Un-believable Mountain View Elopement

Eagle Rock, Black Mountain, NC

This day started with all of us filling our gas tanks, grabbing snacks for the road, and making one last bathroom break. The scenery on the way up teased us with its beauty. I’m lucky that I got to gaze out the window scarfing down trail mix and sour gummies while my husband drove us. The roads were windy, the scattered buildings were peoples homes, and the nature was untouched.

Eagle Rock, Black Mountain, NC

After a little more than an hour, we made it to the parking lot. We grabbed all our gear, a few water bottles and headed toward the trail. It was my first time at this location and I was filled with excitement, anticipating what I would get to see.

We all stopped for short breaks as we pushed forward to make it to the top. Each time I got to “ooooo” and “ahhhhhh” at some fiddlehead ferns and wild mushrooms. There was a gap in the trees that gave us a peak at how high up we were.

Eagle Rock, Black Mountain, NC

It only got more and more beautiful as we continued on the path. Then, I saw the first giant rock formation and yelled “THIS IS AMAZING!”. Amelia shouted back, “Oh you just wait!”.

Then came the second giant rock formation. My mind raced with thoughts of how in the world it was even possible for them to be up on this mountain. I pictured enormous waves of water rushing through the gaps between the mountains, carrying trees and boulders with them. “A flood, maybe?” I whispered to myself as I gazed at the scenery with amazement.

Amelia shouted, “We are almost there!”. “To what?”, I thought to myself, “This is already so spectacular!”. There it was. A break in the forest where you could gaze out for miles. “This is it, this is where I want to say I do.” Amelia said.

Eagle Rock, Black Mountain, NC

We all went quiet as we shared the same breath-taking view. The blue ridge mountains seemed to stretch out endlessly. It was absolutely perfect. It couldn’t be more perfect. I captured Amelia and Jeff sharing their vows and saying there I do’s with the most beautiful backdrop.

We then explored the boulders and found a magical spot. I placed Amelia and Jeff in this hidden oasis where you could see a sliver of the sun’s golden hue.

Not only will they have these documented moments for the rest of their lives, but I, also will have these incredible memories.

Eagle Rock, Black Mountain, NC

Otherworldly Elopement on Max Patch

Eloping with their dog on Max Patch Mountain in North Carolina

Trelley and Derek wanted to get married privately in one of the most beautiful places in Western North Carolina, As her photographer, I offered a few locations with different pros and cons. All sharing the same pro; scenic, beautiful, majestic, stunning. They landed on my personal favorite, Max Patch.

Eloping with their dog on Max Patch Mountain in North Carolina

Max Patch has a flat plain on the top with an incredible 360-degree mountain view. Max Patch is a 4,629-foot tall Mountain, with a steady hike up to the top with loads of different types of plants and flowers.

Celebrating their elopement on Max Patch Mountain in Western North Carolina

On this day, the weather was perfect. Butterflies and bees were buzzing, birds were soaring behind us, and the sun was beaming the perfect shades of orange.

Tattoo’s and Mountains

Black Balsam Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway is always beautiful, but especially when it is at its peak lushness in the summer. I met Laura and David at the bottom in the Pine Forest. The greens were so vibrant with the sun’s golden glow highlighting the ferns.

I couldn’t be more excited that Laura was rocking her teal | blue hair with the blue ridge mountains behind her. It was a sight to be seen. As sunset began the moon begged to be documented. I am so glad we made it happen with this couple’s session.

otters and cougars

Couple looking at the Otters at the Western North Carolina Nature Center

It was about 29 degrees with sprinkles of snow in the air. We were the only people besides the staff, animals, and one other brave family on this frigid day. Most of the animals were sleeping or hidden away to keep themselves bundled and warm. We were very fortunate to flirt and play with the otters from behind the glass. It amazes me that they can with stand such temperatures and flourish in the extremes. There is something so mysterious about the cold that draws me into it, it’s as if it has it’s own soundtrack to its silence. Even though most people would have stayed home, I am thankful for the chilling adventure.

Family watching the cougar at the Western North Carolina Nature Center

lamps and shades

It is almost that day. That day where, you know, your sweetheart is supposed to give you that watch you wanted 8 months ago, or remember you love blackberries and get you a cake that is drenched in them. Almost every year, I look at my husband and say, “Valentine’s Day is coming up, what do you want to do? What did we even do last year?”. 
Here’s an idea, why not get photos taken with your boo thang so that you’ll never forget? Then when Valentine’s Day comes around, yet again, you hopefully will have been smart enough to get them printed and hang them up.  You could even make it a yearly ritual. 
But wait! Don’t just get any ole’ basic photos taken, why not find a spot you both think of fondly, like that shop with the weird donuts you went to one time, or a store full of unique lamps and lamp shades that is called Shades and Lamps. You’ll never forget it. 

an ethereal cascade

On our way down to the falls, little glimpses of sunlight peeked through the leaves that gave the neon colored moss their own spot light. As we continued, life flourished around us from the quietness, moist air and saturated dirt. Once we were close to the waterfall, all you could hear was the immense energy cascading down, bouncing off the rocks. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was indulged by the smell of fresh soil and damp minerals. It was intense and beautiful simultaneously.
Amber and Alex fit into the scenery like that missing puzzle piece you wish to find. I was so focused on them and our surroundings, that I didn’t notice the people watching us from the trail. I was told one person took out their phone to record us. I still hope to see that surface on the internet someday. I think I excitedly shouted, “WHAT ABOUT OVER HERE!?!”, about 20 times. It was very hard to stop, but once we took the final photo, we made our journey back up to our cars. The high of that experience was glowing all over our faces. I’d do it all over again.

Consistently throughout my life I have felt the deep and intreging presence wilderness releases. It is humbling to be reminded of how small we are and to be grateful for our environment that gives us all life.

Capturing peoples deep love surrounded by mother nature’s effortless gifts.
This is what I live for.