Best Locations in the High Country for a Photoshoot

“Because in the end you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb the Mountain.”

— Jack Kerouac

Beacon Heights (Parkway mile 305.2) 30-45 min Roundtrip hike, No restrooms

Whether you’re here for a family session, engagement session, as a graduating senior, surprise proposal, extended family, anniversary or you’d like head shots, there are several things to consider in your photography location. If you’re here on vacation to see the mountains, you’ll likely want to incorporate those in the background, but not all locations have easy access. If you live here and see the mountains every day, maybe you’d be more into a waterfall, also a more difficult access. If you’ve got 30 people to organize and at least half of them are not into the idea of shooting at all, maybe the driveway at your rental cabin will be just fine so long as everyone shows up. Whatever your situation, I’m happy to help you navigate what’s best for you.

Moses Cone Memorial Park (Parkway mile 294) No hike, Paved Sidewalks, Restrooms.

Time of day

I will forever be an advocate for Golden Hour. That can be first 90 minutes of the day after the sun rises, or the last 90 before it sets. In the best conditions on a perfect day, you cannot beat light which is flattering in every way possible. Blue hour just before/after can also add a unique light to your images. If the sky is cloudy, really any time of day will look about the same, so we can be flexible if it’s calling for rain at a certain time. That said, our schedules don’t always align to make this time possible. If that’s the case I’ll help you navigate a location in the best lighting possible. Capturing the moment is more important than the light or the location.

Rough Ridge (Parkway Mile 302.8) 45-60 min Roundtrip Hike, No restrooms

Tourists/Parking

Many of the more popular locations such as Rough Ridge above are EXTREMELY crowded in the fall, on weekends and at sunset. As such I will always advise against these locations during these times. If you’re open to a different time of year/week and open to sunrise, we can certainly try it then.

Season

Depending on the time of year the sun will rise and set at drastically different times. I will help you plan accordingly. If you’d like snow, that is definitely possible, but only about 5-10 days out of the year. You have to be on my waiting list and ready to shoot usually within 24 hours notice. Sometimes the forecast is accurate, sometimes we get rain or sleet and have to reschedule. We both have to be super flexible.

Various Locations Downtown Banner Elk.

The age/size of your crew

If this is an engagement session, the sky is the limit. If we’re talking 30 people of all generations, shapes and sizes, I will happily advise you on the locations that will accommodate you best. Moses Cone and the various town parks tend to be best if your home is not well suited. You will know your crew better than me though, if everyone is down for a hike, like Roan Mountain below, you know I am.

Roan Mountain, Carver’s Gap. Tennessee Border. As little as 5 min, as much as the entire Appalachian Trail. Restrooms.

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure”

— Bob Bitchin

Not everything will go perfectly… and that’s perfectly fine. If it rains we will adapt. If you’re running behind, don’t let it ruin your day, I'm so easy going, I’m happy to get work done on my phone while I wait. If the dress doesn’t fit perfectly, maybe send me a quick photo of what’s wrong with it before you switch outfits, chances are I can fix it in photoshop. All that to say, if you just show up, as you are, willing to have a new experience, we will have a great time and make some memories no matter the circumstances. But if you show up stressed out, with various expectations of exactly how everything will play out… chances are you will be disappointed.

Below we have 5 different surprise proposals at Grandfather Mountain (and a wedding). The winds at the wedding were so strong, her dress blew over her head three times. We all just laughed it off and kept shooting and they have a ton of fun blooper photos. Three of the summer couples made it to Calloway Peak for their wedding proposal as intended, no problems. The other two autumn/spring couples had hoped to hike the peak but got major fog, rain or ice that day and we had to stick to the bridge for safety. All turned out beautifully of course and she still said yes ;)

So let’s just agree to show up as our most authentic selves and see what kind of adventure we can have. :)

Grandfather Mountain Bridge + Ladders Trail to McRae Peak. 5min to Bridge. 45-60min each way to peak. Restrooms. $30 admission.

Below are a few other popular locations for a photoshoot in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and elsewhere in the High Country.

