Carla and Jamaal – Engagement Session

I met Carla and Jamaal at Duke Gardens for a morning engagement shoot, then we met back up in the afternoon at Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern which is where Jamaal popped the question to his beautiful bride-to-be. It was Jamaal's idea to re-create the proposal and have me shoot it. Let me just say it was truly one of the coolest experiences I've had as a wedding photographer. When I got together with the couple for their consultation, it was obvious that Jamaal was excited about the engagement shoot and asked then if we could re-create the proposal. It seems like a natural fit for an engagement shoot, but I'd never been asked to do it before. Jamaal is obviously a man of great ideas! I contacted Tracy Thorpe, Special Events Coordinator at Second Empire to ask if it would be OK for us to come in for a quick shoot before the restaurant opened for dinner. She graciously said yes -- so a huge "thank you" to Tracy! Second Empire is absolutely gorgeous and is known in the Triangle as the place for a romantic dinner -- what a perfect spot for a proposal. The restaurant also hosts special events like weddings and receptions, so definitely check them out if you're looking for something really special.

Carla and Jamaal met in college and actually went to the same church but it wasn't until she ran into him in the DMV that sparks flew. They plan to marry in early November and I feel so privileged to be their wedding photographer. Click here to view their slide show.