Ryan and Sarah got engaged in December 2025 right around the holidays, while on vacation in Texas at the historic Gruene Hall. Sarah reached out to me in January in hopes to schedule me for their engagement session, before Ryan was to deploy in late-March. We set a date and found a fabulous location.

In early March, we met one evening at the beautiful WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh. What a hidden gem this place was!  Although the azaleas weren't quite blooming then, daffodils, camellias, Edgeworthia chrysantha, and tulip magnolias were.  The garden also offers winding paths, a foot bridge, garden sculptures, a fountain, and more. 

We spent a good hour together and just finished up as the sun was starting to set.  We couldn't have asked for better weather! It was fun to get to know these two as a couple from how they met, how long they've been together, to when and where they got engaged. Sarah's engagement ring is stunning! 

Although these soon-to-be newlyweds have not set a wedding date yet, they wanted to schedule a special session together before Ryan's deployment. They are considering a destination wedding. And because of that, they'll be looking at save-the-dates to send to family and friends. 

On that note, I'm so grateful for Sarah's mother, Lenore, for such a wonderful referral. I've known Lenore for about 16 years, as she was the publisher and owner of a wedding magazine in Chapel Hill at the time. In 2010, she hired me for an editorial stylized photo assignment for her magazine. We worked together on a professional level at that time. However two years later, in 2012 I adopted a kitten, our sweet calico Daisy, from Lenore and her wonderful family. Daisy just celebrated her 14th birthday!  

Thank you Ryan and Sarah for such a delightful evening. And thank you Ryan, for serving our country. Congratulations to you both on your engagement!

 all photos © Elizabeth Larson Photography

Thank you, Emily Bohrer, for assisting!

location - WRAL Azalea Gardens