Amy and Michael’s engagement session at Lake Gaston was such a special occasion! Not only because Michael proposed beforehand, but also because Michael is my brother-in-law! I was so touched that Michael asked me to photograph his proposal to Amy next to Lake Gaston! I’m so excited that Amy is going to be my new sister-in-law! Their wedding next year is going o be such a fun celebration!

Michael and I planned the proposal over several weeks to make this perfect! Amy knew that they were doing a photo shoot later that evening, but had no idea that it was going to be an engagement session. Amy loves having a cup of coffee and reading her devotional in the morning, so Michael knew that proposing during that time of day would be a good plan. I strategically hid behind a woodpile waiting for them. I was SO nervous!

Michael wrote a special verse in her devotional, Psalm 143:8, and asked her to read it. He then bent down on one knee and asked Amy to marry him. She of course said yes, and was so excited that she jumped in the air! It was absolutely adorable! Later that day, they changed outfits, and we started their engagement session near Lake Gaston.

Michael and Amy met on Bumble, and their first date was actually during the height of Covid. Michael came to visit Amy at her house and brought left over cake from his birthday that they ate on the front porch. They learned more about each other including their mutual love for the country singer, Kacey Musgraves. They have been dating long distance, with Michael living in California and Amy in North Carolina. They enjoy the outdoors and hiking is one of their favorite activities. They have visited a lot of national parks and plan to see more after they get married.

I can’t wait to be a bridesmaid and their wedding photographer next fall here in Raleigh at The Meadows! Congratulations Michael and Amy! If you want to pop the question soon, I’d love to talk more about your ideas! Please come say hello so we can start planning!