Watauga Lake. Just over the Tennessee border. Several inputs with restrooms. BYO Canoe.

Surprise Proposal at Linville Falls Winery, Banner Elk Winery and Grandfather Mountain Winery.

Flat Rock (Parkway Mile 308.3) Further south, but usually far less crowded. 30min round trip hike. No restrooms.

Otter Falls in Seven Devils. 45-60 min round trip hike, pretty steep. No restrooms.

Brown Mountain Beach Resort. Lenoir. Appointment only. Minimal hiking. Restrooms on site. (You should totally stay in one of their YURTS!)

Arborcrest Gardens. Downtown Boone. Appointment Only. As little as 5min walking, as much as 90, pending preference. Restrooms.

McRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain. No hike. No restrooms.

An unnamed field at the top of Beech Mountain Near the Pinnacle Inn. No hike. No restrooms. Parking for only 2-3 cars.

The Mill Pond in Downtown Banner Elk. No hike, just walking over these rocks. No restrooms.

The Blowing Rock. Paved sidewalks, no hike. Restrooms. $9 admission.

Mountain Magic Resort. LOTS of fun options here, but you need to rent one of their Airbnbs for the night. Totally worth it.

Hawksbill. 2-3 hour roundtrip. 4x4 needed to get to trailhead. Portapotty at trailhead. Parking for less than 10 cars.

If you’d like tips on other hikes in the High Country Area just let me know! I am familiar with most of them, just may not have captured a photoshoot there.

Compression falls in the iphone photo below, for example, is one of the most difficult short hikes in the area, requiring ropes to climb the very steep bank down, but the epic waterfall is worth it. You’d just have to change clothes and dry off all the sweat and mud after the hike before photos. So you might be better off just bringing your bathing suit and cooler and enjoying the day. Save the photoshoot for another time. (no restrooms there btw)

Counter Clockwise: Laurel Fork Falls, Tennessee. 60-90min round trip. No restrooms. Very steep. Crab Orchard Falls Valle Crucis. 45-60min round trip. No restrooms. Compression Falls 60-90min round trip. No restrooms. Very steep with ropes. 4x4 recommended for parking. No restrooms.

This local girl loves each and every location up here and I’ll be happy to guide you to any of them. (or experience them for the first time with you if you’ve found something new to me!) You can contact me here, or find me on instagram at @cynthiajviola.

Time to Pop the Big Question!

“Boldness be my friend”

— Skakespeare

You’ve got this my friend! And I’m here to help! This day has been building for a long time and I’m sure you’ve thought through every reason why you love this person and every reason why now is the time to pop the question.

What you maybe haven’t thought through as much, is HOW, WHEN, and WHERE to do it! That’s where I come in. I want this moment to be perfect for you and I will do whatever it takes to make your vision come to life. Below you will find a few common scenarios with photos to help you visualize what this might look like for you and your love, but know that I am willing to do something completely different if these don’t quite resonate.

Scenario 1: I am hiding in the Bushes.

In this scenario, you and I will predetermine exactly where I will be hiding, and exactly where you will be standing to pop the question. I will remain hidden through the entire moment, and then pop out of the bushes to say congrats and hello and then take you guys around the area for a few more “posed” photos.

Scenario 2: I am a “Nature Photographer”

In this scenario, I will get into place before you, set up a tripod to look more like a nature photographer who happens to be on location that day. We will have basic greetings when you guys walk close enough to me and I will offer to capture a few photos for you and email them. Once I put you into place and snag a basic photo or two, that will be your cue to pop the question.

Scenario 3: A pre-planned Couple Shoot

In this scenario you have to figure out WHY you’re having a couple’s shoot so as not to alert them. Some have “won a giveaway,” some were “gifted” a shoot from their parents, some do regular shoots together anyway and it’s not out of the ordinary at all. Half way through the shoot once we have reached the location you and I discussed in advance I’ll offer to do individual headshots of each of you and while I have their attention, you’ll get into position.

Other things to consider:

• Do you want to hike to reach the view, or would you rather step out of the car and not risk getting sweaty or your outfits messy? The three shoots above all have views without the hike.

