As a wedding and portrait photographer, I live for the kind of sessions that feel like a little adventure—and this one absolutely delivered.

At 4:30 AM, I hit the road toward downtown Wilmington, NC, still under the cover of night absolutely buzzing with excitement. My clients had booked a sunrise sailboat session (yes, sunrise!) and I was all in. We set sail with Raven’s Nest Sailing, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. From the moment we stepped on board, the captain made us feel right at home—laid-back, incredibly accommodating, and just the right amount of enthusiastic for an early-morning sail.

As the boat drifted away from the dock, the sky began to bloom with soft pastels—blues, some golds, and cool blues reflected across the water. It was quiet, peaceful, and ridiculously beautiful. My clients leaned into the moment, wrapped in cozy layers and each other, laughing between takes and soaking in the scenery. The whole hour felt cinematic in the best way—wind in their hair, sun on their faces, popping a bottle of champagne and the gentle motion of the boat beneath us.

But we didn’t stop there!!

After docking, we hit the streets of downtown Wilmington for part two of the session. The city was just waking up—quiet sidewalks, golden light bouncing off the buildings, and that unmistakable charm Wilmington always brings. We wandered cobblestone streets, ducked into alleyways, and made the most of the early morning glow. It was the perfect contrast to the serenity of the sail—full of texture, character, and spontaneity.

This shoot was a beautiful reminder of what happens when you step out of the ordinary and say yes to something a little more adventurous. Whether it’s a sail at sunrise or an impromptu city stroll, magic lives in the unexpected.

Big thanks again to Raven’s Nest Sailing for being such an incredible part of the day. I can’t wait to share more from this unforgettable morning on the coast.

Xo,

Emily McPartland

@emilymcpphotography