From coastal Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina — a story that already feels like home.

As a Wilmington wedding photographer, I’m lucky to live by the ocean, but even luckier that my work takes me all over the country documenting love stories in the places that mean the most to my couples.

These two are tying the knot next year at The Merrimon-Wynee House in Raleigh, one of my favorite venues in North Carolina. But since they currently live in Tampa, we decided their engagement session should happen where they actually spend their days — by the coast in St. Pete Beach.

It was the perfect way to capture their story right where life is unfolding right now, before we meet again next year in Raleigh for their wedding day.

The story behind the session

When they first reached out about their Merrimon-Wynne wedding, I could immediately tell they cared about the experience as much as the photos. They wanted images that felt natural, a little nostalgic, and full of emotion, nothing overly posed or stiff.

They mentioned that St. Pete is their go-to weekend escape, a place where they can relax and reset. Instantly, it made sense to meet them there. Engagement sessions are always better when they’re rooted in real meaning, and this one felt like them from the start.

Sunset at St. Pete Beach

We met just before golden hour, when the sun turns everything soft and honey-colored. They kicked off their shoes, walked the shoreline, and let the evening unfold.

The session was simple, no big production, no forced moments. Just the two of them, the sound of waves, and that quiet comfort of being exactly where you’re meant to be.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, they were laughing, splashing, and completely in their element. That’s always my favorite part of engagement sessions —the moment when the camera disappears and it just feels like life.

Looking ahead to The Merrimon-Wynne House wedding

Next summer, I’ll travel from Wilmington to Raleigh for their Merrimon-Wynne House wedding, and I already know it’s going to be stunning. The venue has that timeless charm I love, grand white columns, lush gardens, and light that glows beautifully on film.

But beyond the setting, what I’m most excited about is seeing these two again after already having shared an evening by the water. That connection changes everything, it allows me to photograph their day with trust, comfort, and familiarity.

When a couple feels known, their photos feel effortless.

Why engagement sessions matter

Your engagement session isn’t just about save-the-date photos, it’s about connection. It’s about getting comfortable in front of the camera and with the person behind it.

That’s why I always encourage my couples (especially my Wilmington locals!) to make their engagement session personal. Let’s go somewhere meaningful, the beach you walk together, your favorite coffee shop, the place that feels like your story.

When your engagement session reflects your real life, your photos feel less like posing and more like remembering.

Film, digital, and a little nostalgia

Like all of my sessions, I photographed this one on a mix of digital and real film. The digital shots caught the quick laughter and motion; the film frames brought that soft, nostalgic glow that feels like memory.

Film just belongs by the ocean — the texture, the warmth, the way it captures light dancing on water. Each frame feels timeless, like something you’d find in an old family album years from now.

For couples planning weddings across North Carolina (and beyond)

Whether you’re planning your wedding at The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh, downtown Wilmington, or somewhere completely new, I’m always up for the trip.

My home base may be the Carolina coast, but my work takes me wherever love stories lead — from the sand dunes of Wrightsville Beach to the desert of Joshua Tree.

Because your story deserves to be told wherever it happens.

Planning your own destination engagement session?

If you’re dreaming of photos that feel true to who you are — relaxed, intentional, and rooted in meaning — let’s plan an engagement session that fits your story. Whether it’s here in Wilmington or somewhere that already feels like home to you, I’ll meet you there.

Inquire here to plan your engagement session →