Josh & Cari Anne showed up to their session in the NC mountains ready to hit the trail and have fun. It was abundantly clear that they are super comfortable with one another. They literally did their thing while I documented with very little instruction. I think the result is a super genuine, authentic, and cinematic gallery. This location never disappoints, and we were greeted with one of the most beautiful, warm sunsets I’ve ever experienced here. We can’t wait for these two’s big day at The Omni Grove Park Inn later this year!
Ian & Becca | Elegant & Cozy VanLandingham Estate Wedding Charlotte, NC
We hit it off with Ian & Becca from the very first time we met. We knew we were a perfect match, and that we would be in for a ton of fun. Young, bright, giddy, and head over heels in love. The couple decided to tie the knot and exchange their vows at the beautiful VanLandingham Estate, nestled in the beautiful and lush Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. They decided to go for a first-look, and exchanged vows privately in the incredible old greenhouse on the property, surrounded by milky glass, vines, and the most beautiful light dancing in the windows. After their ceremony, the couple and their guests danced the night away to the awesome jams provided by The Pizazz Band. We consider ourselves so lucky and blessed to have been a part of this extra special day with our two special friends and their families.
Not to mention, we had the privilege of working alongside an incredible vendor team that pulled this day off without a hitch.
Venue @vanlandingham_estate Hair & Makeup @kenziehamiltonmua Music @thepizazzband Florals/Decor/Planning @hippevents Rentals @partyreflections Dress Designer @bylillianwest Bridal Boutique @savvybrideboutique @simplystunningbydivas
Ned & Ellie | Sunset Cliffs San Diego
California, and San Diego in particular, is know for its sun, beaches, gorgeous weather, and incredible sunsets. Ellie & Ned’s sunset session at the amazing Sunset Cliffs incorporated all of these things, and when combined with their intense chemistry…magic ensued.
Hair blowing in the wind, ocean spray lifting into the air, warm sand beneath their feet, and towering seaside cliffs surrounding them….I mean, come on.
I’ll just stop now so you can enjoy this amazingly beautiful couple in one of the must breathtaking spots we’ve ever had the privilege of visiting.
Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bride Charlotte
Dress Designer: Love Honor Bridal
Florals: Backbone Floral & Vintage
Coordination/Planning: Wild Lovers Content
Luke & Dallas | Eclectic, Boho-Inspired Elopement in Rabun Gap, GA
Have you ever met someone before that you felt like you’ve known forever? Well, that’s exactly what we felt like when we finally met Luke & Dallas (and their adorable 1 year old) for the first time at their incredible AirBnb in Rabun Gap, GA.
Courtney and I left out the day before the elopement with our good friends Bryan & Mariah (as well as Mariah’s massive macrame pieces in tow, more later) so that we could meet our couple, see the property, and come up with a game plan for their intimate day.
First off, we were completely blown away at the rental property, as it was designed by architects out of Atlanta, GA and the architecture, decor, and stylings could not have been more perfect! Basically, you have this award winning, modern home surrounded by the beauty of the Georgia mountains…what more could you possibly ask for?!
We immediately hit it off as we scoped out the property for the perfect ceremony spot. The last spot we checked out was…The One. It was the ideal spot to hang Mariah’s massive macrame altar piece, surrounded by a beautiful tree, wildflowers, and a glassy pond. We also picked out the perfect spot for the couple’s post ceremony, boho/eclectic-inspired picnic.
Did I mention that Dallas is a creative herself? She just happens to be Executive Pastry Chef, Kitchen Manager, and Lead Cake Decorator at The Cupcake Shoppe in Raleigh, NC. She made their wedding cake, and what an amazing piece of art!
The elopement day was super relaxed, full of good tunes, laughter, and most definitely some tears (happy ones). Luke & Dallas enjoyed their day, as they set themselves up for success. They relaxed and enjoyed each other and their daughter around their cozy AirBnb on the property.
Ceremony time came around, and it was absolutely the most peaceful, serene, and intimate ceremony we’ve ever witnessed. Just the couple, officiant, and us.
We had a blast toting the couple around the amazing property for their couple’s session (you’ll see what I”m talking about). So many angles, colors, and textures to work with…even when the light was on the harsher side. Some of my favorite shots captured on their day were actually shot in harsh light. The many angles of the home provided the coolest framings and sweet, deep shadows…it was magic.
