As the week came to a close, I got a visit from a colleague at work who told me about his upcoming engagement he was planning for Friday night. It sounded so casual yet so magical: dinner and drinks at Tyler's (where the couple's first date was), followed by ice skating at the American Tobacco Campus, and then a surprise proposal at the pond by the Full Frame Theater. I strapped on my camera, dressed in dark colors, threw on the long glass, and acted like tourist in the Bull City as these two ice skated throughout the evening and then kissed the night away. I stalked the two throughout the night and patiently awaited the special moment. All of a sudden, after relaxing at a picnic table by the pond, Richard dropped down to one knee. His proposal was so genuine and sweet. Caty couldn't believe what was happening before her eyes. She was quickly enveloped in shock, then bliss, and then draped in love and euphoria.

I was so honored to be able to photograph this moment in Richard and Caty's life and am still smiling about their engagement! These two have known each other for years and started dating about a year and a half ago. These two are so full of love and it's written all over their faces for the world to see. I'm sure these two will have smiles on their faces for eternity after their sweet engagement last night.

Congratulations, Richard + Caty! Thank you for allowing me to capture this milestone in your life and create heirlooms for you and your families! Best wishes to the both of you!

Meet Ashlyn. Your extraordinary 6-foot-4.5-inches high school senior. Nothing is average about this girl. She's outgoing, spontaneous, adventurous, creative, and successful. As an outspoken and budding photographer (she has taken my class since her sophomore year of high school and soon heading to Savannah College of Art and Design), she's told me from the beginning I'd be shooting her senior portraits. I've watched her grow and become her own person throughout her high school years, so I had an idea about how to make her senior portraits represent her free-spirit and goofy demeanor. We explored everything that makes the Dirty Durham the best city ever: climbing through a deserted castle, having deep conversations with Geoffrey the Giraffe (Northern High School's unofficial school mascot that Ashlyn based her AP Art portfolio on), hanging out on Ninth Street, and the best local coffee shop, Cocoa Cinnamon, and shooting some awesome portraits in stunning light. I also shot some film and I believe her face was more excited when I developed her film then her face the first time she ever saw her first roll of developed film. I got some memorable photos with her Mom and Dad, then she flipped through some records in hopes of finding Jack White, and drank enough hot cocoa to make her forget how chilly it was outside. It's been quite a journey with this girl and she's got quite a journey ahead of her! Ashlyn, don't be afraid to be yourself and let your spirit run free as you conquer this big world in front of you! (with your sidekick, Geoffrey, of course!)