Luster Studios » North Carolina Photographers Craig Carpenter

Last month I flew to New Mexico for the first time to photograph Kate and Andy’s engagement photographs. We decided to make a day of it so that we could photograph in several locations such as Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Los Alamos.

I had initially met this couple after photographing Laura and Nan’s wedding In January at The Carolina Inn. Andy was the best man and had told me that Nan’s engagement photos had really caught his eye. They later decided to book me for their wedding in Charlotte (in August this year) We were able to coordinate their engagement session to take place in New Mexico since it was where they fell in love.

Before we look at the photos, here’s a little background on the couple. Andy grew up in Hong Kong, China and moved to Morehead City, NC when he was 12. He met his best friends at Leesville High School, whom he’s kept in touch with through college at NC State. Kate grew up in Buffalo, NY and moved to Charlotte, NC when she was 12. She went to college at UNC, where she became friends with many of Andy’s friends from high school.

They initially met through their mutual friend, Bo at a Harry Potter movie right after they had each just ended previous relationships. Their first date was at the cheesecake factory but due to the constraints of our schooling & work, they had spent the majority of their time 2000 miles apart from each other.

It wasn’t until they both attended a dinner party later on that the sparks started to fly. They shared with me that they’ve learned to treasure the little time we have together. Since they’re in such a beautiful location they told me that they love to go hiking & skiing together and I learned that Andy is a man after my own heart and fast food is often his Achilles’ heel.

Currently, Andy pursuing his PhD in Nuclear Engineering through NC State. Kate just finished her PharmD and is currently working as a pharmacist at one of the major hospitals in Albuquerque & the state of NM. One of the things that I enjoyed learning about the couple is that neither of them completely understand how to discuss each other’s work which allows them to not to mix “work with pleasure”.

They have the ability to disconnect after a long day and just focus on their relationship that way. I thought that was kind of cool and I think that you’ll agree with me that these photos capture the best parts of their relationship and the love that they share together.