Family Photos at Orchid Greenhouse
Family photo session at a gorgeous Orchid Greenhouse called Appalachian Tropicals in Western North Carolina.
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.
Un-believable Mountain View Elopement
Un-believable mountain views during a golden hour Elopement here in North Carolina.
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
Tattoo’s and Mountains
The blue ridge mountains, blue hair, tattoos, and above all, their love. This couples session was so beautiful from the vibrant ferns in the pine forest and the abundant foliage on top of black balsam knob. Adventuring to these places is a dream come true.
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.
an ethereal cascade
A culmination of flowing water, an ultramarine atmosphere, and boundless love.
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.