• Do you want to be in regular clothes to not alert them, or have an excuse to dress up? (dinner afterwards for example)

• The weather doesn’t always cooperate. I’m ready to be flexible with date and time and location, but you need to manage expectations if it doesn’t play out exactly like you envision it. Often the crazy mountain weather simply makes for a better story afterward anyway. The cuties below were published in a magazine after the weather we encountered.

Additionally, you may want your day to stand out from the rest. Fancy proposing in a canoe? Want to pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate? Need me to set up a sign or flowers? I’m more than willing to work with whatever you can come up with.

No matter what, it’s going to be perfect. You are going to be nervous and something is inevitably going to have to change last minute, but it will still be perfect. I’ve got you and I’m so excited to help you make it a moment you’ll never forget.

Fall Engagement Sessions in the Mountains

“Because in the end you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb the Mountain. ”

— Jack Kerouac

Oh my goodness! I have had SO many fun Engagement Sessions and Surprise Proposals this month so I thought it would be more fun to post them all together! I’ll never get over the fact that I get to be a part of so many life changing moments in couples’ lives. I can’t imagine there’s a better job on the planet.

I captured Phil and Ashley’s surprise proposal in Raleigh this summer then they joined me in Banner Elk for their engagements. They are adventurers too, (literally mountain biking right up until the shoot) and were all about a last minute trash the dress at the end of the shoot! It makes me so happy when couples are willing to let loose and have fun! I cannot WAIT til the big day next year!

I will be capturing Rachel and Stephen’s big day also in Raleigh next fall but they wanted the Blue Ridge Parkway as their engagement back drop. Being able to flow freely between both locations is so much fun for me! I love that my couples love it as much as I do!

I schemed with Brooke for WEEKS on how to make her surprise proposal to Kayla special. She absolutely loved the view from the park in downtown Banner Elk and wanted to make it even more special with this moment. After quite a bit of back and forth on weather and back up locations, the rain parted JUST long enough to make it happen! I could not be more excited to capture their big day next fall at Overlook Barn!

I have known Brandon and his family since my early days living in Raleigh. When he said he was ready to propose I was all in on helping him to plan everything! After his and Shelby’s engagement on Blue Ridge Parkway, they asked me to come by their house in Raleigh to help them make their wedding plans! They have big dreams of owning a wedding venue themselves and I can’t wait to pass on to them 250 weddings worth of venue experiences!

John and I were both a nervous wreck trying to plan his surprise proposal to Alyssa! First he drove 2.5 hours up here a week early to scope out the location I suggested, and then couldn’t find it! And when it came time to pop the question, alllllll the hand drawn directions I had given him about exactly which rocks to stand on were completely useless, because when I arrived I realized the heavy rains from the day before had FLOODED the entire area! I sent him a new quick drawing to try to describe the new option, jumped behind the bridge and hoped he got the message in time! He did, and of course she said yes!! We were in full dance party mode when it all came together! I cannot wait til next year!

SO many couples to celebrate, so little time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Love you guys!

Gabrielle and Ruby's Engagement at Craggy Gardens

“I’m glad I found you because before you I never knew what to wish for”

— Atticus

You guys I had the very best time cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the Asheville side this weekend. I’ve very familiar with all the over looks in the high country, but haven’t taken the time to drive south yet. Ruby and Gabrielle were coming up from Columbia, South Carolina and didn’t know much about the area either so I went early to scope it out for them. They had heard good things about Craggy Gardens and so had I, so we set our plans for that. I must say, it did not disappoint. Super unique tree systems line the trail and of course the Blue Ridge as far as you can see.

These two met at West Point and are currently serving our country (thank you!!). While technically already married during covid, they wanted to go ahead and capture an engagement in the mountains, and we’re hoping for a Mexico wedding in 2022!

There were about 30 other visitors at the top of the trail but it was incredibly heart warming to find all of them very welcoming and so very happy to offer to move out of the way so we could get some photos of the love birds without others in the background. That is not always the case at crowded locations, but it made me love these Blue Ridge Mountains even more. The heart of the people is openness and generosity and I was so happy to call them mine and give our visiting guests a good experience.

