April 22, 2025
On the quiet shores of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, beneath a sky painted with soft coastal light, Cody planned a proposal that felt straight out of a modern love story.
He contacted me weeks in advance with a vision—one as thoughtful as it was romantic. A message in a bottle, carefully handwritten and mailed to me ahead of time, was to be planted in the sand before Marissa arrived. As they strolled along the water’s edge during what she thought was a casual sunset walk on Atlantic Beach, she spotted the bottle tucked gently near the tide line.
Inside: a letter. A proposal. A forever beginning.
As Marissa read the note, emotions swelled, the sea breeze danced around them, and Cody dropped to one knee. The moment was honest and breathtaking. A quiet kind of joy unfolded between them, full of laughter, disbelief, and the start of something lasting.
We spent the rest of the session capturing the intimacy and joy of their just-said-yes glow.
From windswept portraits along the shoreline to soft, quiet moments among the dunes, every image told their story: elegant, effortless, and deeply personal.
This Outer Banks engagement session was more than a proposal — it was a reflection of who Cody and Marissa are together: intentional, full of heart, and grounded in meaning.
Planning your own Atlantic Beach engagement?
Let’s create a session that feels like you — personal, beautiful, and unforgettable.
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Photography: Hailey Rae Photography
Location: Engagement Session Atlantic Beach, NC – part of North Carolina’s scenic Crystal CoastEngagement & Proposal Photography | Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon, Emerald Isle
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