Love Stories
Jordan & Sara | Fun-Filled Lake Norman Wedding at Family Estate
It’s always nice to be able to ease into the busy Fall wedding season. That’s exactly what Sara & Jordan’s laid-back, lakeside union allowed us.
From the time we walked into the door of Jordan’s parents’ home on Lake Norman, we knew it was going to be a good day. The vibes were chill, family was aplenty, and the estate looked absolutely amazing. Not to mention, Sara and her ladies were finishing up hair and makeup right on time, thanks to Carly at Bel Fiore Beauty.
We walked the property to get a feel for the layout, and we were taken back at how beautifully decorated the grounds were thanks. Jenn of Meraki Blommor totally knocked it out of the park with her florals adorning the reception space, the ceremony arbor, and not to mention the beautiful petals floating on top of the swimming pool. (You’ll have to scroll to see that magic)
The chill vibes permeated the entire house, as we stopped by to tell Jordan hello. He and his guys were right at home, literally, and couldn’t have been more relaxed.
I knew from our early conversations that Jordan and Sara wanted their day to be intimate, relaxed, and filled with their closest friends and family. They definitely achieved it. It may have been a “backyard” wedding, but it couldn’t have been more beautiful, elegant and perfect. They’re the personification of when we say, “Just because you’re going smaller, doesn’t mean it has to be less than.” The day was anything but less than. Along with their vendor team and amazing planner Haley of Hipp Events & Design, the couple crafted a day that was exactly what they had dreamed of and made that dream become a reality.
We’re so excited to share Sara & Jordan’s entire day with you down to the last detail. From bridesmaid dance parties, floating flowers, kisses, and laughter to possibly the best wedding “exit” we’ve ever seen (remember that swimming pool?)…enjoy Sara & Jordan’s intimate, fun-filled day!
Planner/Coordinator: Hipp Events & Design
Floral Design: Meraki Blommor
Hair/MU: Bel Fiore Beauty
Dress: Martina Liana
His Threads: Indochino
Catering: Tin Kitchen
Suds: Carolina Crafts on Tap
Cake: Beth Gromis
Rentals: Cooke Rentals
Tyler & Kristen | Flirty & Fun Roan Mountain, Tennessee Engagement
We value relationship. In fact, the word “relationship” is littered throughout our website and marketing materials. And we’re not just blowing smoke when we say that. We LOVE having coffee or drinks with potential clients to get a feel for one another. We really enjoy having dinner or beers with our booked clients before/after engagement sessions. We’re about it.
We had Kristen and Tyler over to our home for a cookout shortly after booking them as one of our 2022 wedding couples. We hit it off immediately, and began to dream on our back porch of what their engagement session could look like. Several common threads kept popping up…mountains, camping, their dogs, and enjoying nature with one other. I suggested that we just ride up to the mountains and camp together, and go out for sunset pictures during our trip. We decided to do just that.
We arrived in the Roan Mountain area around 3pm and scoped out a few potential spots for photos. We headed back to our campsite to set up shop and rest up before our adventure out for photos and hiking. We sipped craft beers with our feet in the river next to our campsite while the couples dogs acclimated to the spot. It really helped to even further break the ice, and hey, a lil’ liquid courage never hurts before you’re going to be in front of the camera.
We rode up to Carver’s Gap to hike up and begin shooting. It felt like we had the whole mountain top to ourselves as we meandered along the trails together. The Blue Ridge range showed up in all it’s glory with layers of mountains filled the valley in the distance. It was an evening to remember, and developed what we believe will be a lifelong friendship.
We drove back to the campsite stoked at the images we were sure we captured, and celebrated with a steak dinner, cooked by Tyler and Kristen. The night lingered on by the campfire and eventually ended with a night cap dram of Buffalo Trace and sharing stories and dreams for our futures.
Here’s to more nights around the campfire.
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.
AJ & Keeland | Fun & Romantic Sunrise Boone, NC Engagement Session at Rough Ridge
What you’re about to check out is actually attempt #2 at AJ & Keeland’s engagement session. We had originally planned to shoot at Edisto Island near Charleston, SC, but Covid-19 had other plans. I would dare say that the session turned out exactly how it was supposed to. AJ & Keeland actually met while attending Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, so it was only fitting that we headed back to their old college stomping grounds for their session.
It was an early wake up call… 4:15am to be exact. We rode out in the cool fog to the Blue Ridge Parkway and had the Rough Ridge trail parking lot all to ourselves. We threw on our headlamps and started hiking up in the pitch dark. There’s something so calming about only being able to see the next step in front of you.
It was crisp and cool, and as we hiked up the trail we could look off the side of the mountain at the sky gradually changing from blue, to pink, to orange as the sun made its way up and over the ridge. We got the perfect window. You never know what you’re going to get in the mountains. Sometimes you get a dense fog and you can’t see more than 1o feet in front of your face. I’m pretty sure we could see Charlotte from the ridge that morning. There were small trails of fog lingering over the distant peaks and ridges, which gave the illusion that we were up above the clouds.
We made it to the top with plenty of time to spare…and to catch our breath, ha. The sunrise light provided some of the softest, warmest light that I’ve ever shot in. It gave a warm orange/pink glow that made for such soft, romantic shots.
As you’ll see below, the scenery was absolutely epic…as if AJ & Keeland were standing on the edge of the world.
We wrapped up our time together at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. The soft, warm light had left us, but we found some beautifully shaded spots amongst the huge, mature trees on the grounds. The couple had so much fun with the shoot and each other. There may even be a piggy-back, face-lick captured in there somewhere.
We loved our time with AJ & Keeland and cannot wait to shoot their big day in Charleston, SC next year.
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.
Brandon & Hailey | Anniversary
As a photographer, many times you find yourself looking at people, and especially couples, and saying to yourself, “Gosh, I would love to photograph them.” I know that may sound weird to my non-photog friends, but it’s true. I’m not even just talking a “look” or being “hot”, which that’s always a bonus, but there’s just some unique vibe or energy that they give off that is magnetic and also contagious. The way they look at each other, their confidence, their awkwardness, the way they express their love for one another.
Brandon & Hailey are all that and some.
When Hailey asked me about hooking up for a session for their 9th anniversary, my immediate answer was, “Heck yes!”. I’ve actually known Hailey for a long time. Our parents were good friends when we were small kids, we were members at the same swimming pool growing up, and most recently Hailey has been my second shooter at some of my weddings. (Did I mention that Hailey is an amazingly talented photographer herself?!)
I’ve been following Brandon & Hailey’s story for the past several years, and it’s no secret that this past year has not been easy for them or their family. Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense. Life can deal you a really tough hand. However, I’ve been so impressed and inspired by their determination, perseverance, dedication, honesty and vulnerability through it all. Seriously, I’m honored to know them and to call them friends.
I couldn’t be happier with this session. The emotion, the quirkiness, the rawness, and the pure fun just ooze out of these images. Front porch sitting, old Dodge trucks, cuddles in the bedroom window nook, and jumping in ponds…it’s all here.
Happy Anniversary Brandon & Hailey!
Enjoy…
