Vogue-inspired Engagement Session at the Riggs Hotel in Washington D.C.

Jason and Claire celebrated their engagement with a classy editorial photo shoot at the Riggs Hotel in Washington D.C. inspired by Vogue and Vanity Fair.

Before the couple first met, they had no idea they lived in the same apartment complex! Jason recalls, “I was in the south building and Claire [was] in the north. We met at the convenience store in the middle of the complex.”

After Jason worked up the courage to introduce himself, Claire was open to getting to know him better. They went on their first date at an intimate Italian restaurant called Sfoglin a few days later and have been together ever since.

She’s a truly loving person and I couldn’t help but want to love her back…. We both entered as authentically as we could from the beginning.

– Jason

One year later, Jason surprised Claire by proposing on their anniversary at the restaurant where they shared their first date. It was an easy yes!

Everything was and is so easy with him, a natural attraction. He inspires me to be a better person every day.

– Claire

Keep scrolling for more details on their love story and elegant photos from their hotel engagement session.

• Couple: Jason Daniel Goselin & Claire-Francesse Dalzon
• Occupations: Claire – Sales Manager & Jason – Public Affairs
• Wedding date: August 16th, 2024
• Wedding location: Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall + Reception at Eaton DC
• Location of Engagement shoot: Riggs Hotel

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How did you meet? 

We lived at the same apartment complex in Rosslyn, VA. I was in the south building and Claire in the north. We met at the convenience store in the middle of the complex. I knew I had to talk to her, so I mustered up the courage for an introduction and thankfully she was receptive. We had our first date a couple of days later and have been together ever since.

What did you do on your first date? 

We ate at Sfoglina in Rosslyn. A great Italian spot close to our apartments at the time.

Tell us your proposal story: 

For our one-year anniversary, we had reservations at the restaurant ‘Sfoglina’ where we had our first date. I’d spent the last week preparing, ordering flowers, lights, and candles, asking my friend to photograph and coordinate with the restaurant’s staff to set everything up in their private room while we were eating. I knew she suspected something so my plan was to pay the bill and just act as if we were leaving.

On the way out, I guided her towards the private room, which was by the front door. Before we made it all the way in she saw the setup and started excitedly freaking out. Once she settled enough to enter, I got down and asked her to marry me, to which she gave an emphatic yes.

When did you know you found “the one”?

Claire: Very early in our relationship, he was always trying to find ways to make my life easier without asking. A complete gentleman and super intentional since day one. Everything was and is so easy with him, a natural attraction. He inspires me to be a better person every day.

Jason: I knew she was the one when our conversations started getting deeper and I realized what a deeply feeling person she is. Other people’s struggles weigh very heavily on her heart and her empathy is endless. She’s a truly loving person and I couldn’t help but want to love her back. She also wasn’t playing any games. We both entered as authentically as we could from the beginning.

Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme? 

We like classic editorial styles, think Vogue and Vanity Fair.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? 

We can do anything or nothing and it’s all great. For a real answer, eating and anything that allows us to discuss history.

How has wedding planning been so far? 

Wedding planning has been a little stressful, but exciting. Most of our families are in other states and countries, so the guest lists have been a challenge, but we’re looking forward to bringing all our loved ones together for this special day.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. 

We really want everyone to feel the love that day. The love we have for one another and the love we have for all of those celebrating with us.

Looking for more editorial engagement sessions?

Click here.

Vendors:

• Photographer: Danielle Real Photography
• Planner: Jazmine Karess Events
• Venue: The Riggs Hotel