Madison and Ryne’s engagement session at The Cornelius Properties this past fall was the perfect way for me to come back from maternity leave. From the moment we started, I knew their session was going to be a dream.
We began in the boxed rows of flowers with Carriage Hall in the background, and the setting was instantly stunning. Madison wore a beautiful blue and white dress, and Ryne kept things classic in khakis and a blue shirt — the perfect mix of polished and timeless for an engagement session in North Carolina.
As we headed toward Birdsong Chapel, the light turned soft and golden and made for the most romantic portraits. One of my favorite moments was when Ryne picked Madison up and she popped a foot; it felt straight out of a fairytale. Some of the sweetest photos from the session were the quiet ones too, especially when Ryne stood behind Madison and wrapped his arms around her. It was natural, comfortable, and full of love.
Moving toward the water, the pier created the prettiest composition, creating a movie-like scene. During their outfit change, I took Madison’s engagement ring and captured a few detail shots. Since Brooke’s Fresh Cut Flower Farm is part of the landscaping at The Cornelius Properties, it was so fun to incorporate flowers into the ring photos.
For their second outfit, Madison and Ryne changed into neutral tops and jeans. It was a photographer’s dream! The vibe was casual, fun, and effortless as we wandered around the property, stopping in front of Carriage Hall and then heading to the sweetest swing that made for another fairytale backdrop.
We finished the session back near the pond, but this time we climbed into the boat. And let me tell you, those images honestly felt like they came straight from a Nicholas Sparks book. Before wrapping up, we revisited a few of our favorite spots from earlier so they could have the same beautiful locations with a completely different look.
Madison is currently full-time in PA school while also planning a wedding, and I don’t know how she does it. But she and Ryne make such an amazing team. Working with them just clicked, and I cannot wait to celebrate them this August at the Lewis Atkinson Home in Goldsboro, NC.
If you’re planning an engagement session in North Carolina and want a location that offers romantic variety all in one place, The Cornelius Properties is truly a dream.