We wrapped up the day with a totally chic, boho, eclectic picnic styled by Dallas herself. She literally brought everything with her to style the picnic. Between Dallas’ stylistic choices and Courtney and Mariah’s eye for decorating…I think we pulled off something absolutely dream worthy.
Luke & Dallas’ original plan didn’t work out. They were supposed to elope in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. However, I think they created a day that rivals almost any other. Their day was full of love, laughter, happy tears, and family. What more could you really ask for? It was an absolute honor to capture their day, and to be involved so intimately. Just to give you some insight into how these guys operate…they invited us to join them for their picnic at the end of the evening…we happily obliged.
Here’s to our new friends Luke & Dallas. Enjoy the magic!
Venue: The Glass House in Rabun Gap, GA
Hair: Luxy Hair
Florals: Sweet Stems Flower Bar (Franklin, NC)
Cake: Dallas at The Cupcake Shoppe Raleigh
Macrame Items: PaxtonMariahMurr
Hers
Dress: Wilderly Bride by Allure Bridals
Engagement Ring: Michellia Fine Jewelry
Wedding Ring: Ferkos Fine Jewelry
Earrings: Found You Adornments
Hair Pins: BHLDN (Anthropologie)
His
Suit & Shoes: ASOS Men
Ring: Celia O’ Kelley Jewelry
Bolo: YOQUOCOL
Picnic
Pillows/Napkins/Utencils/Champagne Glasses: World Market
Plates/Napkin Holders: Crate & Barrel
Nate & Andrea | Intimate, Snowy Asheville Airbnb Elopement
It was a beautiful snowy day in Asheville, NC. Andrea had contacted us a few weeks prior asking if we had any availability for an intimate, Airbnb elopement in Asheville, and we were all over it. We absolutely love Asheville, but we love intimate weddings and elopements even more. So, combining the two is just a match made in heaven!
When we arrived at the Airbnb we were so pleasantly surprised. The modern/Scandinavian-inspired cabin was quietly perched up on the side of a mountain with incredible views off the huge front porch. It’s interior stylings complimented the vibe with mid-century modern fireplace, lighting, and accents. It was a dream to shoot inside because of all of the large windows and skylights that were built in.
The vibes in the house were so warm, relaxed, and welcoming. Andrea and Nate were on cruise control and ready to tie the knot, as you should be on your wedding day.
Andrea’s son was so much fun to watch as he prepped for the event. He wore a lot of hats for the event (escorted his mom down the “aisle”, ring bearer, Bible-reader, and bouquet holder!) and he rocked them all! He and Andrea have such a sweet relationship, and it was so magical and heart-warming to watch the two help each other get ready for the ceremony.
Nate was as cool as a cucumber. He calmly and quietly wrote his vows before putting on his dapper, yet warm, suit for the ceremony.
We landed on a porch-front ceremony location, as it provided great lighting with all the snow around, and the panoramic views of the neighboring mountain vista.
Happy tears were shed, laughter was aplenty, and the couple’s love was palpable throughout the entire ceremony. Andrea’s son looked on so intently and lovingly as they shared vows, rings, and a sealing kiss.
Let us just say, this day was the personification of enjoying a stress free wedding day while still having “all the things”. A beautiful dress, attire, details, ceremony, drinks, food, and so much fun. Whether our couple’s are packing out the venue or eloping alone on the side of a mountain…we want this for them! To truly enjoy, experience, and savor every facet of their day.
I think I’ve said enough. Seriously. Keep scrolling and enjoy!
Dress: BHLDN
Makeup: Zack Russel, Asheville
Florals: Shady Grove Flowers, Asheville
Cake: Short Street Cakes, Asheville
Her Rings: The Golden Carrot, Charlotte
Ian & Becca | Cold & Misty Roan Mountain Engagement Session
When I first arrived at the parking lot to meet Becca and Ian…I was a tad worried. It was SUPER foggy, cold, and windy. These things can sometimes mess with your plans when you drove 3 hours to shoot on a mountain top with beautiful 360 degree mountain views.
