It's no secret that I LOVE engagement sessions, but this is no ordinary engagement session... this is CAROLYN's engagement session, and I can't tell you know thrilled I am that I got to be the one behind the camera for this occasion. Carolyn is my cousin (cousin-in-law if you want to get technical), and I have gotten to know her quite well over the past eight years since marrying into Alex's awesome family. Carolyn is independent, adventurous, fiercely loyal to her loved ones, incredibly smart, and deeply kind. In short, she is a CATCH!
A couple months ago, I noticed that Carolyn was posting pictures of this super cute guy on Instagram. I got excited that she had a new guy in her life, but I was was not expecting that just a few days later, I'd receive a message about engagement photos! If it had been someone else, I might've been skeptical about how quickly this relationship evolved, but since I know Carolyn, I wasn't worried. I got to hear their story during our extended family beach vacation last week, and I could not be more confident that these two are meant to be.
It was such a joy seeing their love through my lens during their engagement session. We started with a stroll at the Town Park in Duck. The rocking chairs were my favorite part.
I always try to make it over to this lovely boardwalk at least once during our annual week at Duck (see here for last year), but it was extra romantic this year. ;)
We headed back to the area around our beach houses for a change of scenery. I'd been eyeing this overgrown spot in the backyard all week, and luckily found a quilt in one of the closets that worked great for this job. (This is right next door to the house featured in the Schmutz family photos I just posted--Christian is Carolyn's older brother!)
The wildflowers--and someone's pile of collected seashells--were the perfect props for showing off Carolyn's beautiful ring. :)
We headed toward the water as the sun was going down.
The beach was the perfect spot to wrap up this adorable engagement session. This peaceful spot really let their love shine through.
Matt, thanks for loving my cousin so well! Carolyn, thanks for trusting me with the important job of capturing this part of your love story. It has been an absolute joy, and I can't wait to photograph your big day! :)
If you're looking to book your own engagement session on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, let me know!