Emily and Josh Outdoor Engagement | Tuxedo Falls North Carolina

Western North Carolina has been through it this past year between Hurricane Helene and rampant wildfires. My engagement session with Josh and Emily was supposed to be in an area that was heavily damaged by wildfires. We got the opportunity to shoot on the magical land of Tuxedo Falls-a new and much needed wedding destination with treehouses for guests and 10 waterfalls to play in in Zirconia, NC. The owners are kind stewards of the land and have restored and nurtured it even in spite of the storms it has weathered.

I love engagement sessions for so many reasons but one of them is that I love getting to work with the couple before the wedding day. In a way, I like putting them at ease with how it will feel to be photographed by me. It also helps me get to know them and ways to make their day easier.

Like most couples they arrived ready to go but a little hesitant, but before I knew it they were taking off their shoes, jumping bolders, laughing, and just enjoying the adventure of it all. By the end of it they were both soaked and happy. I am so excited to photograph their wedding day next month and happy we have these photos to document this special time of preparing for their wedding day. I’m always greatful for adventurous couples who love each other and trust me to document it.

Andrea and Sam’s Joyful Summer Camp Wedding | Flat Rock, North Carolina

Andrea and Sam have the kind of love that feels like a confetti popper. Which is what their wedding felt like. Love confetti and and a big ole hug.

Their original plan to wed in the woods at Andrea’s childhood summer camp got cancelled for heavy rain. They didn’t miss a beat with the extreme change in venue and we just kept on. The wedding took place in an old hotel on the grounds with no air conditioning. There were so many sweet moments all around as I sweated and ran up and down old creaky stairs trying to capture them all. Then the rain quit and we walked into the reception area that was decorated with beautiful bright blooms, photos of the couple, and so many fun little reminders of loved ones and the bride and groom’s childhood. We chowed down on incredible food truck yumminess, toasted to love, and children were running around everywhere. By the end of the day my birkenstocks were soaked and I just photographed barefoot.

There was an easiness to the day, a deep joy that no rain could put a damper on.

Camp Bonclakren

Beautiful local flowers from Sourwood Creek Farm

Adorable porch goose (a member of the family)- Gabba Goose

10 reasons to hire this WNC wedding/elopement photographer.

1. I show up authentically. (I believe in love).

2. I don’t try to fit your wedding day into my agenda (No one is my stock photo project)

3. I photograph your love AND the love surrounding you. (You don’t have to choose).

4. I am flexible if things go off schedule, and I can also bring things back to schedule if something awesome happens, with no stress. (Just let me know what you’re needing and it can change!)

5. I want to capture every minute of your day. (I want the bare maximum)

6. I will cry and laugh and dance. (No awkward, creepy photographer in the corner).

7. Weather helps tell the story and it doesn’t scare me. (What if it rains on my wedding day? Then we will make beautiful photos!)

8. I will mostly capture photo documentary with some classic portraiture thrown in. (Everyone needs a little of both)

9. I can help manage family. (I am no stranger to family dynamics and am happy to navigate all of it).

10. I want your photos to show how things FELT not just looked.