Charlene and Joel’s engagement session at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C. was more than just a photoshoot—it was a reminder of how deeply our stories are tied to the land around us.
As photographers, we believe that capturing love goes beyond just our couples. It’s also about connecting to the places and histories that hold us, shaping the legacy we get to carry forward.
Why Kenilworth Matters
For Charlene and Joel, Kenilworth was close to home (literally). You would never guess this large park is right off of Anacostia Ave—a place of peace and beauty that helped reflect their love story. As first-time visitors, it was also a space of learning.
This land holds the history of the Nacotchtank people, who lived along the Anacostia River long before European explorers arrived. Here, vibrant cultures thrived—fishing, farming, hunting, and trading. Even the cattail, abundant in the wetlands, provided food, medicine, and raw materials for shelter.
Over the years, Kenilworth has transformed from a marsh to farmland, from a private business to a beloved public park. Since 1916, the National Park Service has cared for this place, ensuring it remains not just a sanctuary for wildlife and flowers, but a community resource for families to explore, learn, and play together.
Why We Photograph Here
Being able to photograph Charlene and Joel in such a meaningful location reminded us that protecting these spaces is also part of protecting our stories. Visiting, honoring, and pouring love into these landscapes is one way we can keep history alive.
Every frame of their session held both romance and reverence—proof that love stories aren’t just about two people, but about the world they stand in and the histories they carry with them.
We’re so honored to have witnessed this chapter of their journey and grateful to the National Park Service for preserving places like Kenilworth for all of us.
We promise to revisit when everything is in bloom!
Because at the end of the day, love, history, and nature are all sacred stories worth remembering.
Love Deeply,
Megan + Garrett Pitts
Hello@Megapixelsmedia.com
Ciarra + Travis