STEPHEN + KATIE | ENGAGEMENT

2025-08-09_0001

Sandhills Gardens Engagement/NC Engagement Photographer

     Katie and I first met in 2021 when she stood as the maid of honor at Taylor’s beautiful wedding at the Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC). The venue has always held a certain magic, but it became even more meaningful for Katie in 2022 when she and Stephen met there at her best friend’s wedding—Katie as a bridesmaid, Stephen as a groomsman.

     I remember the moment Katie’s email came through. Her last name immediately caught my eye, and I couldn’t help but wonder—could she be Taylor’s sister? Sure enough, she was! My excitement doubled as I read further and discovered Stephen had proposed less than 24 hours earlier. What an honor to be among the very first people she reached out to after such a life-changing moment.  She wrote of the perfect proposal on the 18th green of 18 of the legendary Pinehurst #2.  Golf has always been close to his heart, and playing #2 had been a lifelong dream. To share that moment with Katie—at such a meaningful place—made it unforgettable.

     Last weekend, we met at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens for their engagement session. It had just rained, which made the gardens even more radiant but not as radiant as Katie.  They both confessed to feeling a little nervous, but the way they laughed together and stole little glances told a different story. Conversation flowed easily as we talked about life, love, and all the exciting plans for their spring wedding.  By the end of our time together, I felt like I’d just spent the afternoon with old friends. I can already imagine the joy and emotion that will fill CCNC when Katie and Stephen say “I do”—in the very place where so many of their most treasured memories began.