Jessica and Stu have a great relationship, so what we needed was to find the good light. Spring was everywhere, and we wandered around some of the best places in D.C., thanks to the couple’s encyclopedic knowledge of local geography. Before we headed out, Jessica gave me an insight into what they were looking for: “We want this photo on the wall, and we want to have some last value as art. Let the places we go have an important part in that look.” We started simple—just a stroll down the sidewalk at the Lincoln Memorial. The two of them, their two dogs, and an obvious connection as a couple.

Later, we ubered it to Georgetown and walked along the canal.

One of the particularly nice discoveries we found was the setting sun reflecting off of the water in the canal, mottling the underside of the bridge in warm, glowing light. (Hello, good light!)

Later, a red door and an archway framed them up beautifully.

The canal continued to reward our journey, with some great moments as we paused to rest. Joggers passed us, dog walkers sniffed.

But all along, we were very much looking forward to reaching the Jefferson Memorial at sunset. Light, architecture, and a surprise visit from Marine One finished off our afternoon. We even found some surviving cherry blossoms on our way out!