Cynthia Viola Photography

Craggy Gardens

Gabrielle and Ruby's Engagement at Craggy Gardens

Engagement PortraitsCynthia Viola
I’m glad I found you because before you I never knew what to wish for
— Atticus
Craggy Gardens Engagement Photos

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!

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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.

Craggy Gardens Engagement Photos

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