High above the city, with the Potomac River shimmering in the evening light, Chris asked Ally the most important question of their lives. The Top of the Gate, The Watergate Hotel’s stunning rooftop bar, set the scene for a surprise proposal that was as sophisticated as it was heartfelt — and I had the honor of capturing every second of it.
The Watergate Hotel is already steeped in history, but its rooftop bar feels like a chapter of its own. With 360-degree views of Washington, DC — from the Kennedy Center to the Washington Monument — it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. At golden hour, the skyline glows, the river sparkles, and the city feels almost dreamlike.
Chris envisioned an intimate, romantic moment without too much spectacle — just the two of them, a gorgeous sunset, and a perfect view. We worked together to plan my positioning so I could blend in with the guests enjoying cocktails and conversation. The signal? He’d order their favorite drinks, lead her toward the railing with the river behind them, and started chatting.
As the sun began to dip, Chris took her hands and started speaking softly. She smiled, laughed, and then suddenly froze as he reached into his jacket pocket and lowered himself to one knee. Shocked, she dropped down to his level for a huge embrace. The skyline, the sunset, and the hum of the city seemed to fade into the background as he asked her to marry him. She said “yes”, her hands trembling as he slipped the ring onto her finger.
The rooftop guests burst into applause, some raising their glasses in cheers. The couple hugged, laughed, and soaked in the view — now with an entirely new meaning. We stayed to capture portraits against the glowing skyline, then took a few quiet moments by the railing where the city lights reflected off the water. The evening ended with champagne toasts and the twinkle of lights above them.
For proposals in Washington, DC, few locations can match the elegance and atmosphere of The Watergate Hotel rooftop bar. It’s romantic, private enough to feel personal, but still alive with the energy of the city. For Chris and Ally, it wasn’t just about the view — it was about creating a memory that would forever be tied to the skyline of the city they love. Some proposals are sweet and cozy, others sleek and glamorous. This one was both — a heartfelt question set against a glittering city backdrop. Congratulations, Chris and Ally, on a proposal as unforgettable as the view from the top.
