There is nothing more special than photographing dear friends, especially when those friends are expecting their first child!!! I have known Maureen for almost fifteen years; beach girls, we bonded over our mutual love for marine biology.

This past November, we set out for a maternity session and Maureen and Mike brought me to a few of their special spots. It was a magical afternoon by the water, and included a “race” to find the best sunset location and even maternity photos at a marina on a boat. A first for me!! Mike is a sweetheart and takes such good care of Maureen…you just know his heart if over brimming with love for her and the little one.  I am so happy for these two dear friends.

Here are just a few of my favorites…..

On a warm June day, last summer, I took a day trip down to beautiful Ocracoke, an island that can only be reached by ferry! Once there, I met up with Kristen and Mike and together we set out for a fun filled engagement session, exploring the beaches and marina along the way.  The love this sweet couple has for each other shines through…I couldn’t help but smile and think this is why I love what I do!

This weekend, our travels will take Sean and I to their wedding on Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach, NC. We are so excited and can’t wait to share photos from Kristen and Mike’s wedding day. It is sure to be brimming with love and joy!

Here are just a few engagement session favorites…

The past couple days, as I step out into freezing temperatures and make my way through snow, I’ve been dreaming of warm summer days….

Last August, in between sunshine and a summer thunderstorm, I met up with Beth and Shawn who were celebrating their engagement with a weekend at the beach. Since their wedding will be held in Manteo, NC at Marshes Lighthouse and 108 Budleigh, we decided to explore one of my favorite places: downtown Manteo….docks, wooden bridges, a lighthouse, blue brick walls, nautical murals, a cute local movie theater and even sunflowers, courtesy of the artists at Wanchese Pottery!

After soaking in a bit of the “city”, we put on our boots and had some fun at Island Farm. Then we ended the evening with a champagne toast and toes in the sand at Coquina Beach. Hope you enjoy these photos and that the love you see warms your hearts during this chilly winter…

Hair and Makeup by the awesome ladies at It’s Royalty salon in downtown Manteo.

Marshes Lighthouse, where this sweet couple will tie the knot in April!

Island Farm!

We got to feed the chickens!

Storm clouds didn’t keep us from celebrating at Coquina Beach!

Beth has a wonderful eye for accessories and details…she also brought a number of fun props she had been collecting, which we had a great time playing with!

Congratulations Beth and Shawn!! You were a joy to photograph and we can’t wait for your wedding this Spring…it’s going to be so much fun!