She thought she was going to Airlie Gardens with her sister to do a photoshoot. Little did she know, the love of her life was about to surprise her in the best way. Did I mention, it was raining?

There’s something sacred about being trusted to document a proposal — and Stephen and Ashley’s rainy day engagement at Airlie Gardens reminded me just how much heart and hustle I pour into these moments.

When Stephen first reached out about proposing to Ashley, he told me, “She’s worth it.” I felt that in my bones — and I knew I wanted this to be perfect. As a hard-working police officer with a demanding schedule, he didn’t have a ton of spare time to plan, so I was eager to step in to help however I could. (And let me just stop everyone right here and tell ya’ll, my girl Ashley is a nurse. (speaks in cry) A couple of real life angels. Serving others. Like, my heart.

And trust me — when I say I go all in on proposals, I mean it.

Speaking of going ALL IN, my dude Stephen showed up and absolutely said he wanted to love Ashley for the rest of his life, with his whole chest. He came in with a stunning (and I mean, stunnnnnninnnnng) ring, and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from Castle Hayne Farms that alone, would make any woman feel appreciated.

Planning an Airlie Gardens Proposal:

What I Did to Help

Stephen chose to propose at the iconic Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC — one of the most romantic and photogenic proposal locations in North Carolina. I headed down prior to proposal day to scout the grounds, make videos of the best proposal spots so he could see them in real(ish) life, and sent over full galleries from other Wilmington NC proposals I’ve photographed there.

I double-checked his appointment with the staff, arrived early to get all of us checked in, and even spoke with the groundskeepers to make sure they weren’t in the background of our shots. I coordinated with the front desk so they’d know how to help keep the surprise under wraps when Ashley arrived with her sister, Heather.

And as if that wasn’t enough? I brought my son along (with permission from Stephen) as the perfect decoy — and my son captured the entire thing on video while I focused on documenting every raw, emotional moment through photography. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Proposal Photography Is So Much More Than Taking Pictures

So many people think proposal photography is just snapping a cute photo at the right moment. But when you work with me? You’re getting a proposal planner, location scout, timeline buffer, and emotional anchor — all rolled into one.

I’m there to calm nerves, cue the plan, and capture the realest, most unforgettable reactions. This moment is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I appreciate and honor that fully.

What Happened When It Rained

Probably the number one question I get during my little casual chats with potential clients is always, “What happens if it rains?”

Now, I will have you know, Stephen never asked this question. Stephen was a man on a mission to profess his love to the most incredible person in his life. I honestly don’t think anything would have or could have deterred or bothered Stephen on proposal day.

But, for the record, we were both ready to do the photoshoot, rain or shine. I had my cameras around my neck. It was raining. My cameras were getting wet. And you know what? It was okay. Haha. I literally told my teacher bestie earlier in the day: “If it pours the rain then we will do a Notebook inspired shoot. I’m not even worried.” And I wasn’t.

I had my camera cover out for if it started REALLY pouring. I was ready. Ashley’s mom had stopped to get clear umbrellas on the way to Airlie Gardens. (Hello, GREAT props and fully functional for a rainy proposal.)

**HOW CUTE IS THIS**

I’m just not sure that I could be any more obsessed with these two lovebirds.
LIFEHACK:
Get you a photographer that has zero fear and rainy day proposal ideas in their back pocket.

What was most incredible? Stephen trusted it all. Stephen was unphased. He trusted me. He trusted that I would pull it off, rain or shine. He trusted my 8 years of expertise. He trusted that I cared, and that I would make it happen, no matter what. He trusted his instincts. He trusted the love in his heart, and I promise you that man didn’t have a doubt in his mind about anything. As a matter of fact he said, “This is going to be perfect.” and y’all, I promise, it was perfect.

Ashley Said Yes — At the Pergola Garden, Just As the Rain Stopped

The skies literally cleared unbelievably just in time for Stephen to get down on one knee under the arched walkway, The Pergola Garden, at Airlie. Their families were quietly waiting hidden nearby, and when Ashley said “yes,” there were tears, cheers, and so much joy. Ashley’s family ran across the garden to squeeze her. Stephen was smiling from ear to ear. Ashley was crying uncontrollable happy tears. The moment felt suspended in time.

Kind Words From the Groom-to-Be:

“Ashley was absolutely amazing to work with! She was so easy to communicate with and helped make our engagement so special. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for photos!”

Stephen and Ashley — thank you. Your trust, your kindness, and your joy made this day so special for me, too. Totally unforgettable.

Planning a Proposal in Wilmington NC?

If you’re planning a surprise proposal in Wilmington, NC — or dreaming of popping the question at Airlie Gardens, Wrightsville Beach, or another beautiful coastal location — I would love to help.

I specialize in emotional, documentary-style proposal photography with full planning support, from scouting locations to nailing the timing and light. Bonus? Many of my proposal clients become wedding clients. (And I would love to photograph an Airlie Gardens wedding, just putting it into the universe. 💫)

Planning your own proposal in Wilmington? Let’s dream it up together— rain or shine.
📩 Click here to get in touch and start planning your proposal.