Ritika & Raj | Colorful Mural Engagement Shoot | Virginia Wedding Photographer

" If I were to paint a picture of true love I 'd use the brightest colors" 

What better way to capture the infectious and joyful love of Ritika and Raj than a setting just as bright and colorful! The Crystal Wynwood Mural is a street mural celebrating the Crystal City neighborhood's energy, activity, and creativity. It is a collaborative piece developed by artists from the Washington, DC area.

The vibrance of this mural seems to affect the space around it. It is charged, energetic and joyful. Ritika, Raj and I had an amazing time playing in the tunnel that is home to the mural. We shared the space with a few passersby but largely had the area to ourselves to experiment and play. I am so grateful to these two for spending a sunny Saturday adventuring around DC with me, being exploring, laughing and making beautiful images! 

RITIKA & RAJ | FUN BALL PIT ENGAGEMENT SHOOT | NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM ENGAGEMENT | WASHINGTON, DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Oh my word how I adore these two! Ritika and Raj are a silly, sweet, fun, thoughtful couple. Their love story started at George Washington University in Washington, DC (Go Colonials!). As college sweethearts they have watched one another grow and seen the ups and downs of the transition from college days to adult life, which for these two go-getters includes a full-time job as an analyst and medical school. Since Ritika and Raj's love story unfolded in DC, it was only natural that their engagement session take place there as well! 

This summer the National Building Museum put on a one-of-a-kind exhibit. They brought the beach to the city, creating a 10,000 square foot "ocean" of plastic balls in the center of the building! Ritika, Raj and I excitedly waited in line and when we got to the "beach" we jumped right in! The first plunge was surprising. Our landings were soft as we floated atop hundreds of clear plastic balls! As we slowly made our way through the sea of plastic and people we couldn't help but laugh. Our movements were comically awkward and slow. Ritika and Raj were hilarious and adorable! Though we were surrounded by people, it was as if they were the only two in the room. It was such a joy to watch them play with one another. I loved how sweetly they helped one another through the "ocean," how eagerly they jumped (literally) into the shoot and how easily they laughed out loud. The National Building Museum's beach is open until September 6th, if you have the chance, do yourself a favor and take a dip! 

Be sure to check out the colorful second half of Ritika and Raj's engagement session on the blog later today!