There is nothing more exciting then when someone you are related to falls in love and gets engaged. Back in early fall Ryan’s brother, Joe, asked his amazing girlfriend, Joanna, for her hand in marriage. Not only do we love Joanna, we love Joanna for Joe! She truly brings out the best in him. They are genuine and sincere and open to God’s guidance and refinement in their lives.

Joe is one of Ryan’s younger brothers and the talented lead photographer and owner of Snap Photography in Washington D.C. He has also helped me out BIG TIME each time I was on maternity leave shooting in my stead. Ryan and Joe are quite a presence at 6’6” and 6’5”…you can’t miss them!

As an early wedding gift, Ryan and I decided to give them an engagement shoot at a location of their choice. Seeing as DC is their current home and holds many sentimental spots around town, it was only fitting we came to their turf.

It was a BLUSTERY cold New Years Eve but we all toughed it out on the outdoor shoot and then defrosted once we moved into the AMAZING National Building Museum for some more refined shots.

Joe and Jo, we are beyond thrilled at the union that God has brought together. We love you both and enjoyed our stay with you (without the kiddos…bonus!). Your wedding in March will be a true celebration. Blessings.

We started our shoot where everything started for them….a kiss in an alleyway behind Joanna’s old row house.

Joanna is crazy photogenic! Those amazing green eyes and eyelashes, perfect teeth….a photographer’s dream.

Joe liked it so he put a ring on it…..oh oh oh, oh oh oh ohoh…..

This picture has nothing to do with their shoot except that it is hilarious. Ryan and Joe’s oldest brother Dan was also visiting over the holidays and he was filming our photo shoot but in this picture he looks like someone creepy behind me.

This is one of Joe’s favorite pictures of Joanna.

This is one of Joanna’s favorite pictures of Joe…..he is actually leaning over to give her a kiss and Ryan tactfully took the opportunity to shoot a “flattering” angle.

These two have a slew of jumping photos over their period of dating. I love the one all the way to the right. Joe totally faked Joanna out…solo flight.

My favorite jumping shot of the day, nice ups.

We moved down the street to a local coffee house they frequent, Big Bear. The coffee shop was already closed but they were really cool to open it up and let us come in and shoot for a few minutes.

Joanna’s beautiful aquamarine engagement ring, so unique, just like her.

So we walked in the front door of the National Building Museum and my jaw hit the floor. Ummmmm….not too shabby, not too shabby at all. This place is gorgeous! Joe and Joanna kicked it up a notch on there outfits and we transitioned into some more sassy shots.

Superhero pose….Joanna getting her dance jam on.

They busted out a some old school “Kid-n-Play” dance moves for us.

Had to end with another jump shot!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR. We rang in the new year up in DC with two of Ryan’s brothers and squeezed in a FFFFFFFFREEEEZING engagement shoot on New Years Eve. Post to come…here’s a little sneak peak.

Wow, what an awesome job everyone did casting votes. We were so pleased with your enthusiasm and your feedback. Obviously, two girls went way above and beyond recruiting family and friends to vote! Let’s hope they don’t ever meet in a dark alley because they had some serious determination.

So without further ado we added up the comments, emails and even comments on the actual pictures on Flickr. With an overwhelming 102 votes First Place Bestie goes to……

Rachel and Danny (#19) standing in the water at the Mill at Fine Creek in Powhatan, Virginia.

Second Place Bestie, with a not too shabby showing of 75 votes, Brad and Lyndsey (#51) sharing a laugh in a tunnel.

Because we are in the holiday spirit we decided we would also pick a 3rd place winner to receive an 8 X 10. I am a total sucker for this photo, I think it is one of the sweetest ones ever captured. You obviously agreed as your votes made Marcus dancing with his grandmother (#43) your Third Place Bestie.

Congratulations everyone, when we get back to Lynchburg we will get in touch with you to finalize the details.

We would be remiss not to have a few honorable mentions. They fought the good fight and ran a good race a deserve a few more moments in the spotlight.

Morgan and Tom (#1) exchanging a romantic moment on the Chesapeake Bay rocky shore.

Danny and Rachel (#2) sharing a laugh while watching a video slideshow of childhood pictures.

Brad and Lyndsey (#14) a barn, an embrace, a smokin hot red high heel, need we say more?

Kelly and Josh (#35) sharing an intimate moment on the railroad tracks.

Jason and Amy (#45) taking a quick break and laugh before heading to their reception.

So many great memories from 2008 we wait eagerly for all God has in store for us in ‘09. Thank you again for an awesome year with Kellan!