Do you help plan surprise proposals, or just photograph engagement sessions?

Both. Our Proposal Stories packages include planning and coordination ahead of time. Timing, location, and discreet arrival are all confirmed prior to your session so we can capture the real moment without any suspicion.

How long is an engagement session?

Non-proposal sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the package. Proposal sessions run 60 to 90 minutes and include logistical planning time beforehand.

Where do you recommend shooting engagement photos in Northern Virginia?

Old Town Alexandria, Bon Air Park Rose Garden, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial are consistent favorites. We're happy to help you choose based on your style and the season and love finding new places!

Do you help suggest what to wear?

Coordinated tones work better than matching outfits exactly. We send full styling guidance on color coordination, do's & do-not's, and more once you book!

If we book an engagement session, does that carry over to our wedding photography?

It can. Book one of our engagement or couples sessions first, then book us for 6+ hours of wedding coverage, and your session becomes discounted, if you've already paid in full, that difference is credited toward your wedding balance.

Are you willing to travel for proposal sessions?

Yes - we regularly travel beyond Northern Virginia, DC, and Richmond for proposals. Reach out with your location, and we'll let you know what that looks like for your session.

Northern Virginia Engagement & Proposal Photographer —
Candid, Documentary, Vibrant

WITH CHAYIL AT BLACK PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

This is the beginning of your story, and we don't take that lightly. Whether you're celebrating a proposal that already happened or you need a photographer who can help you pull one off without giving it away, we document engagement and couples sessions across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Richmond with the same candid, documentary approach we bring to every wedding we shoot.

No stiff posing, no forced smiles. We guide gently, step back often, and let the two of you do what you already do best - find joy in each other’s existence.

Getting married too?
Most of our wedding couples start here →

Couple smiling and embracing among blush cherry blossoms, her hand on his cheek, with a historic brick-and-stucco manor house in the background at Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg, VA.

Couple sharing a quiet, close moment on a wooden staircase, her in a white satin dress resting her head near his shoulder, both dressed up for an evening out at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA.

THIS IS WHERE YOUR LOVE STORY BEGINS.

LET’S DOCUMENT IT WELL.

THE HEART + INTENTION BEHIND
OUR ENGAGEMENT + COUPLES SESSIONS

Connection + Natural Movement

We'd rather you be laughing at each other than staring at a camera. Sessions are built around walking, talking, and existing together in a real place - the posing is light, just enough direction to help you feel comfortable, and never so much that it feels stiff.

A happy couple walking hand-in-hand outdoors in a park, with lush green trees in the background during sunset, celebrating a special occasion.

Proposal Planning + Quiet Coordination

If you're planning a surprise proposal, we can help you pull it off. We'll work with you ahead of time on timing and location so we can capture the actual moment while staying far enough out of sight that nothing gets spoiled. This is one of the most requested parts of what we do, and one of the sessions we love doing the most!

Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony outdoors with grass and greenery in the background.

A couple embracing outdoors with a woman dressed in traditional South Asian attire with jewelry and henna on her hands, and a man in a black suit kissing her head under a flowering tree.

Location + Light Across NOVA, DC & Richmond

From Old Town Alexandria's cobblestone streets to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Bon Air Park Rose Garden, to local wineries and Richmond's own riverside spots, we know where the light works and where it doesn't. If you don't have a location in mind yet, we'll help you pick one that fits your style and the season.

Style Guidance + What to Expect

Helping you feel your best is a position we do not take lightly. Once you book, we'll send over a full style guide so outfits are one less thing to think about. We'll walk you through timing and how the session really feels, so nothing about the day catches you off guard except maybe how much fun you have.

A smiling man and woman holding hands while walking outside in front of a tree with orange and yellow fall leaves.

"I cannot say enough good things about Chayil and her photography! She was one of the most outgoing and bubbly photographers I have worked with. The photos came out looking absolutely gorgeous! My favorite part is that all of our photos look natural and perfectly capture our relationship. If I could give Chayil more than 5 stars, I would!"

— Victoria + Paul, July 2022

Pricing + Investment

NON-PROPOSAL STORIES / starting at $350

For couples who just want time together, documented well. These sessions are personalized to you, built around real connection over rigid posing, and scaled to fit anywhere from a quick session to a longer, more relaxed one across multiple locations.

PROPOSAL STORIES / starting at $580

If a surprise proposal is part of your plan, we handle the planning and coordination with you ahead of time. Timing, logistics, and discreet arrival are all confirmed prior so the moment unfolds naturally and stays a surprise. Options range from a focused session right after the moment happens to our most inclusive experience, which adds a short cinematic film alongside your photos.

A couple sitting and facing each other between two stone columns outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other with trees in the background.

Book your couples session

Your questions, answered

Both. Our Proposal Stories packages include planning and coordination ahead of time. Timing, location, and discreet arrival are all confirmed prior to your session so we can capture the real moment without any suspicion.
Non-proposal sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the package. Proposal sessions run 60 to 90 minutes and include logistical planning time beforehand.
Old Town Alexandria, Bon Air Park Rose Garden, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial are consistent favorites. We're happy to help you choose based on your style and the season and love finding new places!

Coordinated tones work better than matching outfits exactly. We send full styling guidance on color coordination, do’s & do-not’s, and more once you book!
It can. Book one of our engagement or couples sessions first, then book us for 6+ hours of wedding coverage, and your session becomes discounted — if you've already paid in full, that difference is credited toward your wedding balance.
Yes - we regularly travel beyond Northern Virginia, DC, and Richmond for proposals. Reach out with your location, and we'll let you know what that looks like for your session.