The haze from the western forest fires is still making an impact on us, not only with the air quality, but with the view. At certain points it was as if they were walking off into the abyss. But it lifted a bit for us at the top and we were able to capture at lease a few dozen miles of blue ridge, if not the 100 or so you can typically see.

You guys I could not be happier for you!! Thank you so much for trusting me with this special memory! Love you!

Deanna and William's Engagement on Lake Toxaway

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder”

— E.B. White

It had been raining all week leading up to Deanna and William’s engagement shoot and was threatening to this morning as well with heavy, dense fog blocking visuals all around. But right before I pulled in, the fog lifted and we were able to start! Better yet, the sun even made an appearance half way through! I was so excited!

These two cuties met at work a couple years ago and got to know each other on a recruiting trip to UNC. When William proposed a couple years later he recreated that entire trip, remembering every detail about what she showed him, where they walked and where they shared meals. They are just the sweetest and I had so much fun getting to know them and little Loki at their family’s home at Lake Toxaway.

We were exploring the property, taking photos, telling stories and playing with Loki when we came across the canoe set up by the lake….and well…you know what had to happen next! Luckily they were just as excited as I was and we made it happen! Loki was even excited!

Thank you so much for trusting me with your memories you guys! I cannot wait til April!

Gabby and Brett's Engagement in Banner Elk

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”

— Erol Ozan

I was absolutely ecstatic when Brett proposed to Gabby this summer! They are dear friends of ours and we’ve been working out together at Crossfit Postal for what seems like forever. The only catch was that for their photos they wanted a snow adventure! Which I was all about…. except for the patience part lol. But finally after several months of waiting and a few small teaser snow falls, we found the one we were waiting for! We were afraid it was only going to be in the single digits because it had been a few days prior, but we lucked out with sunshine and 40s, I’ll take it!

They were willing to venture with me into an area I have recently discovered but also to push further than I had previously. It absolutely required four wheel drive so they scooped me and off we went, they even brought some champagne to celebrate!

After we were finished on top of the mountain we decided to snag one last look at the Mill Pond because the waterfall is just amazing and while we were down there Brett jumped right in to help a Florida family who had gotten their car stuck in the ditch, it was amazing!

You guys I cannot wait til the big day this fall!! We’re going to dance the night away!

Sebastian and Karina's Proposal at Beech Mountain Ski Resort

“You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring”

— Lumière, Beauty and the Beast

I schemed with Sebastian and his mother Cristy as well as the staff and ski instructors at Beech for weeks to help make this moment perfect for he and Karina. He wanted a secluded spot on the mountain, but he also chose one of the busiest weekends of the entire season to come. We were thinking the cool area behind Skybar at the top of the lift would be awesome, but the catch was that neither of them had skied before so there was no guarantee they would feel comfortable enough by the end of the day to take the lift to the top.

We decided catching the view from the ice skating rink would be better but too crowded in the afternoon so we switched the proposal to sunrise before the park was even open. I set up my gear at dawn and waited for them to arrive. He told me he would be wearing a bright orange beanie and she would have on a camo one… to my surprise not one, not two but THREE couples matched that description at 7:30am and I nearly flagged down the wrong one.

He played it cool though as he approached me; he had told her he bought a private tour and they would be seeing some local animals and other sites before skiing and I would be photographing the experience. Once they were in place he popped the question and the rest was magic.

I didn’t realize when I asked him to remove his gloves and pick up a handful of snow that he had never actually seen snow before this trip! It was certainly a crash coarse but they both managed beautifully and couldn’t wait to call their family right after!

Congratulations you guys! I couldn’t be more excited for you!

Anna and Jim's Engagement at the American Tobacco Campus

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

These two cuties drove down from Kentucky for their engagement shoot this weekend and will again for the big day in May. We were so excited to find the weather would be perfect, because when you travel that far, you’re not as able to do a rain back up.

They have the sweetest Golden pup, Kit, who just had to be a part of the shoot as well. He’s basically the star of the show, but they prefer it that way, and Kit certainly doesn’t mind.

