Jodan Lake Engagement Photos | Ebenezer Beach | Maddie & Connor

We had such a great time with Maddie and Connor during their engagement session at Jordan Lake, a place that holds so much meaning for them in Raleigh. And let me tell you, this session had it all—beautiful scenery, genuine love, and... a whole lot of tiny bugs. But more on that later!

Maddie & Connor’s Love Story

These two lovebirds have quite the backstory! Connor has been smitten with Maddie since 6th grade (adorable, right?). But it took a couple of years, a little help from fate, and an 8th-grade football game before Maddie started noticing him. Well, technically, she noticed him while trying to set him up with her friend (yes, that happened).

Fast forward to 9th grade—Maddie’s friend moved away, Connor finally worked up the courage to ask her to homecoming, and the rest is history! Seven years later, Connor proposed in Destin, Florida during a spring break trip. Destin proposal goals, anyone?

Our Jordan Lake Adventure

We met up at the Ebenezer Beach area in Jordan Lake (pro tip: it’s one of the most scenic spots with great access to the water and beautiful sunsets). Since the sun was still a bit too bright for pictures when we arrived, we started with a little hike by the lake. The woods there are perfect for capturing candid, romantic moments.

And here’s a little secret—you might not believe it, but we got some fantastic shots right in the parking lot. Yep, who knew a parking lot could look that good in photos? Sometimes, the best pictures come from the most unexpected places.

Once the light softened, we made our way to the beach. Maddie and Connor were total naturals—splashing around in the water, sharing laughs, and just being their goofy selves. It was clear how comfortable they are with each other, and it made for some genuinely heartwarming moments.

But of course, every great outdoor session comes with a twist. As the sun started to set, a swarm of tiny little bugs decided to crash the party. I mean, they were everywhere! Despite the bug invasion, Maddie and Connor powered through, and we ended the session on a high note with some amazing sunset photos.

Why Jordan Lake is the Perfect Spot for Engagement Photos

If you’re considering engagement photos in Raleigh, Jordan Lake is a hidden gem. Here are a few reasons why I love shooting there:

• Variety of scenery: You get everything from wooded trails to sandy beaches to lakeside views. It’s like having multiple photoshoot locations in one!
• Sunset magic: The sunsets here are truly stunning, casting a golden glow that makes every photo feel magical.
• Laid-back vibes: Jordan Lake has a relaxed, natural feel—perfect for couples who want a mix of candid and posed shots.
• Water Sports: If you all feeling a little adventurous and want to add some action to it to your shoot, you can get SUPs, Kayaks and there is a also a boat ramp.

If you're planning a session at Jordan Lake, We recommend arriving about two hours before sunset. The light is softer and much more flattering at that time. And, pro tip: bring bug spray, because those little guys can sneak up on you right when you least expect it! As wedding and engagement photographers in Raleigh, we’ve found that this timing and preparation make all the difference for stunning photos.