Summer Romance in Washington DC

QIUYUN & WILLIAM | WASHINGTON, D.C.

Then love knew it was called love.
And when I lifted my eyes to your name,
suddenly your heart showed me my way.

— Pablo Neruda

William was smitten with Qiuyun during their GWU freshman macroeconomics lab and grew close as study partners.

They spent a long summer together discovering the city; DC’s unique neighborhoods,
majestic monuments, and iconic museums, and shared a love for cooking. William loved that Qiuyun constantly
seeks out new experiences for them to share together, whether it’s traveling to a new city or trying different cuisines.
Qiuyun went home for nearly two months at the end of their magical summer together.
The separation helped William realize how important Qiuyun had become.

“I was so lucky to have found someone so genuine, outgoing, and kind. It was definitely love!”

 After undergrad, Qiuyun and William stayed together and strengthened
their love and bond as they battled budding careers and the immigration system.

“It was through those ups and downs that I knew I'd be willing to do anything to stay with her, forever!”

Qiuyun and William’s first date was a memorable walk along the Tidal Basin in spring 2013.
William knew he wanted to propose in the same area, so he took Qiuyun on a picnic at the Lincoln Memorial.
They reminisced about the ups and downs of their college days, their first years together.

In a secluded area under cherry blossom boughs,
William asked Qiuyun to marry him, and spend their lives together, as one.

These trees had significance; in 2016, William had picked several cherry blossoms and sent the flowers
along with a handwritten letter to Qiuyun while she was staying a China for over 6 months.

”It was the longest we had ever been apart and was very difficult for both of us.
I told Qiuyun about this story and proposed right under those trees.”

Qiuyun and William support each other through difficulties and celebrate each other’s successes.  

I met Qiuyun and William in 2021 for their engagement photo session. We spent a beautiful
summer afternoon walking around the Tidal Basin, Lincoln Memorial, and everywhere in between.
They chose their engagement session location to recall their first date together, and William’s proposal.

To prepare for their engagement session photo, Qiuyun and William meticulously planned out
and searched for what each would wear. Their goal was to coordinate rather than match,
and find outfits that fit their elegant, fun-loving personalities. Qiuyun choose a rich blue dress
that flowed and swayed around her as she walked and danced.
William wore a tailored, dark grey suit and blue tie to compliment Qiuyun’s dress.

They loved their engagement photos so much that they’ve asked me to photograph and help document their wedding day this summer.

“I can't imagine my life without Qiuyun. She has made me a better man and companion.” 

“After almost 10 years of being together, we have complete trust and are open about everything.” 

What’s even more exciting for me is that Qiuyun and William have started learning Argentine Tango!

Argentine Tango has a special place in my heart - I started dancing when I was 12. I always seek out special connections with couples and families I photograph, and their wedding day happens to include one of my favorite hobbies (passions!) makes documenting it so much more meaningful.

Are you newly engaged?

Every couple I work with to document their wedding journey - from the marriage proposal and engagement, to their wedding day and first years starting a family - has a unique, intimate story to tell.

Get in touch, I can’t wait to hear about your life journey together.