Their First Chapter | Wilmington NC Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session

The first chapter of any story is so important... it sets the tone, introduces us to the main characters, and allows us to look ahead to all that might lie before them.

Engagement sessions hold this same magic for Hunter and me. We love getting to capture the beginning of a new legacy—the culmination of a love story and the building of a foundation. It’s an honor to document these honest, intentional moments as our couples prepare for all that is to come.

John and Hayley first met during their time at UNC Chapel Hill. Now, as they navigate their medical residencies while living in Wilmington, NC, it was such a joy to slow down and document this beautiful season of their story.

Hayley and John are both North Carolina natives. John hails from the mountains of Western NC, while Haley grew up in the Southeast. Their story truly "met in the middle" when their paths crossed in the Triangle while both were attending UNC Chapel Hill to become doctors. Now, their journey has brought them to Wilmington, North Carolina, where they are serving out their medical residencies.

Hayley and John radiate a timeless, elegant energy—a feeling I worked to capture throughout our session by balancing composed editorial portraits with moments of tender, unscripted joy. Their love for one another is evident in every frame. As a Wilmington NC Wedding Photographer, my goal is to ensure that every frame feels like a piece of art that reflects the unique depth of my couples' love for one another.

We chose to photograph the couple in a beautiful neighborhood near the Wilmington medical district. The manicured lawns and stately homes provided a sophisticated backdrop as the soft, golden afternoon light wrapped around them. Hunter and I love choosing backgrounds that connect to the story of our couples, and for Hayley and John, this setting felt like a perfect reflection of their current chapter here in Wilmington.

It was such a joy to explore the neighborhood with them, guiding Hayley and John through a series of curated poses designed to highlight their natural connection. We concluded the session with the warmest wishes for this couple and a deep excitement for the beautiful story they have ahead of them.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Are you ready to document your first chapter? We are currently accepting wedding and portrait commissions for 2026. We would love to hear your story.

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