Becca & Ian arrived and in her typical fashion, Becca was pumped and her energy was contagious. If you don’t have a Becca in your life…well then you need to find one, ha. We began our hike up and shot as we winded our way up to the summit. The fog and mist actually made for incredibly moody and emotive images. The mist would blow across the mountain top and the fir trees almost became secondary subjects as they peeked through the fog and mist in the background.
We got a couple windows where the fog lifted in the valley, and we took full advantage as the sunlight shined through and lit up the valley below us. The view didn’t last long, but we were able to snag that view that we came for.
The weather may have been less than ideal, depends on who you ask, but we use it to our advantage, and had such a fun time doing it.
Please enjoy Becca & Ian’s foggy and romantic Roan Mountain engagement session.
Robert & Holli | Hipster/Boho-Inspired Engagement Session
It had been a long weekend of shooting in the Asheville, NC area…not complaining whatsoever. Friday evening, Saturday sunrise, Saturday sunset, Sunday sunset, and then one more session Monday evening. I didn’t really know what to expect, as I had only spoken with Holli & Robert by phone. What I got when we finally met was two of the sweetest, most fun, and genuine people you could ever hope to meet.
We met at the Graveyard Fields Parking lot off the Blue Ridge Parkway and made our way out to the valley below. I had come across some photos of a cool looking boardwalk system that runs through the high valley that’s situated just below the popular Black Balsam Knob. They didn’t disappoint and neither did the amazing light that we were blessed with. You couldn’t really see the top of Black Balsam as it was covered in a dense fog/cloud-cover. It provided the most perfect, soft, diffused light that you could hope for. It really just fit the mood of the surroundings, and we practically had it all to ourselves.
Robert & Holli quickly warmed up to the camera, and began to enjoy one another, and most importantly, had a blast! One thing I noticed is that when I’d give some of my usual “queues” to the couple…they really took it literally. One such queue is to “look into each others eyes”, and these two really went for it. You can see it in the images that we captured that when they were told to gaze into one another’s eyes…they DID NOT fake it. You can almost feel the deep connection between these two, and it was honestly so magical.
As we got comfy with each other, and began to really have some fun I said, “See where that fog/cloud is covering the top of the peak? That’s where we’re heading next.” I was honestly a little worried that it’d be a massive “wall of white” with zero visibility when we reached the clearing on top of Black Balsam Knob. However, when we broke through the balsam grove into the clearing on our hike up, we were greeted with probably the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever been privileged to witness at this spot. The fog/cloud cover that was shrouding the top of the peak had actually migrated down into the valley that we had just left behind. So imagine…you’re standing on top of a 6200’ peak, you look to the east and you see a sea of blue and pink, cotton candy clouds, and you look towards the west and you see the most beautiful rays of golden sun cresting across balsam-covered mountaintops. It was, in a word, heavenly.
We made our way up to the pinnacle of Black Balsam and stopped for photo opportunities as we went along. When we finally made it to the top, I surprised Holli & Robert with some local beers from Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Boojum Brewing Company to celebrate.
I was tired, but also pumped from the long weekend of shooting in the mountains of NC. My time with Robert & Holli, as well as my other clients that weekend, reminded me why I love my job so much. Meeting kick ass people in beautiful places, and making memories that last a lifetime never gets old.
Here’s to more adventures in the new year…cheers.
Hunter & Camden | Romantic Max Patch Sunset Session
When Courtney and I decided to do a portrait session giveaway on Instagram for New Years, we were both super excited and super nervous at the same time. We couldn’t have been more excited about who the software chose at random. We go way back with Camden and her family, and she was so excited to have been chosen.
Camden wanted to travel somewhere for the session, and we were so down, so off to Asheville we went! We have been wanting to shoot at Max Patch for a while now, so that was definitely our first recommendation. We decided to go for two totally different looks, one trendy casual for downtown Asheville, and the second a little more romantic for the bald mountain top at Max Patch.
We met up with Camden and her boyfriend Hunter at The French Broad Chocolate Lounge in downtown Asheville and just began walking. We hit a couple alleyways and streets, and then jumped in the Subaru to drive the hour and fifteen minutes to Max Patch. I have to say, Max Patch is now one of my absolute favorite places to shoot…period. It’s a bald mountain top on the NC/TN border with 360 degree mountain views. INCREDIBLE!
