Sara & Elliott || A Warehouse District Engagement in Raleigh & Apex

Sara and Elliott are, as you read this, counting down the days until summer vacation. They're both elementary school teachers in Wake County (Sara teaches fourth grade and Elliott teaches second)--they met in the education program at Gardner-Webb University. Sara is a girl after my own heart--she's a lover of all things Disney! Not only did Elliott propose in Disney World (sounds familiar!), but Sara had him sign her character autograph book afterwards, and underneath his name, she wrote, "Prince Charming"! I fully plan to be on the lookout for hidden Mickeys at their wedding next April.

For their adorable springtime engagement session, we started in Apex at the property of a friend of Elliott's family, which they lovingly refer to as the Powell Estate. In addition to having gorgeous grounds and lovely and perfect outbuildings, apparently, the family has never sold or given away or otherwise disposed of any cars. A graveyard of old car parts extended farther than I could see, but the real highlight was the row of rusted up antique car bodies. After we had gotten our fill of that unique location, we headed into the Warehouse District in downtown Raleigh--I had been wanting to shoot in that area for months, and I'm so glad that Sara and Elliott were up for it! I can't wait for their wedding next year, but in the meantime, I can share their lovely engagement images! Enjoy them below! (More on Facebook.)

Nina & Jimmy || A Duke Gardens Engagement

Nina and Jimmy are an awesome couple of engineers who booked with us through the Forever Bridal wedding show in January. We met with them at Fullsteam in Durham to discuss their wedding plans (they brought their boy Zeus with them!), and their wedding reception--in just a few short weeks!--will be at the Mystery Brewing Pub House in Hillsborough. For their engagement session, they wanted to head to the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and they were such good sports as we slogged through the masses of teenagers bedecked for prom. They are super fun and super adorable, and we're excited for their upcoming wedding! Enjoy their photos below! (More on Facebook.)

Meghan & Ryan || A Northgate Park Engagement

Meghan and Ryan had their first date in Northgate Park, five years ago. We did the first photos of their session on "their bench," where they kept going even after that first date to sit and talk and get to know one another. They are so sunshine-y and adorable, and clearly love nothing more than cuddling up with one another and having a little goofy fun. I am excited for their winter wedding next January, and psyched to share their beautiful engagement photos with you. Check them out below! (More on Facebook.)

Lauren & Graham || A Wake Forest Engagement

Lauren and Graham started dating in high school. When Graham graduated (two years before Lauren would) and enlisted in the Navy, they broke up. Graham went to Japan; Lauren became a nurse. A few years later, they found each other again, got back together, and later this year, they're getting married. It's one of my favorite kinds of love stories: one that takes a little time to develop, but culminates in a very happy ending.

Since their relationship started in Wake Forest, where they both grew up, it made perfect sense for us to go back there for their engagement session. Graham and Lauren are so naturally affectionate with one another that Michael and I hardly had to give them any direction--and I'm sure it helped them to cuddle up against the February wind and cold. The resulting images are just as adorable as Lauren and Graham are themselves. Check them out below! (More on Facebook.)