While we were waiting for Anna’s dad to drop off kit for his debut, we took a pause to celebrate the day at a local pub, I highly recommend this (or bringing a bottle of wine if we’re in a park to share) for your shoot. It’s such a fun way to celebrate and also get rid of any nerves. ;)

When I asked what they would be doing in 30 years she said he will have invented something by then and they would be living off that plus Kit would still be alive for sure since he’s a super golden and their cat too of course…. Perhaps that’s what he invents…everlasting life for the fur babies!

I had so much fun getting you know you guys this weekend! Looking forward to spring!

Gülşah and Vanessa's Engagement on the Blue Ridge Parkway

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.”

— Ann Landers

I could not have been more excited when Gülşah and Vanessa asked me to photograph their engagement and big day, just through our initial video chat I knew we would be great friends!

These two beautiful souls met in their Counseling/Psychology profession at Old Dominion University. So naturally we hit it off right away as my major was also Psychology focused on counseling. When you meet them, you’ll know right away they have to be in a field like that because they are both simply so easy to be around. They ask great questions and listen intently, they are truly the type of friends you want to have in your corner.

When the weekend finally arrived them them to travel here from Norfolk, VA the weather looked like it wasn’t going to cooperate for our scheduled day and I already had shoots booked every other day surrounding it, so we decided to have them meet me a day early just a little bit before my other shoot that evening so we could at least guarantee a few glowy sunset photos if we weren’t able to get them the next day.

So the duck pond in Banner Elk served as our first backdrop and worked out perfectly. I had them climbing all over rocks and dancing in tight spaces but we made it work and it was totally worth it!

The rain held off just long enough for us to also capture a few memories at Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway as well! We brought a couple umbrellas just in case and were so glad we did, we walked right through the center of a cloud on the way up and brought the rain back down with us on our way. The rain splattered hair simply added to the romance though and those final photos were some of my favorite from the whole weekend.

Cara and Justin's Engagement in Raleigh

“So I’m thanking you today, because of you I am now me...”

— John Butler Trio

I met these two cuties at a wedding expo back in the spring and we hit it off right away. They were telling me all about their plans for their big day at The Sutherland and I just knew we’d be a great fit.

He’s a vet tech and she does clinical research in optometry…so obviously they’re way smarter than me lol, but we had a great time walking and driving all over Raleigh as we discussed their plans.

Falls of Neuse was an important place to start because they walked their first baby Tucker there every week…not so much now with little Molly, but it still holds great value to them. They also wanted to show off all the green that is representative of NC to her Ohio fam, so we chose Pullen Park for that.

They said it’s been different planning the wedding with covid, but no less fun. They’re just excited they get to make the plans at all and each vendor is going out of their way to make it possible, for example for cake tastings, they sent them a to-go box of separate cupcakes to try. So it can all be done

And of course the Beauty Tribe did a phenomenal job on her hair and make up, so I can’t wait to see them in action on the big day!

Please note little Molly’s tongue above. It just made me so happy! How cute is she?!? And of course Tucker is very best good boy. :)

You guys thank you so much for trusting me with your memories! I’m so excited for you both!

Justin and Bryan's Engagement at Linville Falls Winery

“To dare - is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare - is to lose oneself”

— Soren Kierkegaard

Love sometimes has a funny way of presenting itself in our lives. Sometimes it hits us like like a freight train and we cannot help succumbing to its force. Sometimes it enters our lives subtly and without notice at first. It enters with small gestures and inside jokes, commonality and late night discussions. It can come when we’re desperate to find it and also when we’re not looking for it all. However it comes, when it does, it is good. Everyone deserves it and everyone is capable of giving it. Regardless of what it looks like.

I simply could not be more honored to be a part of this announcement.

Justin and Bryan decided to announce both their engagement AND their coming out at the same time and of course wanted a fun photoshoot to go with it! I *may have held a small dance party by my laptop when they told me.

They met at work several years ago and hit it off pretty quickly, but their common love of To-Shin Do ninjutsu really seemed to seal the bond. Throw in their best Shiba Inu pup, Ketsu and you’ve got the sweetest little family.

