Family

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life…love gives us a fairytale.” – Melissa Brown

 I get so sappy and as we call at home, “mushy” when I look at pictures. I stopped right in the middle of writing this post to hug Jesse and tell him I love him. Its an amazing feeling to be loved by your best friend.

Speaking of BFF’s…She is my BFF she just doesn’t know it yet LOL.  I’m sure you all know how in love I am with our photographer, Dani of Dani Nicole Photography!  She honestly made this shoot so much fun for Jesse and I. She also gushed as much as I did over this little quote and the prop (seen below) we brought with us. A girl who is down to earth, hilarious and can vibe with a good quote? Oh yeah, our friendship (and business relationship) was meant to be!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

For the second portion of this photo shoot, we wanted to be a bit more dressed down, compared to our other attire (see Duke Mansions Engagement Photos Pt. 1), while still channeling a whimsical but classy & chic look. From this, the idea of a tulle skirt was thought up! Jesse has always treated me like a princess, I wanted my outfit to give off soft, feminine princess vibes. After a lot of searching, I came upon Space 46 Boutique, which was featured on another blogger feed and completely fell in love.

Their tulle skirts appeared to be made with the utmost care and quality. I was not even slightly disappointed when my skirt arrived. The shipping was fast and the customer service was impeccable! I then made one stop to TJ Maxx and found this beautifully colored and soft, off the shoulder sweater. I was unable to locate my sweater, but I’ve linked similar sweaters below. Last stop was one of my go-to stores, Nordstrom Rack to find the shoes and Solesociety never fails me! These shoes are EVERYTHING! These heels feel as if you’re walking on clouds, they are that comfortable! Not to mention cute but sophisticated, the shoes tied my outfit in, ultimately making it my favorite for this entire session.

For Jesse’s outfit, we knew we wanted to keep it simple and bring my colors in with an accessory or two.

Thankfully we were able to get the majority of his outfit from J.Crew and the rest from Nordstroms & TJ Maxx. I made sure to accent the lighter tones in my sweater with his peach-colored bow tie and then pick up colors within my shoes with the cognac colored loafers and belt.

 Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2 Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2 tulle skirt

tulle skirt

Skirt: Space 46 Boutique | Earrings: BaubleBar | Heels: Sole Society | Men’s Dress Shirt: J. Crew | Men’s Chino’s: J. Crew | Bow Tie: The Tie Bar | Watch: Movado | Men’s Loafer: Donald Pliner

This photo session was a dream come true! I cannot imagine doing having anyone else photograph us. I am so looking forward to having our photos framed and put up all around our home. As we continue to make new memories, I’ll get to enjoy glancing at our walls, and remembering this was by far one of the best memories.

Until next time!

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Family

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 1

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1
Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

“He walked into my heart, like he always belonged there, took down my walls and lit my soul on fire.” – T.M

To have someone be the mirror to your soul, place you first in all things, love God as you do and compliment who you are, is so rare! I am so thankful for all the roads, good and bad that have led to this place in my life.

Okay now enough of the mushy stuff, for the moment!

So If you all haven’t already seen it on my Instagram (@TheNorthernBelleoftheSouth), Jesse and I went to Charlotte, NC this weekend to have our Engagement photos taken by Dani Nicole of Dani Nicole Photography.  And we did them at none other than THE Duke Mansion. Talk about breathtaking! Whew!  I don’t think a year ago, I would’ve thought this is where I would be!

Let get into it, shall we?!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

When Jesse asked me to marry him, I was shocked and honored. This man loves me, faults and all. I have never experienced such unconditional love and unwavering support from a significant other before. Though my daughter is from a previous relationship, he adores her as he does me, and ensures we are both happy no matter what. I thank God daily for bringing him into my life at the time he did. I know if I’d met him before now, I probably wouldn’t have been ready for everything he encompassed and I fear had I met him later than I did, I would’ve been too jaded to realize a good man when I see one. All things honestly do work together for the greater good.

Anywhoo! We decided to do our photos at The Duke Mansion rather last minute, but it as probably one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I knew I wanted a semi-formal & a semi-casual look. (Be on the lookout, I will be doing another blog post (Pt.2) with our semi-casual look early next week.)

Our photographer, Dani, was only more than willing to oblige.

After much searching and A LOT of mistaken”this is the dress!” moments, my heart settled on a blush colored mermaid gown for my semi-formal look. I’ve always had a great appreciation for a muted or pastel color with a deeper and robust color to offset it, hence Jesse’s navy blue suit, velvet loafers & blush colored tie to tie it all together with my outfit. For my shoes, I opted for some bling (as if the bling Jesse gave me when he proposed wasn’t enough!

I hope our genuine friendship and mutual respect and love for one another speaks to you and inspires you!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1 Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1 Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

couple photoshoot

couple photoshoot

couple photoshoot couple photoshoot

Dress: Dress the Population | Earrings: BaubleBar | Heels: Pelle Moda | Suit: The Black Tux (Rental) | Men’s Dress Shirt: Calvin Klein | Tie: The Tie Bar | Watch: Movado | Men’s Shoes: Steve Madden

I think my favorite part of these photos in this session was being twirled around by Jesse and then dipped, AND standing under that big beautiful chandelier. We couldn’t have done this without our photographer turned friend, Dani. If you’re ever in need of an AMAZINGLY gifted photographer, then check out Dani Nicole at www.daninicolephotography.com

Until next time!

 

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