Basilica of the National Shrine - Fall Engagement Session in DC
Washington DC Engagement Photo Sessions are a fun way to get to know your photographer and feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. You’ll find unexpected beauty hidden in the busiest parts of the city. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, booking engagement photos, or celebrating your anniversary with couple’s portraits, I’m here to help!
Helen & Nirmal held their engagement photos on grounds of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. It holds a special place in their hearts: they attended evening Mass before dinner on their first date, took their first photo together, and attended Mass with their families the day after they were engaged. The basilica’s grounds have year-round greenery, a beautiful garden dedicated to Mary, and a rosary walk. They wanted to return to this special place for photos as they prepare for their nuptials.
For even more basilica engagement photos, check out Jonathan and Sofia’s engagement session.
In the quiet sanctity of their shared faith, Helen and Nirmal found a love that transcended the ordinary. Their relationship is nurtured by their devotion to God. They seek guidance in Scripture, find comfort in prayer, and share a deep sense of purpose in their faith journey together. Their love story is a testament to the enduring power of a relationship built on a foundation of faith, a beautiful reflection of the divine love that united them.
“I’ve always wanted a life partner who was comfortable going to Mass with me. After Mass, I felt at home with her as we each did our own silent prayers. This is what I've always wanted and have been waiting for. That is when I knew she was the one.” - Nirmal
Catholic Match does it again!
Helen and Nirmal met for the first time in-person in Washington DC, but their relationship started a month earlier online, from a great distance - Nirmal lives in Seattle. Nirmal says he was always comfortable being himself over the phone with Helen, and in person, it was even better!
“I love the fact that Helen brings me closer to God and my Catholic faith. She is naturally very considerate and makes everyone feel welcomed by being a great listener. She is self-sufficient, reliable and capable of making well thought out decisions. Her smile is just awesome and I cherish the moments when I see her smiling and happy.” - Nirmal
The Engagement
For their engagement last spring, their families organized a traditional Indian ceremony where they exchanged rings and met each other’s family.
Helen says she knew right after their first video call that Nirmal was “the one”, but was fully convinced after seeing how wise, kind, faithful, and generous he was through all their interactions. “We could both tell it was the start of a very special relationship.”
“There's a lot I love about Nirmal. I love his calm, quiet spirit that often steadies my slightly more…let’s say, “dynamic” spirit. I love how Nirmal sticks to his values regardless of the situation he faces and the pressure he is under. I love that he places God first in his life, and always seeks to bring people together to experience God’s goodness. I love his determination and hard work, and how he is tender-hearted and sentimental as much as he is emotionally strong and tough.” - Helen
“The best thing about being with Helen is, I can be my genuine self and don’t need to change who I am when I am with her. She makes an effort to always be there for me and I feel very comfortable leaning on her shoulders. I have this deep desire in my heart to always love her, be there for her always and the best thing is, I know and have felt that she loves me as well.”
- Nirmal
“Nirmal is an exceptional person, and I am blessed to experience his love daily, and be able to share my heart and my love with him too. It's also great how well our families get along, and to see how our life together as a couple is going to evolve into uniting our families through our marriage!”
- Helen