We braved the muddy 15 minute hike from the parking lot up to the top and just pure magic followed. Let me tell you…these two are just the cutest couple, and they were such troopers. The temps hovered around 30 degrees with light winds. However, they still had so much fun with one another, and just simply loved on each other.
Please enjoy Hunter & Camden’s Max Patch Sunset session.
Jayme & Teresa | Snowy Sunset Engagement Session at Max Patch
Somewhere along the way, Courtney and I have definitely become “Asheville Photographers” living in Charlotte. And to be honest, we really don’t mind because we absolutely love Asheville! The culture, the people, the breweries, the vibes, the mountains…need I say more. So of course when Teresa brought up the idea for she and Jayme’s engagement session, we were down for an adventure in downtown Asheville and a sunset session at the beautiful Max Patch.
We started our day off with Jayme and Teresa for lunch at Wicked Weed Brewing, one of our favorite spots, and from there made our way through the streets and alleys of South Slope Asheville. We then packed up in the car and started the drive West to Max Patch.
If you remember a couple blogs ago, we did another sunset session at Max Patch, but this one was different. There was around 4”-6” of snow on the bald mountain top! We’ve been dying to do a snow session and we finally got our chance. It was absolutely MAGICAL.
Please enjoy Jayme & Teresa’s snow-filled Max Patch, sunset session!
Bryan & Jessie | Asheville Masonic Temple Wedding
If you were to take a film set from The Great Gatsby and drop it down in the middle of Downtown Asheville NC, then you would basically have Bryan and Jessie’s wedding day at The Asheville Masonic Temple. Built in the early 1900’s, The Asheville Masonic Temple is a four story brick building loaded with masonic memorabilia, scissor gate elevators, a beautiful theater, stone columned balconies, and an amazing grand staircase. Ok, sorry, I’m a history nerd.
The day was a little different for me than normal, as we were inside the masonic temple all day long, however, I was totally fine with that. The details and vibe of the venue are incredible. The bride & groom are avid wine-lovers, and wine related details were sprinkled throughout the day. The couple’s closest friends and family filled the theater for the exchanging of their hand-written vows, followed by a beautiful cocktail hour and meal in the main reception hall. The guests and party ascended the stairs after dinner to dance the night away in the third floor theater. It was a night to remember.
Please enjoy Bryan & Jessie’s elegant Downtown Asheville Wedding!
Venue: The Asheville Masonic Temple
Coordinator: Shay Brown Events
Dress: Anomalie
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Airbrush Makeup and Hair Design
Flowers: Urban Farm Girl Flowers
Caterer: Catering by Corey
DJ: DJ Bluphi
Robert & Holli | Intimate, Fun-Filled Wedding at Historic Ritchie Hill Estate
Everything about Holli & Robert’s big day at Ritchie Hill was calm, cool, collect, and laid-back. Even though rain clouds loomed in the distance, Holli never stressed or let it get to her. She seemed perfectly content surrounded by her best friends, family, and the only goal for the day was to marry her best friend Robert and to have a blast doing it.
The couple shared the sweetest first look on the covered porch outside the bridal suite. Everyone needs somebody to look at them the way Robert looked at Holli when he turned to see his bride for the first time…seriously.
The ceremony was absolutely perfect as rain storms were avoided, and the couple tied the knot amongst their friends in the most beautiful, secluded spot out behind the historic home.
The rest of the day was filled with beautiful couple’s portraits, heart felt toasts, laughter and happy tears. Throughout our time with Robert & Holli, we’ve found a common theme…not only their crazy love for one another, but their love and care for others. It was beyond apparent that their circle of friends is a SUPER tight knit group that would do anything for one another. We like to think that over the past year and a half that we’ve become a part of their circle.
The day was a blast, and one for the books. But, don’t just take my word for it…enjoy Robert & Holli’s perfect fall day at Ritchie Hill.
Planner/Coordinator: Elle M Events
Venue: Ritchie Hill
Florals: Gather Flower Studio
Hair/MU: Mirror Bomb Studio
Her Ring: Michellia Fine Jewelry
His Ring: Tiffany & Co.
Cake/Desserts: Delish Cakery
Catering: Roots Catering