As a Black husband and wife photographer team passionate about capturing authentic love stories, few moments move me quite like proposals. And Denise and Shinae’s engagement session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.? It was nothing short of unforgettable.
We began their Black same-sex couple engagement session by the water’s edge on an overcast April day. The calmness of the reflecting pool set the tone—soft light, easy laughter, and an unmistakable connection between two people deeply in love. Denise looked radiant in an emerald green satin gown, while Shinae stood beside her in a gray suit with stunning gold and green accents, both styled with intentional elegance that reflected their personalities and shared joy.
As we climbed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, they shared glances, held hands, and joked about how the architecture reminded them of a destination engagement session in Greece. It’s those in-between moments—playful, heartfelt, unfiltered—that remind us why we do what we do. We’re here to celebrate love in all of its beautiful, sacred forms.
At the top of the monument, surrounded by historic pillars and the quiet awe of the space, the session took a magical turn: Shinae dropped to one knee and proposed.
Denise’s surprise and joy lit up the whole scene, and we had the honor of capturing every tear, every smile, every ounce of love in that moment. The proposal was a true reflection of who they are—bold, beautiful, deeply connected, and unapologetically in love.
As photographers who are honored to capture Black LGBTQ+ love stories, Garrett and I believe representation isn’t just important—it’s essential. We know what it means to want to see yourself reflected in imagery that feels luxurious, timeless, and true. That’s why sessions like these matter so much to us and why we’re so honored to be trusted with these milestones.
To Denise and Shinae, thank you for inviting us into this monumental moment—quite literally—and reminding us that love has no limits, no timelines, and no rules. Just truth, joy, and commitment.
Thinking About Proposing in Washington, D.C.?
Whether you're planning a surprise proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or just want stunning portraits with the person you love, we’d be honored to help you document the moment. As a Black husband and wife photography and videography team, we specialize in capturing authentic, heartfelt love stories across all backgrounds and identities.
📩 Let’s create something timeless together — reach out at hello@megapixelsmedia.com
Love Deeply,
Megan + Garrett
Megapixelsmedia.com
Denise + Shinae