As a Charleston engagement photographer, I’m always excited to capture love stories in the most stunning locations. Middleton Place, with its historic charm and breathtaking gardens, has always been one of my favorite spots for engagement photography. I had the privilege of photographing Olivia and Carter’s engagement session there, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Let’s start with their story. Olivia and Carter met on a dating app and immediately clicked through their conversations. One rainy September evening, Olivia spontaneously invited Carter out on a date. Lucky for her, he was available, and they finally met in person. Olivia fondly recalls how Carter’s incredible smile and easygoing nature made her feel like she had known him forever. On the other hand, Carter remembers how natural it felt to talk to Olivia, how she was dressed to impress, and how their impromptu date turned out to be a perfect start to their relationship.
Fast forward, and the couple has been together for nine and a half months. When asked about their future, they envision themselves happily married in five years, surrounded by multiple Bernadoodles and taking spontaneous trips to the beach — a picture-perfect plan!
One of the sweetest moments they shared with me involved Carter’s creative way of asking Olivia to be his girlfriend. Olivia has a love for puns, so Carter decided to carve a special message into a pumpkin. The pumpkin read, “Will you be my boo?” — a playful and heartwarming way to pop the question. While he was preparing the pumpkin, Carter’s mom walked into the kitchen, so to keep the surprise under wraps, Carter cleverly distracted her by pretending she was sleepwalking and suggesting she head back to bed. The next morning, she had no memory of the encounter, making the surprise even more special.
Another memorable moment for Olivia was when Carter planned a trip to Hershey Park. Olivia had always wanted to visit the park during its Halloween-themed “Hershey Park in the Dark” event. Carter, ever the romantic, bought tickets for both of them even though he wasn’t a fan of roller coasters or most rides. When Olivia asked him why he had gone out of his way to plan the trip despite not enjoying the rides, Carter simply said, “Because it’s something you wanted to do, and seeing you happy makes me happy.” That sentiment perfectly sums up the kind of thoughtful and loving person Carter is.
When asked what Olivia loves most about Carter, she shared that it’s his spontaneity, humor, romance, and how thoughtful he is. “He truly is the perfect guy for me, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him,” Olivia said with a smile.
For Carter, what he loves most about Olivia is her adventurous spirit, her radiant smile, and her unwavering dedication to everything she does. “I can’t wait to continue our life together,” Carter expressed with heartfelt emotion.
Their engagement session at Middleton Place was nothing short of magical. We spent the day exploring the beautiful grounds, capturing their love amidst the stunning backdrop of historic terraces, reflection pools, and century-old trees. Olivia and Carter brought so much joy and energy to the session that time seemed to fly by.
Thank you, Olivia and Carter, for an amazing session at Middleton Place! Your love and connection were a joy to capture, and the beauty of this historic Charleston location made it even more special.