They’ve been waiting for just the right time to take this big step and feel that they cannot wait any longer. They both wanted to propose to each other to show they were both choosing and both saying, “Yes.” They have such a fun journey ahead and I cannot wait to watch their story unfold.

They said it best themselves in their announcement, “There is no perfect time or way to open yourselves up to the whole world, but we have decided that right now is the time because we have great news to share. We just got engaged! Our relationship is one that has evolved over time. Together we have been around the world, we have helped each other through tragedy, celebrated each other’s victories, and we have made each other laugh so hard that we have cried. Together we can endure anything that life throws at us and we are ready to learn and grow even more together in this next stage of our lives.”

I’ve had so much fun getting to know them over the past few days as we made all the plans and ensured it would be the perfect photoshoot! Their rings are inscribed with their martial art warrior names and it’s such a big part of their lives so we had to include a special photo with their swords as well.

Ketsu was definitely one of the best puppers I’ve ever worked with. He was so very regal and calm. I can definitely see him being the very best little ring-bearer in the future!

You guys thank you so much for including me in this special time! I am truly honored and I’m excited for all that’s in store for you!

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Linville Falls Winery

Rings: Lashbrook Designs

Best Pupper: Ketsu

Jessica and Zak's Engagement at Carver's Gap

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own”

— Robert A. Heinlein

I have had a front row seat to these two cuties from the moment they started dating. Zak is good friends with my guy, and we both started dating at roughly the same time so we’ve been hanging out together ever since!

Just before Covid hit Zak wanted to do this epic proposal with a horse and carriage at the Biltmore House and we were so excited for him…so when that became impossible we started scheming how to make it happen closer to home. They have an awesome boat and RV out at Watauga Lake, so we considered that, we thought about hikes and picnics and in the end it simply and beautifully worked out to have dinner together at our favorite spot, Louisiana Purchase, and surprise her with the ring at dessert.

Needless to say, she said, “Yes!” and their engagement shoot followed last night. Roan Mountain is just so incredibly beautiful this time of year, it was the perfect backdrop. They brought the kiddos along and we made an evening of it.

I am grateful for such incredible friends and cannot wait to capture the big day sometime next year! It’s going to be an amazing journey!

Katherine and Michal's Engagement on the Blue Ridge Parkway

“When you trust someone, you don’t need to know everything.”

— Bob Goff

Kate and Michal had quite a journey traveling up to the mountains for their Engagement shoot, but that didn’t overshadow their excitement in the slightest. While we walked she would whisper “I love you’s” and he would tell her how beautiful her green eyes were in the evening light as if they’d just met.

It’s so beautiful to watch a love story unfold right in front of your eyes. They talked about how they’d met in undergrad, experienced a mud run together and how they knew from the very beginning something was different about “this one.” As they talked about their common career paths in Physical Therapy, they also dreamed about their future and potential matching Jeeps. They couldn’t be more natural together.

We began at Grandfather Meadows where they host the Highland Games every year, and finished nearby at Flat Rock Overlook just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We couldn’t have asked for better weather!

I cannot wait for your big day in Roaring River this spring you guys! It’s going to be perfect!

McKenzie and Ian's Engagement at American Tobacco Campus

“Keep your face always toward the sun and shadows will fall behind you ”

— Walt Whitman

These two have been such troopers as they’ve navigated what it means to reschedule a wedding due to Covid. We were supposed to have these engagement photos back in the spring with the wedding this fall, but of course all has been pushed back a little. It was far from spring in the 95 degree Durham Summer heat but they pulled it off like professionals.

They both kept apologizing for being awkward and unphotogenic, and well…as you can see… I kept telling them they’d lost their minds because not only are they beautiful but so very natural together.

The humidity finally got the best of all of us so we decided a quick pit stop for a couple drinks would cool us off and it worked like a charm. (not to mention gave us extra photos in a fun location!)

Refreshed and ready, they changed into their favorite team jerseys and showed off all their personality. They are die hard fans and were so excited to show off their colors. :)

Thank you so much for enduring the heat with me you guys! All the reschedules will be worth it in the end! Can’t wait til next fall!

