Engagement & Proposal Investment
We’re so glad you’re here! Please take a moment to read through our pricing, info, and FAQ below.
Welcome
Planning a proposal? Recently engaged? Already Married? You’ve come to the right place!
Hey there! I’m Courtney, the photographer behind Courtney Hathaway Photography, and I’ve been documenting love stories across North Carolina’s Outer Banks since 2008.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me living out my own love story—married to my high school sweetheart and raising our two little boys right here on the Outer Banks. It’s a place that means so much to our family, and I love sharing its beauty with the couples I photograph.
My photography style is where classic meets modern, created for couples who are joyful, adventurous, and drawn to the laid-back beauty of the coast. Every session is approached with an editorial eye, blending timeless portraits with genuine connection, movement, and the candid moments that tell your story naturally.
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, celebrating your engagement, visiting the Outer Banks on vacation, or simply want beautiful photos together “just because,” I’d love to help you document this season of your life. I truly believe you don’t need a milestone to celebrate your love—sometimes the best reason is simply because you’re together.
We can’t wait
To tell your love story
Let’s talk about
Engagement Sessions
Often the engagement session is the only professional photos a couple will have together in non-wedding attire, and they’re a great addition to the collection of photos that will tell your love story. Engagement sessions typically last around 60 minutes, in a single location, and many couples will opt for an outfit change to have a little variety. We always have the option to add additional time onto sessions if you would like to incorporate a second location or more outfit changes.
let’s talk about
surprise proposals
We absolutely LOVE photographing surprise proposals and we’re here to help you make the day perfect. We will collaborate with you determine the perfect location to pop the question, and walk you through the best strategy to make it go off without a hitch.
Sometimes it’s a complete surprise during a walk on the beach, sometimes it’s before a special dinner at your favorite waterfront restaurant, maybe during a couples or family activity when they least expect it, or even a romantic beach picnic. No matter you’re wish, we’re here to make it happen. We have several local companies we’re happy to refer to also help bring your vision to life if you envision a setup for a picnic or scene.
We typically allocated about 60 minutes for proposal sessions. That gives you plenty of time to get out to your spot, get into position, enjoy the proposal, and still have time afterward for some engagement portraits.
Let’s talk
Couple’s Sessions
Not yet engaged or already married? Just wanting some updated photos of the two of you together? We LOVE that. Professional photos don’t have to represent a milestone – they can be “just because.” We approach our couples sessions exactly the same way we would any other session: relaxed, intentional, and focused on the connection you share. The belly laughs, quiet moments, and the way you naturally love each other are always worth documenting.
Where should we take our photos?
For beach photos, our sessions take place at Coquina Beach in South Nags Head. Our session pricing includes locations within the “middle beaches” and Roanoke Island. Some other fan favorites are the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Elizabethan Gardens, Downtown Manteo Waterfront, or even just your family home or other meaningful location.
***Travel and admission fees may apply, based on location.
what to wear
Beautiful, cohesive styling elevates your session and allows the focus to remain exactly where it belongs—you.
We’re frequently asked, “What should we wear?” and my answer is always the same: wear whatever feels most authentic to you. Your photos should reflect who you are, not who you think you should be. With that in mind, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your outfits.
Our editing style is light & airy, so you’ll notice throughout our website that many couples gravitate toward soft, neutral tones like tans, creams, whites, light blues, and muted greens. These colors complement both the natural beauty of the beach and our signature editing style beautifully. Don’t be afraid to incorporate texture or a subtle pattern, but try not to overdo it. If one person is wearing a floral print or pattern, for example, it’s usually best for the other to wear something more neutral so your outfits complement one another rather than compete.
The beach is almost always breezy, and we’ll be moving around throughout your session. Keep that in mind when choosing your outfits. Dresses photograph beautifully, but styles with lots of ruffles or lightweight layers can become frustrating in the wind. If you’re planning an outfit change, many couples choose one dressier look and one more casual outfit—perhaps a flowy dress for one and shorts or pants for the other—to add variety and make it easier to move freely.
Most importantly, be comfortable. My sessions are relaxed and movement-focused, so you’ll be walking, sitting, standing, cuddling, and maybe even running barefoot through the surf (if you’re up for it!). When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it naturally comes through in your photos. At the end of the day, these are your memories and your photographs, so stay true to your own personal style. Those are always the images you’ll love the most.
