Helen Joy’s Photography Blog
Isle of Palms Cousins Session | The second best day for photos
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.













Emily and Josh Outdoor Engagement | Tuxedo Falls North Carolina
Engagement session at Tuxedo Falls in Zirconia NC
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.
Beautiful local flowers from Sourwood Creek Farm
Adorable porch goose (a member of the family)- Gabba Goose







































