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
Otherworldly Elopement on Max Patch
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
otters and cougars
Nature Center Couples Photoshoot
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
