Your Wedding, Naturally.

Some weddings can be long and tiresome if little moments aren’t taken to pause and be present. To help keep things stress free, I recommend incorporating as many natural elements as possible into your wedding day. You could save up for real flowers instead of fake ones and look for venues or locations that are teeming with plants and natural light. Have you ever thought about how when the seasons change, you can’t help but notice the drastic difference? Whether that be the loss of vibrant leaves in the fall, or feeling as though everything just got a lot livelier and brighter in the spring. It is human nature to notice our natural environment.

This wedding in particular gives perfect examples of this. While most churches have beautiful stained glass, and stunning architecture, this one had giant banana leaves growing in abundance out back. I asked if we could have their first look here to give them privacy, and a moment of awareness and admiration. For a brief amount of time, they had no questions asked, had no one looking at them but me, and could breathe. Nature has a way of inviting us to be exactly who we are by grabbing our attention with its colors, textures, smells and shapes to appreciate.

Here they are after a few moments within the plants.

Don’t forget that your day is literally for you and you only.

In my opinion, you shouldn’t get married to be a people-pleasing stress-ball for a day. You should get married because you found your person and because you want everyone, including them; to know that. So if you want a magical, mossy cabin to stay in on your wedding night, do it.

The Mast Farm Inn, 2543 Broadstone Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

This couple also chose to save the best for last. After the ceremony, dinner, cocktail hour and their first dance, they wanted time with each other. They decided to create a beautiful twilight picnic and share their hand written vows they didn’t share during their ceremony. I was honored to get to share such an intimate and vulnerable moment with them. It was beautiful.

Family Photos at Orchid Greenhouse

Ten minutes from Asheville, North Carolina is a greenhouse like no other. Filled with exotic species of Orchids varying from the well known Phalaenopsis to the most unique orchid I have ever seen, the Dendrobium Spectabile.

I arrived early for this shoot to get a glimpse of all the possibilities for magical backdrops. One sister from this family, Demelza, is the owner of this incredible place and was there to greet me. She let me look around and say hello to her flowers. After gawking at the beauty, I asked her which orchids she resonated with the most. She then motioned to me to see her own personal collection within the greenhouse.

Appalachian Tropicals, Orchid Greenhouse owner, Demelza. 

This is why I do what I do.

The creativity, the passion, the love for things within this world. It resonates in all of us and to see some of you glow within your tiny corner of this earth just amazes me. You better believe me when I say I will hands down return to this wonderland of tropical plants to grow my own plant collection and to gain more knowledge of plant care. Who knew you could experience this in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Demelza and her husband, Damon started this journey in 2003. It was so beautiful to see them interact so naturally with each other and their plants in their haven. I don’t think these orchids and air plants could have better human parents.

I had almost forgotten how I got there and why I was experiencing this. Until I received a few texts that the other members had to take a detour because of Hurricane Helene damage that created an impassable bridge. The rest of the family arrived just in the knick of time. One minute later and I would have made myself an orchid and air plant filled teepee to live in for the rest of my days.

Poor me. There just weren’t any parts of this luscious and alluring greenhouse to photograph. Too bad that’s a lie and I couldn’t even find an ugly zone to humor myself. Picture me laughing under my breath and then looking up to thank the photographer gods for their gift.

Unconventional & Powerful Maternity Shoot at a Waterfall

Cloudy, misty, moody; what more could you want for a maternity session?

Helene hit our town and surrounding towns over a month ago. Looking Glass Falls is not only backdrop perfection, but a very important ecological staple. I couldn’t help but worry if it survived the flood, or if it was completely changed. Luckily, she was still standing, proud and all. It may not have visibly changed, but the feeling was different. Stronger, deeper, rooted.

Just like this mother. Grounded, brave, determined. She was barefoot, climbing through the rocks, and posing without guidance. This waterfall and her were one. It was stunning to witness and I feel honored to have captured it.

Empowerment is an understatement.

While classic and more traditional maternity poses and settings are lovely, choosing unique places that are alike the mood and emotions are unmatched. You can achieve a high end editorial look without too much effort.

Artsy Boutique Hotel Elopement

For starters, yes, this is a blog about eloping in beautiful places, but I have got to throw down some awesome bamboo facts first. *clears throat*

Most people are not a fan of bamboo as it is invasive and it is the fastest growing land plant in the world. BUT, did you know it makes you happy just by being around it? Yeah, happiness, who knew?! Well a lot of people apparently, and maybe I subconsciously knew since I am so drawn to it!

Clumping bamboo purifies the air up to 30% more effectively than any other plant which results in reliving tension and headaches for us humans. Your brain gets an oxygen high just by being around it! It also cools down the surrounding air by up to 8 degrees in the summer time which acts as a natural air conditioning for you, your garden, wildlife, and any buildings in proximity.

In the lifetime of a human, bamboo will only flower and seed once! About every 100 years or so. When it does, every plant of that same species seeds at the exact same time all across the globe. (Mind blowing, right?) It also comes in many different shapes, sizes and colors, such as; striped, variegated, black, brown, gold, blue, white, grey, orange, purple, red and you know, green. I hope to see all the variations one day.

Now, on to this beautiful couple at a very unique boutique hotel here in Asheville, North Carolina. The Blind Tiger Asheville is a spot for anyone who is into art, local people, and beautiful atmospheres. Each one of their 14 rooms has a different decor style, feel and connection to Asheville. Each room has its own curated list by one of our many talented locals of experiences that you must see, do, try, hear, or taste. This hotel has beautiful spaces all through out the entire property. A breakfast and evening bar, seating rooms, and a fireplace. They are all uniquely designed with all the surrounding nature in mind. This place is truly an unforgettable stay.

The beautiful and bright Breakfast Room

Inside the master bedroom of the Table cottage

Inside the living room of the cottage, Table

The Hallway leading up to some of the rooms

Inside the breakfast and evening bar

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

Stunning couple pose for moody anniversary photos at Crabtree Falls in Western North Carolina

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.

Cloudy day sets the mood for these dark and ethereal anniversary photos

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.