What happens when a man and woman decide to put on their wedding day attire for a second time, go to a beautiful farm, and pose before a camera? Romance. And magic happens. When we put it like that, it’s easy for you to understand why it was so easy for us to fall head-over-heels with this sweet-as-can-be love story (and seriously adorable and giggle-worthy proposal from the groom’s point of view) and rustic portrait session with Southern flair. Everything about this feature is utterly swoon-worthy and romantic. Caroline Lima Photography captured the very essence of love between these two lovebirds. It’s the perfect little getaway for your Thursday workday!

Hollis and Mary Jane met when they were just kiddos :) Hollis was 4 1/2 and Mary Jane was 1 (it was her birthday in fact). Their parents were long-time friends, and although they didn’t see each other for 11 years, they reconnected on a little website called Facebook.

Their first meet up years later was at a cafe in Chapel Hill. They had brunch before Mary Jane left for an event. When she gave Hollis a hug goodbye, it was love at first touch for Hollis. He offered her stick shift driving lessons for the following weekend. (Love at first touch…aww!)

Their first date was at City Beverage in Durham. They enjoyed dinner and drinks and shared stories from their youth. Weeks later, their first kiss was…awkward. Their second kiss was great!

Mary Jane says Hollis is a true gentleman! (We believe it :)) She says she didn’t know what courtship was until she met him. (We believe that too :)) He opened doors for her, took her to church, planned elaborate dates in Charleston, Columbia, Asheville, Phoenix, and Raleigh. And above all, he makes her laugh. (Sounds like a keeper to me :))

{From the Groom} It was not exactly the most romantic or glitzy of marriage proposals. Plan A was not even accomplished. There was, however, more than an average amount of anxiety and urgency involved, enough to make for a memorable night. But before I dive head first into the story, I think it’s important to give a brief history leading up to the proposal…

Our fathers grew up together, and our mothers were sorority sisters and roommates in college. My parents were engaged after only five dates, and claim to have been the ones who set up Jane’s parents. Sometime later, Jane and I met for the first time on her first birthday. Despite our family get-togethers every couple of years, we would not begin a romantic relationship for well over 20 years.

Mary Jane and I hadn’t actually seen each other for 11 years before we reconnected over brunch in early May. By mid June, I was hooked, and knew that we were meant for each other. At the end of July, I purchased a ring. Due mostly to nerves, I put off popping the question for several weeks. Now, the return policy on the ring was 30 days, and on the 29th day, I knew that quick action was needed.

The plan was to go out to dinner and then to take Jane out Salsa dancing where I would drop to one knee on the dance floor. However, Jane apparently had had one sangria too many, and on what was supposed to be a brief stop at her apartment, fell sound asleep on her bed.

For the next hour I urgently tried to wake her up to get her to go dancing, but to no avail. The only option I had was to put the ring on her finger while she was sleeping. Surely she would wake up, realize that there was a ring on her finger, and go crazy.

I softly placed the ring on her finger and waited nervously in the room for the next ten minutes, but nothing happened. Then I went to the living room and watched tv at a high volume hoping to stir her… Nothing. I went back in the bedroom and tried to coax her awake. She tried to swat me away and in the process banged the ring loudly on the wall several times. At this very moment, I figured she was the most conscious I was going to get so I asked her to be mine. She said, “yes” and then promptly fell back asleep.

After much effort, I finally coaxed her awake enough to tell her that I thought we had just gotten engaged. She ran out into the light, saw the ring, made me ask her again, and the rest is history…

{Behind the Lens with Caroline Lima} I love when the portrait session is surrounded by nature, I think it gives a clean and organic feel to the images. Also, it makes the focus to be completely on the subject with no distractions.

I suggested this beautiful farm to Mary Jane and she loved it! She decided to wear boots and bring a beautiful quilt to the session, they added a beautiful touch to the images.

My main goal when photographing couples is to make them feel comfortable in front of my camera, this way I can capture them being themselves and the love they feel for each other! I love romantic images!

{Advice from the Bride} plan plan plan! Pinterest is a great, FREE tool! Even if you are a DIY type of gal, you must get a director for day of coordination. You want to enjoy your wedding day and make it as stress free as possible. And lastly, hire the best photographer around. You will not regret it!

Congratulations, Hollis and Mary Jane, and thank you so much for sharing your love story with us! We wish you both so much love and laughter in the many years you’ll share together! And a very special thank you to Caroline Lima for sharing this very special shoot with us today! xoxo