Matt & Kaylee: "The Notebook" Inspired Engagement Shoot

I will always remember the phone call I received at around six o'clock at night on February 15th, 2012. I had just come off of a high from learning of a childhood friend's engagement only to be bombarded with some more good news: Matt and Kaylee, two of my closest friends from back home, were engaged as well. I cried immediately. I remembered Kaylee telling me a couple months earlier that she had overheard Matt talking about buying a ring, but neither of suspected anything to happen as soon as it did. Although I have to admit, both of us secretly hoped it would. After all, they were visiting me in North Carolina within a matter of weeks and Kaylee and I hoped I would get the chance to do their engagement pictures in this beautiful state. Needless to say, we were both extremely excited when that became the official plan.

Ever since she first saw The Notebook, Kaylee has wanted to have her engagement pictures done in New Bern, complete with Notebook-themed outfits and poses. Words can't express how thrilled I was to be the one she chose to be behind the camera. This was honestly one of my favorites shoots ever.

I think the coolest part of it was that we were able to explore downtown New Bern at the same time. We spent the day walking around and when we found a good spot for photos, we would stop, take some shots, and then be on our way again. One of the employees at The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola even let us take photos in the store and use a vintage-style glass of Pepsi-on the house! Southern hospitality, you know? By the way, if you're in New Bern by any chance, make sure you check out that store, as well as the Cow Cafe; both places are absolutely adorable and the Cafe has food to die for.

My first engagement shoot will always be a cherished memory, especially considering the people I was with and the places we went together. I wish these two all of the happiness in the world; they deserve it.