Cindy and Logan's Engagement on Watauga Lake

“The ship is safest in the port. But that’s not what ships were made for”

— Paulo Coelho

Sometimes you come across people who you know will be lifetime friends the moment you meet them. Cindy and I chatted back and forth for months before this shoot happened and talked about all sorts of adventure options. She and Logan can be found on some sort of adventure just about every week.

The fact that they met snowboarding on Appalachian Ski Mountain was a great indicator to where their relationship was heading. (He did propose while snowboarding in Brekenridge after all) And with their first date canoeing on Watauga Lake, we just had to reenact it for their engagement photos. Little Marcie certainly approved.

Sunrise was not the easiest of course, the lake was almost an hour away and we needed to be there by 6 to make sure we caught the light, but it was totally worth it, as it always is. I met them at their house bright and early and they offered me some Chai…which I happened to already have in my thermos, so I knew we’d be besties before the day was over. ;)

We had a cute little duck follow us around for a good part of the morning which we all loved. But when we got to the island where we planned to shoot, we found about a dozen tents with tenants sound asleep! We tried to sneak around and whisper to get some of the photos, but one of their hounds alerted them of the intruders and we dove back into the boats to give them some peace. Oops!

It was such a perfect day and I’m SO excited to see what adventure awaits their wedding guests next year!

Kim and Will's Surprise Proposal at McRae Peak

“Go as far as you can see. When you get there you’ll be able to see farther. ”

— J.P. Morgan

When you mix your favorite type of hike (challenging) with your favorite type of photoshoot (surprise proposal), you have a cocktail for the BEST DAY EVER!

The excitement of getting connected with Will late the night before started with a frenzied thread in the High Country Photographer’s collective I’m a part of. The photographer originally slated for this session didn’t realize how advanced the hike was and everyone in the group teamed up via dozens of texts back and forth to each other to figure out who was available and who could handle the hike. Once it came across my plate I dropped everything to make it happen! This is literally my DREAM photoshoot!

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you know I am an avid hiker and up for any challenge, and well, surprises are my MOST favorite! I practically ran up the mountain I was so exited to get set up. Will and I texted back and forth all morning to make sure we were on the same page in case it poured the rain while we were hiking or if there was no signal. We had decided that I would be set up already when they arrived and we would just strike up a conversation and I’d offer to take their photo, at which point he’d drop to his knee.

It was FLAWLESS! He did SO great and she was super excited, and of course said, “YES!” They didn’t realize it, but I actually set up my phone on a mini tripod and recorded the whole thing as well! It’s SO sweet!

We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking back down the trail together, you can see how it’s a bit more advanced, involving ropes and ladders to navigate the boulders. Kim was overjoyed to show off her ring from very different angle and I was more than obliged to capture it. I simply cannot wait to follow the rest of their journey and hopefully share some more hikes!

Thank you for trusting me with your memories guys!! I love you already!

Nakaya and Aaron's Pullen Park Engagement Session

“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”

— Franklin P. Jones

I connected with these two cuties because of The Oaks at Salem, one of my all time favorite venues. Their big day is scheduled there in October this year and we’re all crossing our fingers that nothing will need to change due to the current events. Booking their engagement photos was proving difficult enough, with the winter weather postponing our last attempts and the corona threatening this one, we all really wanted to move forward.

Fortunately the weather cooperated and every single flowering tree in the park seemed to have blossomed over night. It was a perfect day. As most exceptionally beautiful women usually are, Nakaya was super shy at first, believing she’d chosen the wrong outfit and wondering if she was standing just right and not feeling especially beautiful, but Aaron saw to it right away to shower her in kisses and tell her everything that would make her smile.

These two have the type of friendship that loves to play and tease. I could tell from just their social media posts that they were going to have a great time no matter what we did. They were not the least bit bashful when it came to being silly or following the off the wall prompts I threw at them. This makes a shoot so much more enjoyable. It’s not about posing. It’s about connecting with each other and capturing your love in a way that the grandkids will know what you were like together.

