Aspacia “Cia” Makrigiorgos and Josh Downey celebrated their love in an editorial-style engagement session in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. With Amanda from Amanda Owen Photography behind the lens, this session was crafted to capture the essence of their relationship—romantic, playful, and effortlessly stylish. Cia and Josh’s story began in the neighborhood where they now live, and this photo session brought their journey full circle. With each outfit change and scene, their personalities shone through, creating a genuine reflection of who they are as a couple.
Love at First Swipe
The pair met in 2021 on Hinge, during the height of the pandemic, and their connection was instant. Their first date was at a French restaurant right in Georgetown. Cia recalls, “Best first date ever!” It was a night filled with laughter and a hint of destiny as they bonded over their shared love for Georgetown. Fast forward three years, and the couple celebrated their third anniversary with this engagement session, set in the very streets where they first connected.
“Amanda saw my vision right away and we had so much fun collaborating to make the concept come to life."
Parent Trap-Inspired Magic
From the start, Cia envisioned a unique aesthetic for the shoot—classic with a nostalgic twist. Inspired by the iconic scene from The Parent Trap, she dreamt of wearing a hat with a veil, just like the movie. “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to recreate that moment,” she said. The vintage-inspired look included a cream dress from Shona Joy, paired with the hat her mother had found on Etsy. For Cia, each outfit represented a different side of herself, transforming the shoot into an expressive journey of style and love.
Their photographer, Amanda, instantly understood Cia’s vision. “Amanda saw the inspo pic of the bride in the hat and veil and said, ‘Omg parent trap,’ before I could even tell her! We are so in sync!” Cia recalls. This connection between photographer and couple brought the entire shoot to life, capturing a blend of timeless romance and modern charm.
Artistic Touch
Amanda Owen brought her expertise to every shot, carefully crafting images that felt both editorial and authentic. Cia and Josh wanted their photos to feel like “a work of art” while staying true to their everyday moments together. With Amanda’s guidance, each pose felt effortless, showing genuine interactions like Josh brushing Cia’s hair behind her ear or sharing sweet forehead kisses.
Beyond the engagement session, Amanda has become a trusted confidante for Cia, even advising on wedding planning details. “She has bent over backward to make us feel like the most important people. There is no one else we would want to be with us on our wedding day!”
Attire with Meaning
Fashion played a big role in this session, with each outfit meticulously chosen to represent different facets of Cia’s personality. The looks ranged from the classic cream dress and hat to a whimsical, flowing Free People skirt and Madewell top for a romantic, nature-inspired look. And then, there was her favorite—cream overalls from Free People. This casual yet heartfelt outfit symbolized her authentic self, reflecting her happy place and Cia’s everyday joy with Josh.
"As a teacher, I live in overalls, and my fiancé always teases me about my abundance of them.”
Memories in Their Happy Place
From the rooftop of their building to the peaceful woods behind their home, each location was a piece of their story. Cia and Josh wanted to keep the session local and intimate, capturing Georgetown’s charm and the warmth of their neighborhood. The goal was to highlight “the small romantic details like holding hands, Josh brushing my hair behind my ear, and sweet forehead kisses,” making each moment feel as if it were part of a regular Saturday evening, just with a camera documenting it all.
Looking Forward to Forever
With their engagement session perfectly capturing their personalities and love story, Cia and Josh are even more excited for their wedding day. “We can’t wait to celebrate with our people,” they shared. For them, it’s all about the love they share with each other and their friends and family. They’re also looking forward to “quiet moments for just the two of us to share and, of course, our amazing photographer.”
"Relax and enjoy! Be authentic but also take risks and have fun. This is the only time you are doing it, so get all the photos you want! Lean into being models for the day!”
PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Owen Photography | MUAH HairSocial | COUPLE Aspacia “Cia” Makrigiorgos Josh Downey | SKIRT Free People | TOP Madewell | DRESS Shona Joy | HAT Etsy | OVERALL Free People | TAN Rachel Tyson | LOCATION Georgetown, D.C.
