One of my favorite things about being a photographer is being with people during their biggest moments –– moments filled with all kinds of emotion, joy, and love. I can’t believe that I get to be the one that helps them share their memories with the world and remember it forever!

Phillip reached out to be early 2020 with a plan to ask his girlfriend Tara to be his forever…one of my absolute FAVORITE things to photograph!!! We concocted a plan to have them meet me at Carolina Beach State Park for some “family” photos of the two of them and their pup Otis. They had been talking about getting photos done with their rescue beagle for awhile so it was a perfect cover.

As we got started we did the usual that I would at a shoot –– photos of them all together, some with the two of them, and some individuals with just Otis. We talked about their jobs and the story of Tara finding Otis, until we got to the location Phillip and I had planned on him popping the question!

The plan was for me to take a few individual photos of Tara and then he would step in to get down on one knee so I would be able to get her reaction. Even though I could tell he was nervous, it worked perfectly!!! She immediately burst into tears and was so surprised…and I got every moment!

Once they had a minute to hug, celebrate, and process what just happened (WOW!), we continued taking a few ENGAGEMENT photos now that Tara had her ring! I love that they had everything you could want in a proposal –– intimate, with their pup watching, a beautiful fall day on the water, and with photos they could show everyone to let them in on the moment!

Phillip + Tara, I am so happy for the two of you to entire into this new season of life!! Thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your story!!!

Okay, here’s where we knew we were at the spot!!! So close!!!