The Jaworski Family on Beech Mountain

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”

— Helen Keller

So, I must say, hangin at the cabin with the Jaworski's was incredibly fun. From the moment I walked in it was hugs all around as if I'd known them forever. (Technically Stephanie and I went to undergrad together *gulp* TEN years ago, but I hadn't met the rest of the fam yet). I immediately felt at home though, Matt was offering me coffee from the get go and when I told him I didn't actually like coffee he went out of his way to find and make some hot chocolate and brought it out to me while I was adventuring around with Steve and Ashley's family.

THEN there was this location! I know I was 'born and raised' as they say in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but this view never gets old. There were so many great spots around the cabin and when we found a hidden teepee in the middle of the woods I knew a serious adventure was about to begin.

I loved every one of these kiddos right away. Each set of siblings and the cousins had great relationships, happy to snuggle and inviting each other to participate in the adventuring. Tyler was so sweet as he consistently followed instructions and helped each of his siblings over the rocks. I'm also pretty sure Jensen and Luke must be related to me somehow. Never without a stick or paper airplane at the ready, they were the first to jump into each next adventure, unafraid to scale the rocks and walk right into the teepee even though we said it might have bears in it. Then Jensen gave me a hug before I left and I melted. I'll telling ya, the more little people give me hugs on photo shoots, the more they grow on me.  

You guys thank you so much for letting me participate in your holiday adventure! I hope you enjoy some of these favorites from the day! 

Jordan and Alex Engaged! Fisher Farm Park - Davidson, NC

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”

— Lao Tzu

These two have loved each other for a very long time, though I think perhaps neither of them knew it until little Joslyn arrived brimming with laughter, whipping out crazy dance moves and belting silly songs at the top of her lungs all while donning an elegant princess dress. 

They were both doing fine on their own with and without each other, but when Joslyn wrapped her little finger around both their hearts, she tied them together in a way that can't be broken. I've never seen the three of them so happy and it gives me great joy that they'll be tying the knot next year. 

Jordan is one of the strongest and bravest women I've ever known. She has faced multiple challenges in the few years I've known her but she's made all the best decisions, conquered her fears and is setting an amazing example of what it means to be a woman to her little Joslyn. I'm so proud of you Jordan, and can't wait to see what this next adventure has in store for you. I know it'll make you even stronger. 

Curiosity and imagination at it's finest. We told her there was a butterfly inside the camera, and if she got really close she could see it...she could :)

The Guilfoyle Family at MacGregor Downs

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold”

— Zelda Fitzgerald

This day included so much perfection, I can hardly stand it! Kristi and Mike had access to the golf course at MacGregor Downs Country Club and asked about shooting there. I was, of course, ecstatic! Not only because I love shooting in new locations, but LOOK at it! Exquisite golf courses, beautiful landscaping, every spot we chose was perfect. 

The flowers they brought were a fantastic compliment to their beautiful dresses, the weather was amazing and and we were able to play in between holes as various golfers teed off around us. Mike said he has been playing golf for 27 years, it was actually one of the reasons they moved here, so this was an excellent setting for them. 

I actually feel like I've been friends with Kristi since we first started chatting about the shoot a few months ago, she is an amazing encourager and loves Keira and Mike so much. 

Keira was just so much fun right out of the car, we became fast friends and she even gave me a huge hug when we were finished. I melted. Can't wait to hang out with you guys again! I hope you enjoy looking back through these images! 

Tony and Amber EXPECTING! Raleigh, N.C.

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything”

— Michael J. Fox

With Hurricane Matthew headed toward the coastline last week, we were more than a little worried for our family. All of A.J.'s immediate family and several extended family live in or near St. Augustine, FL where the storm surge was expected to be several feet. They had to evacuate to new locations twice because it kept getting worse, and while we are MORE than grateful no one was hurt, the family restaurant took a huge hit and they've been scrambling to make repairs ever since. 

It was difficult for them the leave the chaos, but they had already planned a quick baby-moon up to the mountains of NC (and Raleigh to visit us of course). Everyone encouraged them to get away from it all for a minute to rest and make sure there wasn't any unnecessary stress on the baby. We are, of course, so glad they did. 

Amber is absolutely glowing right now in her 7month glory and I've never seen Tony so happy. They are going to make the very best of parents and we are going to spoil the little guy SO much! Cannot wait to meet him you guys! Here's a few of my favorites from Pullen Park see you in January!

Have you ever seen two people SO excited to be parents?!?! Gah! I love you both so much! Can't wait!!

Why You Shouldn't Anticipate Their Reaction

“Love has nothing to do with what you’re expecting to get – only what you’re expecting to give – which is everything”

— Katharine Hepburn

The Oaks at Salem

It's not uncommon for a mom or perhaps a bridesmaid, even an officiant to pull me aside before the ceremony or first look begins and say, "Now make sure you get his reaction, I just know he is going to lose it!" I, of course, assure them I will do my best and that the moment is just going to be perfect. 

While this sentiment is meant as excitement for the couple, and nerves just make people say things because they've heard others say them; I've found in practice that it sets up both the couple and those who love them for failure or disappointment. 

If you expect your love to cry and they don't, or drop to their knees and they don't, or do a happy dance and they don't, it immediately makes you wonder if maybe you're not dazzling enough. Maybe he doesn't like the dress you chose, or she thinks your hair looks funny. Maybe they're just ready to get this part over with so they can get to the party. Maybe they're getting cold feet. In reality, maybe your love is just not a crier. Maybe instead you've rendered them speechless and all they can do is take you in. 

Milligan College

Might I suggest instead to have no expectations, only love.

Rather than worrying about how they're going to respond to you, focus instead on taking them in, fully. Notice the way her curls fall across her face (her stylist put in a lot of work to make that happen you know), notice that he put on your favorite cologne and breath in deeply, notice the shy look on her face as she twirls (she's a little nervous you won't like her dress), notice how he fidgets with his watch and sways back and forth (he's a nervous too, this feels like a first date after all).

When you commit to just living fully in the moment and allowing your love and your family and friends do the same, I promise the day will be more fulfilling, more surprising, more memorable. You be you and let them be them.

Live in the present and let me capture the memories. 

Carol's Garden Inn

Annnnnnnnd the same theory applies to the proposal of course... 

Roan Mountain

And one more...can't resist. :)

The Inn at Crestwood