Natural engagement shoot with corgi in Raleigh, North Carolina
Can't decide between a city or country engagement shoot? Go for both! Chelsea and Chris are tying the knot in June 2024 in Charleston South Carolina, but decided to hold their engagement shoot in their new home town of Raleigh, North Carolina. Chelsea chose to wear a beautiful white dress for the downtown portion of the shoot, and a pretty blue floral dress for the nature session.
The couple's dog, an adorable corgi named Maple, played a key part in the shoot as well as the proposal, explains Chelsea. "One of our favorite memories is our first road trip together from Chicago to North Carolina to visit Chris's parents at their family lake house. It was my first time meeting Chris's family and our dog Maple's first time at a lake. We spent all weekend out on the water trying to get Maple to swim. On our last day there, she finally swam out on her own for the first time, after chasing a skipping rock that Chris threw.
"Fast forward to three years later, Chris planned a weekend getaway to the Tennessee mountains. We decided to start our trip with a hike before getting settled in our cozy mountaintop Airbnb. When we arrived at the trail, I asked Chris why he was bringing his backpack, to which he replied: 'Just to make sure we have enough water for us and Maple along the way.'
"Towards the end of our hike Chris suggested that we stop by the water to let Maple cool off with a swim. He started skipping rocks to try to get her to swim, just like he did three years ago on our first lake trip. As I was distracted watching Maple, Chris snuck the ring out of the backpack and got down on one knee behind me. At this point all I remember saying was 'Don't drop the ring in the water' and the rest is history! Having the full weekend to get to celebrate with just the three of us was so very special and that weekend will always hold a special place in my heart."
vendor details
Photographer: Arika Jordan Photography | Film Lab: Photovision