A couple of days back, I met up with Akiko and Jordan bright and early at Jack Sprat’s coffee shop in downtown Chapel Hill. We met up early to avoid the heat and get the best light, and after a double espresso and a chat, I was ready to rock n’ roll.
Akiko and Jordan were a really fun couple to work with and their chemistry really showed when they got together in front of the camera. Both UNC alumni, the locations around the grounds of the campus had special meaning to them, but it is a really fabulous place to shoot given the beautiful architecture and lush greenery everywhere.
As always with my engagement shoots, we took things slowly, had fun and looked for the light. We certainly found it all on this day!
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A close-up of a diamond ring with a central round diamond, flanked by two clusters of smaller diamonds on each side. The ring rests on a dark, reflective surface, creating a dramatic and elegant effect.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple embraces tenderly in front of a historic building. The woman is wearing a black dress, and the man is in a white shirt. They are smiling, with soft sunlight illuminating them, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-12.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A man with a beard and short hair smiles while standing in front of a brick wall. He is wearing a light-colored polo shirt. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-27.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A woman in a black sleeveless dress smiles while looking to the right. The background is softly blurred with pink flowers and greenery, creating a warm, serene atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-17.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple stands closely under a lamppost in a sunlit park, surrounded by lush green trees. The woman is wearing a black dress and smiling, while the man, in a white shirt, leans in slightly. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-5.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple embraces tenderly in a lush, leafy setting. The man, in a white shirt, gazes at the woman in a black dress as they stand close together, surrounded by soft-focus greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-19.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A person with dark hair smiles warmly at the camera. They are wearing a black top, and the background is softly blurred with green and yellow hues.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-24.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple stands close together, smiling, between stone pillars. The woman is wearing a black top, and the man is in a white polo shirt. Soft lighting gives the image a warm, intimate feel.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-30.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan Black and white portrait of a man with short hair and a beard, smiling warmly. He is wearing a light-colored polo shirt, set against a blurred dark background, creating a striking contrast that highlights his expression.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-4.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple smiles warmly while embracing outdoors. The man is wearing a white polo shirt, and the woman is in a sleeveless black top. They stand in front of soft-focus foliage.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-26.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple embraces affectionately, touching noses, with smiles on their faces. They stand outdoors, framed by architectural columns, with greenery blurred in the background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-15.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple stands in a sunlit park, surrounded by lush green trees. The woman in a black dress smiles at the man in a white shirt as they hold hands. A lamppost is visible on the left.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-6.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple stands closely together under a leafy pergola, smiling warmly. The scene is bathed in soft, natural light, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere. The path beneath them is lined with lush greenery.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-23.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A person with dark hair tied back is smiling with eyes closed, wearing a sleeveless black top. The background is softly blurred, showcasing pink flowers and greenery, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-18.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A man and woman stand closely in a sunlit outdoor setting, looking down at an object theyre holding together. The background is filled with lush, green foliage. The scene is peaceful and intimate.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-9.jpg)
![chapel hill engagement session ~ akiko and jordan A couple embraces in a sunlit garden in front of a historic building with large columns. The scene is black and white, creating a timeless and romantic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/akikojordaneng-11.jpg)
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