Old-World Romance Meets Queer Joy
If you’re a sucker for romantic details, with a little old-world charm, this styled shoot at Oxbow Estate might just steal your heart. Inspired by Pride and Prejudice and set inside a European-style villa in the heart of North Carolina, the day was full of soft candlelight, vintage textures, and fashion that felt equal parts timeless as personal. Think marble floors, delicate stationery, lush florals, and a custom lace suit that had us swooning.
The entire creative team pulled together something that felt more like a storybook than a shoot – and it all came to life with the help of Anna (she/her) and Audrey (she/her), who are planning their elopement later this year.
Let’s go back to the beginning, how did you meet?
Flashback to October 2018. Anna slid into my DMs with a “10/10” as a response to a song I’d posted on my Instagram story. Three days later, we met up and hung out at our favourite holiday in Wilmington – BEER FEST!
After a full day of trying North Carolina’s finest beers, Anna got a little tipsy and ended up kissing one of our guy friends. I was definitely questioning if the vibes I thought I was picking up all day were actually not vibes, lol.
I helped get her into an Uber with our friend Miller and headed home. The next day, Anna texted to see about breakfast, but I was already in South Carolina…long gone!
Anna was in her second year of pharmacy school, so we decided to meet halfway between Wilmington and Buies Creek. That landed us in Clinton, NC, a tiny town with not a lot of options, so we ended up at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was honest and easy. We just talked and laughed and settled into something that felt natural. That date ended up being the first of many. Over the next six and a half years, we kept showing up for each other – through long distance, life changes, and everything in between.
From that first date to nearly seven years, what happened in between?
Long-distance through school, graduating, starting new jobs, job changes, moving into the smallest apartment in Wilmington, rescuing a doodle, building a house, furnishing and designing it together… It’s been a journey.
We’ve grown individually, but we’re a force together. Where one ends, the other begins.
You pulled off a double proposal. Tell us everything.
We pulled off surprise double proposals on our June 2024 trip to Ireland, Scotland, and London.
Anna proposed to me on 14 June 2024 at the Cliffs of Moher. It was the most beautiful sunny day and one of my bucket-list destinations. But little did she know, I had plans of my own. On the last morning of our trip, 5 days later, I proposed to her in London, in front of Big Ben at 6:30am. It was freezing.
And somehow, we both unknowingly had “10/10” engraved in each other’s rings.
Why was it important to take part in this styled shoot?
It was important for people to know that vendors are inclusive. When we first started the ring process, we went into a store together and told the lady we were looking for engagement rings. She asked, “Which one of you is getting engaged?” We said, “We both are,” and the whole thing just became awkward.
That kind of put a damper on what should’ve been an exciting time in our lives. So, it meant a lot to be part of something that highlighted the talent of a supportive and inclusive vendor community.
Captured by Laura Memory Photography and Rotunda Creative, the day felt intentional from start to finish.
What made Oxbow Estate the right backdrop?
With its European-style architecture, grand interiors, and sweeping grounds, Oxbow Estate brought together everything we love; history, architecture, art, and romance. It also echoed the feel of our London proposal while honouring their North Carolina roots.
The space came alive with candlelight and elegance, styled beautifully with pieces from Curated Events and Lumbre Candle Rentals. The lush, garden-inspired florals by Iris & Co Florals and dreamy stationery from Wilkinson Creative Co completed the atmosphere.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Getting ready was a standout moment. The custom lace suit and wedding gown, both by Be Everthine, the pearl-detailed heels and delicate bow. We felt so seen and special in those pieces.
Hair and makeup by Peach Cowgirl Beauty helped bring the look together, while quiet moments, laughing in the marble bathroom or lying on the ballroom floor surrounded by candles, made it feel intimate and real.
Photography by Laura Memory Photography
Decor Curated Events
Dress Be Everthine
Florist Iris & Co Florals
Hair & Makeup Peach Cowgirl Beauty
Rentals Lumbre Candle Rentals
Stationery Wilkinson Creative Co
Suit Be Everthine
Videographer Rotunda Creative
