Katie and Sam’s anniversary session felt so meaningful from the start. We had to reschedule twice thanks to Durham’s summer thunderstorms, but when we finally met up, it couldn’t have been more perfect—a golden summer evening with the dreamiest light.

This session was extra special because it was a celebration of their one-year wedding anniversary and Katie’s birthday. Even sweeter? Ayr Mount in Hillsborough is where they went on their very first date. Photographing their anniversary in the place where it all began made the evening feel even more full-circle and personal.
Levi and I have known Katie and Sam for years through our church, but spending this time together gave us the chance to see a whole new side of them as a couple. We laughed, shared stories, and left the evening feeling even closer. It honestly felt less like a photo session and more like hanging out with friends—with the bonus of capturing it all on camera.

Ayr Mount is such a hidden gem—just 40 minutes from Raleigh and 20 minutes from Durham. With its historic charm, peaceful grounds, and wide-open fields, it’s one of my favorite spots for portraits, especially on quiet weeknights. It gave us the perfect mix of history, romance, and nature as a backdrop for their photos.

Sessions like this are such a sweet reminder of why I love being a North Carolina wedding and portrait photographer. Celebrating milestones—whether it’s engagements, anniversaries, or bridal portraits—is one of the most joyful parts of what I get to do. Katie and Sam’s session at Ayr Mount was such a beautiful reflection of their story, past and present, and I loved being there to capture it.

Ayr Mount is a historic home and gardens in Hillsborough, NC, with beautiful, serene grounds—perfect for anyone looking for a quiet spot for engagement or anniversary photos near Raleigh or Durham. Learn more about this charming location here.