Fun and Flirty Engagement Session in Mount Vernon Baltimore Features Sleek Fashion + Vibrant Colors

Natalie and James’ fun and flirty engagement session was seen in Issue 32, featuring six high-fashion looks styled by the bride-to-be herself.

As a stylist and fashion designer, bride-to-be Natalie Karyl of Doll House Boutique knew exactly how she wanted her engagement outfits to look.

“Fun and vibrant” is how she describes their photo session’s theme. And at the core, of course, was love.

Working with Muna Coterie Photographer, Trene’ Forbes Photography, she and her future hubby James Neely looked fly and classy in every frame.

Walking around downtown Mount Vernon Baltimore, they exchanged flirty glances, danced in the street, and basked in the excitement of their engagement.

Keep scrolling below for how they met, their proposal story, and more.

Wedding Date: June 16th 2024
Couple: James Neely & Natalie Karyl
Occupations: James – Cyber Security Analyst | Natalie – Fashion Designer & Stylist
Wedding Date: June 16, 2024
Wedding Venue Location: Swan Harbor Farm, Havre De Grace, Maryland
Engagement Session Location: Mount Vernon Baltimore

How we met:

Rather than a serendipitous encounter, we had arranged to meet at a specific hotel. I was in the lobby, and James, knowing I’d be there, found himself at the bar. The bartender, playing matchmaker, directed him to me, seated alone. When James approached, our eyes met, we shared a warm embrace and then spent hours engaged in captivating conversation over cocktails and light fare.

Our first date:

There wasn’t a strict itinerary in place when James took me away on a spontaneous outing to Washington DC. We indulged in a delightful brunch at a charming spot. He introduced me to Georgetown, a beautiful shopping district, so we decided to window shop and met a few couples. We stopped and engaged with them, playing couples trivia as though we were already one. Afterward, we stopped to eat at a picturesque Mexican eatery and enjoyed chatting. We ended up taking the long way home back to Baltimore and stayed together for the next 24 hours not wanting the date to ever end.

The proposal:

James surprised me with a Christmas gift – a trip to Disney World for me and his son. While he initially planned to propose during a dinner with his son, fate had other ideas. It all unfolded perfectly amidst the hustle and bustle of the theme park. Caught up in the excitement of the day and moving from one ride to the next, I didn’t notice James dropping to one knee until the entire park erupted in cheers.

Turning around, I saw him there, holding out a ring we had admired in a magazine during one of our flights. He asked me to be his wife, and amidst screams of joy, I said yes, enveloping him in hugs and kisses amid the enchanting surroundings. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever, especially when his son joined us, embracing me warmly and welcoming me into our new family.

Our engagement session:

We wanted our engagement session in Mount Vernon, Baltimore, to be fun and vibrant. I am a fashion designer of Doll House Boutique and a stylist so I wanted to incorporate different looks into our session.

Favorite thing to do together:

While staying at our LA residence we enjoy leisurely shopping and dining at the farmers market, enjoying a beach day in Santa Monica, and cooking together at home.

Wedding planning so far:

What began as a modest family home affair has blossomed into a charming celebration at a stunning farmhouse by the Chesapeake Bay, complete with all the trimmings that perfectly reflect our style and vision. There have been twists and turns but the best professionals are navigating us through so I’m nervous and excited.

What they’re looking forward to most:

On our wedding day, aside from the paramount importance of beginning our blessed union, especially with James’s son “little James,” we are eagerly anticipating an intimate family reunion.

Witnessing the special moment of the flower girls will be particularly meaningful for me as I cherish my non-biological daughters so much, symbolizing the depth of our love.

We can’t wait to watch our family and friends dancing, embracing each other, all gathered in a beautiful setting, united by the simple yet profound reason of love.