For Dacy it was a no-brainer. She works for Hendrick Motorsports and loves the culture, so we were pumped to say the least when she got the green light to shoot her engagement photos in the rarely seen Hendrick Heritage Center Car Museum. The chance to enter this building and walk among the cars is a rare opportunity, much less be given permission to shoot a portrait session.
The particular car that Dacy & Julio chose to shoot with was the white 1955 Chevy Corvette…VIN # 1. It felt like we had stepped back into time and seeing this gem right off the production line. Complete with neon drive-in sign and marquee.
To wrap our time together we moved on to the working drive-in movie screen and Hollywood set-worthy mock up of a vintage Dairy Queen.
The staff we encountered were absolutely phenomenal and so genuinely nice. A huge shoutout to Kyle (you know who you are) for assisting us throughout the shoot and making sure we didn’t overstep around these timeless, priceless cars.
It was the perfect session to kick off our 2024 season, and we are so pumped to shoot this sweet couple’s big day at The Club at Longview in Waxhaw, NC.
Josh & Cari Anne | Asheville, NC Fun & Romantic Mountaintop Sunset
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!
Jeremy & Kendall | Sunrise Elopement at Torrey Pines State Reserve
There aren’t many people out there that actually enjoy getting up before the sun. However, every time we’re forced to do so, it’s always so worth it.
It was no exception for Kendall & Jeremy’s sunrise session at Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, California. Waves lapping up on the shore, seagulls singing, a cool breeze blowing in off the ocean water, and the sun cresting over the tops of the incredible cliffs.
The vibe was flirty, romantic, and full of pure chemistry. Kendall rocked her non-traditional blush-colored, bell-sleeved, lace dress like an absolute goddess. We LOVED the fact that she chose to wear something that was so unique and out-of-the-box. Jeremy was styling too with his earth-toned chinos and buckled loafers. The color palette they chose was incredible. They not only complimented each other, but also the coastal cliff environment.
Please enjoy Jeremy & Kendall’s Torrey Pines elopement session!
Dress: Raw & Golden Rentals
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
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.
Haley | Downtown Charlotte Punk/Street Inspired Empowerment Session
We originally promoted a Valentine’s Day deal for couple’s sessions, but we quickly learned that we were totally leaving out an entire demographic that are equally worthy to have professional photos taken to document this season in THEIR lives. So, the idea of our Single’s Empowerment Session promotion was born.
We were so stoked to be able to shoot and work with Haley. We knew as soon as we met her on the parking garage rooftop that this was going to be one awesome session. Leather, fur, studded boots, piercings, and one super sick haircut by the one and only…Carmen Cutrona of Carmen!Carmen! salons in Charlotte, NC. Haley is a Senior Stylist herself at Carmen!Carmen! Southpark.
Haley was so confident, yet extremely sweet and humble at the same time…the perfect candidate for these empowerment sessions. She made our jobs extremely easy as we made our way around the rooftop and then out onto the streets of downtown Charlotte. I’m so happy with how these shots turned out. The colors are simple, yet so much pop, and then the black and whites have such a “Street” vibe to them, as I went heavier with the grain than normal.
I think I just need to stop typing now, and let you enjoy this awesome 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.
Jonathan & Lauren | Intimate Myers Park Wedding
Jonathan & Lauren’s wedding was certainly one for the books. Tuesday afternoon ceremony, booked the day before, global pandemic on our doorstep, stay-at-home order announced during the ceremony, and 100% rain in the forecast. .
We spoke to Lauren on the phone the day before to run through all of the details. It wasn’t what she had planned whatsoever, except for the ceremony location. What was supposed to be a packed out church ended up being only the couple’s immediate family. Their date was supposed to be in mid-April with a grand reception planned nearby their church ceremony, but was cancelled due to the current Covid-19 crisis. You could say that a lot seemed to be stacking up against Lauren’s big day.
HOWEVER...Lauren & Jonathan were ready to get married and they just couldn’t wait. Lauren was so amazingly positive about the situation and didn’t let it steal her joy or excitement to marry her soulmate one bit. There was one super apparent theme coursing through the day and that was…family. Both Jonathan & Lauren were surrounded by their immediate families, and they were so extremely supportive and encouraging for the couple. You could just tell they wanted the day to be as perfect as possible for the two.
Not only was Lauren literally surrounded by her family, she was also wearing several family heirlooms…a pearl necklace given to her by her late maternal grandmother, a fur stole that belonged to her paternal grandmother, the beautiful white lace tablecloth we used for her ring and stationery shots belongs to Jonathan’s mother, and her veil was first worn by her sister.
During the ceremony, the pastor gave family a chance to come up and share some words for the couple. Tears were shed, love was expressed, and laughter was aplenty. The grooms dad went on to share about how Lauren’s Olympic gold medal (a HUGE deal) couldn’t even compare with her beauty…inside and out. And he was right. Lauren looked amazingly beautiful, and had such a sweet spirit about her.
It poured rain during the whole ceremony, but when we looked outside afterwards...no rain! We were able to capture all of their family formal portraits outside in front of the beautiful Myers Park Methodist church. Cars were driving by honking and it almost seem to bring a sense of hope that life will go on once this crisis passes. We even set up a faux “exit” with bubble guns. Lauren was determined to use them and why not?! Surrounded by bubbles and her cheering family...it was beautiful and so much fun.
We ended our time with some couples portraits, and let me say, the light was to DIE for. Brides, do not fret about a lil rain or overcast skies on your wedding day. The rain seems to deepen the colors of everything and the clouds diffuse the softest, most beautiful light. The couple and their families were so thankful and gracious throughout the entirety of the day, which made our job of capturing the moments for them so much easier.
We’re proud to share with you…Jonathan & Lauren’s big day at Myers Park United Methodist Church.
Venue: Myers Park United Methodist Church
Hair/Makeup: Cali Stott Artistry
Florals: Lily Greenthumb’s
Videography: Bowser Films
Catering: The Duke Mansion
Stationery: Reaves Engraving
Hers
Dress: Stella York purchased at The Savvy Bride Boutique
Shoes: Nina New York
His
Jacket: J.Crew
Shirt: Ledbury
Shoes: To Boot New York
Theirs
Rings: Diamonds Direct
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
Bailey & Grace | UNCC Botanical Gardens Sunrise Engagement
I had a good feeling the first time I spoke with Bailey about the possibility of shooting he and Grace’s Virginia Boho barn wedding. Bailey is a Marine and he and Grace have been making the long distant thing work, and we wondered how we would be able to hook up to shoot their engagement session. It just so happened that Grace was heading down to Florida where Bailey would be graduating from a Marine training course, and they would be road tripping back up to VA after his graduation. When we figured they would be driving through Charlotte it was game on…it was our chance.
It was a super chilly fall morning, as we met up at sunrise at the UNCC Botanical Gardens, which is absolutely beautiful by the way. The gardens are split right down the middle with the left path leading to a dreamy Japanese style garden, and the right path leading into a North American themed forest. We made our way through both and these two are just pure magic together.
Please enjoy Bailey & Grace’s sun-soaked, woodland engagement session.
