From the photographer: Nina and Tony are the sweetest couple. They have been together 7 years and have a beautiful son together. From our initial consultation we just clicked and I knew they were my kind of couple and their amazing engagement session proved my theory to be true. Not only are these two stylish and adorable but they they are also very sweet and genuinely in love. There entire session depicts that. Nina and Tony were planning to have a beautiful wedding at the W in Washington D.C. in May but Covid had other plans. They have now rescheduled for May 2021.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did you two first meet?
We were set up by a mutual friend. Tony was a client of my best friend and she thought there would be a connection. I was really nervous! I had been on a few bad blind dates so I was really hesitant to meet him. I finally agreed after he asked for my number from my best friend so he could call and set it up himself – which is such a Tony thing to do. We decided to meet after work for a drink and one drink turned into a 4 hour dinner. We hit it off right away and had such great conversation. We bonded over our love for sports and our families. He asked me out on a second date the next day and we were inseparable after that.
What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. What makes your relationship unique?
We are huge sports fans so there’s never an issue on football Sunday (…Monday and Thursday)! We’re having a lot of fun planning our honeymoon and one thing we know we want to do first is hit a baseball game in L.A. or Miami and then fly to a gorgeous island somewhere. We’re a very low couple and don’t need a lot of fuss – just give us a beach and cocktails and we’re content.
How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship?
We both knew this was it when we had our first date at the Hamilton in Washington, DC. Actually before the date even started – at ‘hello!’ There was this feeling that you can’t really describe but we both knew and talked about it later.
Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?
Tony threw me a 40th birthday party and proposed in front of all of my closest friends and family. The proposal was definitely a surprise and I had no clue it was happening. I was dancing and having a good time and he stopped the music to toast my birthday and to give me a “gift” which was a shirt with an “S” (the first letter of his last name) on it. I always joked with him that if he’s serious, to put the “S” on my chest. I really thought that was it! While I was holding up the shirt, I heard everyone screeching; I didn’t even see him drop down on one knee. I was so surprised that I don’t even remember what he said before ‘will you marry me?’ Thankfully nearly everyone in the room recorded it so I was able to go back later and watch it!
We’re all about the bling… Tell us all about that ring!
The ring is a beautiful emerald cut halo ring. We never talked about the ring but I always knew he would pick something beautiful that was exactly my taste. It’s perfect!
What are you most excited about when it comes to your wedding planning?
We’re just really excited to start this chapter and be married. We’ve been together for 7 years so what’s important to us is keeping the day simple, focused on each other and the things that are important to us. We said from the beginning that we don’t want our guests sitting around and waiting for the party to get started! We want it to be a celebration. Let’s eat good food, drink and dance! We have such amazing family and friends that have always supported us so it’s important to us that they feel a part of our day.
Location: National Gallery of Art
Photographer: Janelle Jaqueline Photography
