I was absolutely terrified of choosing a location that would be a flop.

For most of the fall season, I’m pretty much splitting my time 50/50 between Shenandoah and Manassas Battlefield. And if I’m being completely honest, Shenandoah tends to be a flop for me. My plan is to go out and scout some better locations for 2023, but thus far, it tends to be super crowded, very cold, and completely unpredictable. I knew I wasn’t willing to risk Shenandoah for this session, so I decided to suggest my old faithful- Manassas Battlefield.

The Battlefield is the closest location to my house (so it’s the easiest to check out), and it’s one of the only locations that I find myself returning to all year long. It’s my constant, and I knew it would be the most dependable spot to shoot. Only bummer- Gabrielle and Erich were making a weekend getaway for the shoot, and would have to spend the weekend in Manassas (lol).

But, in true Virginia fashion, the weather did not want to cooperate. The day of the scheduled shoot (that had been scheduled a year in advance!), it was pouring. And I mean pouring. While I’m always down to dance in the rain, I did not want them to spend this entire session getting soaked to the bone. We waited way too long for that! We decided to hold off for one day, and got lucky with mild temps and overcast skies!

fun fact: overcast skies are my favorite.

We finally got our moment, and I finally got to meet G+E! And honestly, they’re the best. Sometimes, it takes couples a while to warm up to being in front of the camera, and it can take a while to let the guards down and let their authentic self shine through. Not these two. From the second I started snapping, they were belly laughing, dancing, and completely themselves. And nothing makes my photographer heart happier. I know it sounds cheesy, but I could literally feel their love and happiness throughout the entire session.

We got to tell ghost stories, talk about cats, and even caught a beautiful sunset. And when the time came for us to head back to our car, we stood in the parking lot to continue talking until it was almost dark. Their session reminded me of why I started photography- the connection. Getting to capture authentic, real connection, and getting to form one with new friends.

G+E, thank you so much for spending the week in Manassas to shoot with me. Thank you for choosing me to capture your love. I am so thankful I got the chance to meet you both, and I hope to see you again soon! I hope you love your photos as much as I do.

Documenting your love isn’t just for engagements and wedding days. Quality photos become treasured family heirlooms, and there’s no better way to preserve your love story.

To book your anniversary session, follow this link.