The Winter Proposal of Ashleigh & Andrew at the Inn at Little Washington

The Inn at Little Washington is an iconic establishment in Rappahannock County and the perfect setting for a surprise proposal. Located in the picturesque town of Washington, Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The setting is beautiful and serene, making it a perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal for Andrew & Ashleigh.


Accommodations


The Inn offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, each decorated in a unique and elegant style. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous; each part of the property is landscaped to perfection. They have multiple gardens, sitting areas, walking paths and more to enjoy.

A proposal moment captured in a formal garden with brick pathways and decorative fountain.
A surprise proposal takes place in an elegant courtyard garden setting.
A romantic proposal scene unfolds in a garden courtyard with brick walls and hedges.
A couple celebrates their engagement on a brick patio surrounded by manicured hedges.
A couple shares a joyful moment in front of a brick building with windows during what appears to be a proposal.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a lush garden during golden hour.

Andrew & Ashleigh are total foodies and the Inn had been on their bucket list for quite a while. Andrew took it as the perfect opportunity to make their meal even more memorable by proposing in the Inn's beautiful garden behind their world-class kitchen.


Dining


The Inn is home to a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, which serves exceptional cuisine and offers an incredible dining experience. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and focuses on contemporary American cuisine. Funny enough, I have a personal experience with the inn as I grew up and went to school in Rappahannock County. When I was 17, I worked as a dishwasher at the Inn and later, after some culinary education, joined the team as one of their prep cooks. A decade plus later and the Inn still looks as beautiful and vibrant as ever. It was such a win to capture a proposal there with all the history and memories I made working there under Chef Patrick O'Connell and his incredible Culinary team.

A couple walks together on an autumn path surrounded by fall foliage.
Engagement ring from a man that proposed at the Inn at Little Washington
A couple stands in a golden sunset field with autumn mountains in the background.
Man kisses woman at the Inn at Little Washington during surprise proposal
Man and Woman walk after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
A couple shares an intimate moment by a wooden fence in a golden autumn field.
Man and Woman smile after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
A romantic embrace captured during golden hour in a rustic countryside setting.
Couple walking together in a scenic autumn field at sunset with golden light filtering through trees.

Things to Consider


One of the things to consider when proposing at the Inn at Little Washington is to see if your phone has cell service. Andrew's phone had zero coverage in the small town and was unable to contact me to let me know he had arrived. Thankfully I saw them and nonchalantly hid in position for him to pop his very important question.


After their proposal, I took Ashleigh and Andrew throughout the property, capturing portraits of them in the fields and gardens. The Inn at Little Washington has so many perfect locations to grab fun and intimate portraits. We had about 30 minutes before their reservation was ready. Andrew & Ashleigh were such a fun couple to capture. I posed them for a few more shots, but they didn't need it as they were great at creating candid moments on their own.


I am delighted to tell you that Andrew & Ashleigh have asked me to capture their wedding at the Inn at Little Washington later this year in October. Thankfully their date was still open, as the beginning of the year tends to book up rather quickly.

Man smiles after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Silhouetted figures embracing against a warm sunset backdrop in an outdoor setting.
Woman smiles after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Man and Woman sit on a bench after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Man dips Woman after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Man and Woman look at eachother after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Man and Woman laugh after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Man and Woman get dinner after surprise proposal at the Inn at Little Washington
Couple walking along a building exterior with elegant windows and lantern lighting at dusk.
The front of the Inn at little Washington

2023 Update!


In August, I got to hangout with Ashleigh and Andrew one more time before their October Wedding at the dreamy Inn at Little Washington. We met at the inn to discuss their big day and to get an on site view for where they'll tie their knot. Just as we were wrapping up, I thought, "Why not snap a few pics?" The Inn at Little Washington was totally different from when Andrew popped the question back in November, giving us some cool new backgrounds to play with.


I've added these fun shots to their proposal gallery, and I'm loving the contrast from November to Now.

I've got to say, this unplanned shoot gave us some heart-melting photos. As they get closer to saying "I do", it's super clear their love has only grown. These fresh photos are more than just pretty pictures – they're a peek into their beautiful love journey. Do yourself a favor and take a look at these snaps; they're a testament to how love grows and deepens over time. Stay tuned for their wedding highlights coming later in October!

Historic white colonial buildings with porches and American flags on display.
Couple walking through a peaceful cemetery with mountains and trees in the background.
Two people walking hand in hand down a mulch path surrounded by green grass and trees.
Couple standing together on a rustic path through a scenic grassy field.
Two people walking together on a winding dirt path through a sunny meadow.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment in a scenic field with mountains in the background.
Person in white dress posing by rustic wooden fence in grassy field with mountains behind.
A series of casual outdoor portraits showing someone leaning against a wooden fence in a grassy field.
Couple walking together on a dirt path through a scenic outdoor area.
Romantic couple poses in front of a traditional red brick house with white trim.
Intimate couple photos on a stone pathway surrounded by lush greenery.
Romantic portraits on a brick walkway lined with manicured hedges and gardens.
Couple strolling through a formal garden with brick pathways and trimmed hedges.
Couple walking through a formal garden maze with brick pathways and hedges.
Professional photographer in dark attire with camera gear standing in a garden setting.
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