I’m so excited for you both! October is just around the corner and we are going to have SO much fun!

Kristen and Kate's Surprise Proposal at Pullen Park

“I’m so happy I could bounce!”

— Tigger

Kristen proposed to Katelyn first down in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights and it was of course wonderful and the catalyst for all the wedding planning and this engagement shoot. When Kate messaged me to say she wanted to propose back to Kate during their engagement session I could hardly contain my joy! I LOVE surprises! I told her I’d wait until I found the best spot for light then cue her by saying I was going to take some headshots of Kristen at which point she’d step back, pull out the ring and get ready.

The sun had completely hidden itself behind this giant dark cloud as soon as we pulled into the parking lot so we were a little bummed but we knew we’d make the most of it, and started walking and talking about their plans. The wind was really strong freezing us all as it whipped across the lake but they braved it like champs every time they had to take off their coats for a photo.

We were rounding the lake almost to the bridges (where I had previously figured we’d do the proposal) and out of nowhere the sun in all its glory popped out from behind that cloud and said, “it’s time.” I nearly jumped for joy and blurted out something about headshots and gave Kate a look and she knew exactly what I meant and then we got Kristen into place. The next few moments were pure magic as the sun bathed them (and the fresh field of flowers behind them) in light. All three of us were crying before it was over but we were able to snag a few more photos in the sun before it disappeared entirely for the rest of the shoot.

Kate chose a sapphire ring as it’s Kristen’s favorite stone and we were so excited to find some blue flowers to match them.

You simply can’t make this stuff up. It gives me so much joy to celebrate with my couples all the magic and joy that defines their lives during this season. Thank you for letting me be a part of your story guys!! Can’t wait til October!

Tara and Mischon's Engagement in NoDa

“I’m not good at making specific plans. Just meet me under the sky somewhere and be alive with me”

— Victoria Erickson

These two have been together for almost 7 years and it really shows! Mischon knew exactly which quirky things to say to Tara to warrant a huge smile and she knew right when to just grab him and pull him in for the kiss. After going back and forth trying to decide which park would be best to shoot in this time of year we finally settled on exploring the North Davidson area of Charlotte. They both love bright bold colors and I knew this would be a perfect fit.

We weren't sure if we were going to be able to find any color in the winter as most of the leaves are gone from the trees and it's not quite time for spring blooms, but NoDa is filled with colorful murals, buildings and now a balloon installation! It was was like a scavenger hunt trying to find each of the murals through all the construction but totally worth the effort!

The weather was supposed to be a little chilly so I offered to reschedule if they’d rather a more spring-y photoshoot, but they weren’t phased in the slightest. Tara said they’d throw on their peacoats and scarves and have fun anyway. There’s nothing better than a couple that can just roll with the punches. I know we’re going to have an amazing time on their big day!

Dorothea Dix Park Sunflower Field Engagement Session | Kristin and Matt

“Love is when they give you a piece of your soul, that you never knew was missing.”

— Torquato Tasso

When I saw Kristin sitting in Matt’s lap, whispering something in his ear in a quiet corner of Alexa and Landon’s wedding I had a feeling they’d be up next. When I saw their engagement post about a year later all the little butterflies in my stomach just fluttered away.

No matter how many love stories I get to witness, I’ll never get over the grandness of it all. The little moments in the quiet corners, the epic life changing ones involving a ring, and the beautiful conversations about wonderful memories shared and futures to come.

I went out to Whiskey Kitchen with these two last night to get to know them a little better before our big shoot this morning at the Dix Park Sunflower Field and heard all about their beautiful adventures all over the world and how they’d dreamed one day to have their honeymoon in Hawaii. While in Savannah, he took her on a walk to a beautiful park and told her their next trip would be Hawaii…then he got down on a knee.

I just get all the good feels every time I think of it. These two complete each other in every way. They’re pretty different as far as personalities go, but the way they move together and fill in the pieces that are missing is as beautiful as it gets, they’re perfect for each other.

Thank you so much for inviting me to capture your memories you guys! I cannot wait til the big day!!