JOHN + CARLY | ENGAGEMENT

2026-06-13_0001

Bright and Sunny Engagement / Pinehurst Wedding Photographer

There is something special about photographing couples whose story feels deeply connected to the places they love. For John and Carly, Pinehurst has become exactly that.

Carly grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina, while John is originally from West Virginia. Their story began through mutual friends while finishing college at West Virginia University. What started as a friendship quickly grew into something much more, and over the years they have built a life together.

One of those places is Pinehurst.

John's family spent a great deal of time in the Pinehurst area over the years, and what initially felt like a fun getaway slowly became a special place for them. As their relationship grew, so did their love for the Sandhills, making their decision to celebrate their wedding here feel like the perfect fit.

Now for their engagement...We originally planned to meet in Pinehurst on the evening of June 11th, but we adjusted our session schedule slightly for a pretty incredible reason.

John has always been a huge baseball fan, especially when it comes to West Virginia University athletics. This year, the No. 16 WVU Mountaineers made program history by qualifying for the Men's College World Series for the first time. Years ago, John and his brother made a pact that if WVU ever reached the College World Series, they would be there no matter what.

After spending a beautiful and warm afternoon with Carly during their engagement session, John packed his bags and flew to Omaha, Nebraska, to fulfill that promise. Not only did he get to witness history, but he also watched WVU win its opening game on college baseball's biggest stage. As a storyteller, I love these kinds of details because they become part of a couple's story—the little moments and traditions that help define who they are.

For their engagement session, we explored the grounds of the historic Carolina Hotel. With its iconic architecture, sweeping verandas, and timeless Southern charm, it provided the perfect backdrop for this elegant and relaxed evening. The soft June light paired beautifully with the classic Pinehurst scenery, creating images that feel both sophisticated and authentic to who John and Carly are as a couple.

Throughout the session, it was easy to see how much they enjoy simply being together. Whether we were strolling the pathways around the hotel or stopping for portraits beneath the towering pines, they brought an effortless joy and warmth to every moment.

As much as I loved spending the afternoon with them, what I'm most excited about is what's still to come.

In 2027, John and Carly will say "I do" at the beautiful Country Club of North Carolina, and if their engagement session is any indication, their wedding day is going to be unforgettable. Between their strong connection, wonderful families, and shared love for Pinehurst, I know it will be a celebration filled with meaning, laughter, and countless memories.

John and Carly, thank you for trusting me to capture this exciting season of your lives. I cannot wait to celebrate alongside you at CCNC and document the next chapter of your story. ❤️