with 53 weeks, part one.

53 weeks before we said I do, we paraded around one of our favorite neighborhoods in the universe with our fabulous photographer, Kate Headley. To me, there really was no question about where we would take our engagement photos. {cv} and I met at Georgetown, just before he began his senior year and I started my junior year.

{photo by Kate Headley}

{photo by Kate Headley}

When we first started dating, we walked these streets hand-in-hand. We have countless memories on these bricks. These photos truly capture us in our element, which--in my mind--is exactly the purpose of engagement photos. I wanted something other than our wedding photos to share with our future baby {v}'s.

Welcome to the flashback to April 3, 2009...

Inside Dean & Deluca...

{photo by Kate Headley}

{photo by Kate Headley}

At our favorite table at Pizzeria Paradiso, where we shared many a date...

{photo by Kate Headley}

{photo by Kate Headley}

You'll see why I look so happy in a second...

{photo by Kate Headley}

Understand now?? Though Georgetown Cupcake was packed, we managed to find these red velvety concoctions at Dean & Deluca...

{photo by Kate Headley}

{photo by Kate Headley}

Right outside of Anthropologie {who wouldn't allow us photos inside. sigh.}

{photo by Kate Headley}

Inside Pottery Barn {where they graciously allowed us a photo}

{photo by Kate Headley}

On the corner...right by the little boutique where I spent my weekends during our three years of long distance...

{photo by Kate Headley}

The last two photos in our first outfit...

{photo by Kate Headley}

{photo by Kate Headley}

These photos were also taken about eight weeks before we finally knew we'd be back in the same place. I was happy to share kisses with him since I hadn't seen him for a few weeks...but then again, I am always happy to share kisses with him. To me, these photos also capture that hope and anticipation of our new life together too.

Isn't Kate amazing? I literally count my blessings every day that I discovered her--and that I will always have her as a friend. What are your favorites from this set? 

Can't wait to share the second set of photos with you tomorrow!

Hope you all had a spectacular weekend! Stay cozy! xoxo {av}  

{As a side note, please do not use these photos without first getting permission from our photographer. You can do that by contacting me--and I will reach out to her. Thank you for respecting this wish! I do not want to see her hard work floating around the interwebs, without the proper credit.}