Elegant Black & White Engagement Session in Washington, DC: Jessica + Idongesit

“Love and Law” should serve as the title of the first chapter of Jessica and Idongesit’s love story.  The pair originally connected in the cafeteria at Howard University’s School of Law; Idongesit was a graduating law student and Jessica, a law-school staff member. “Our friend secretly called both of us at different times so that we could meet him for lunch. It was then, that Idongesit and I formally met. Not accidently but on purpose” shares Jessica. Needless to say, the duo never appealed the sly case presented by their mutual friend (who was also a law student at the time). And from that day forward, morning texts turned to long phones calls, to a first date to forever.   

Idongesit selected the symbolic date of August 10, which is both Jessica’s birthday and their anniversary, as the day he’d propose. The pair were on holiday in Athens, Greece for her 30th birthday and took an excursion to Mykonos to celebrate. As they lounged on a picturesque beach, starring at the transparent blue waters, Idongesit turned to Jessica and hoped to reflect on how their relationship was going. “We discussed how proud we were of each other and said a prayer together. Shortly after, he pulled out the ring and proposed on the beach. It was such a special moment for both of us” says Jessica. Indeed a moment that they will both never forget.

In celebration of their upcoming nuptials, the pair shot this elegant black and white engagement session at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. with photographer and coterie member, Terri Baskin. Scroll on for more of their love story and engagement photos!

Bride-to-Be: Jessica Simone Parson
Groom-to-Be: Idongesit Thompson Umo
Occupations: Bride: Corporate Event Coordinator & Groom: Attorney
Wedding date: 9/24/16
Wedding location: Newton White Mansion, Mitchellville, MD
Wedding Hashtag: #Meettheumos
Engagement shoot location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC

Describe your engagement session! Did you have a theme?
Jessica: I have always been fascinated by the Kennedy Center. It is such an impressive piece of architecture and a gem of the Washington, DC area. The Kennedy Center has so much elegance and we wanted that to come through in our photographs. Joy and elegance.

What did you do on your first date?
On our first date, after work we went to have tacos and margaritas! After dinner, we went to the premier midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Cuddle on the couch and watch Big Bang Theory.

How has wedding planning been so far?
The wedding planning has been pretty easy thus far. We started early and now we are just sitting back and waiting until the big day!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?
I’m looking forward to two moments: 1st: The moment my parents see me for the first time in my wedding gown. I can imagine as a parent that being a very emotional and sensitive moment. I hope I make them proud.

2nd: I’m excited for that moment when my fiancé and I both see each other for the first time. We’re both going to crack up laughing. It’s such a tense moment, but our laughter always put us at ease. It will be a beautiful day!

Vendors
Photographer: Terri Baskin Photography
Venue: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Make up: Blushen’ by Tiffany Graham
Wardrobe: Dress: Ralph Lauren| Suit: Sarar