Gabby and Brett's Engagement in Banner Elk

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”

— Erol Ozan

I was absolutely ecstatic when Brett proposed to Gabby this summer! They are dear friends of ours and we’ve been working out together at Crossfit Postal for what seems like forever. The only catch was that for their photos they wanted a snow adventure! Which I was all about…. except for the patience part lol. But finally after several months of waiting and a few small teaser snow falls, we found the one we were waiting for! We were afraid it was only going to be in the single digits because it had been a few days prior, but we lucked out with sunshine and 40s, I’ll take it!

They were willing to venture with me into an area I have recently discovered but also to push further than I had previously. It absolutely required four wheel drive so they scooped me and off we went, they even brought some champagne to celebrate!

After we were finished on top of the mountain we decided to snag one last look at the Mill Pond because the waterfall is just amazing and while we were down there Brett jumped right in to help a Florida family who had gotten their car stuck in the ditch, it was amazing!

You guys I cannot wait til the big day this fall!! We’re going to dance the night away!

A Wedding Proposal at Pullen Park!

“When you meet the one who changes the way your heart beats, dance with them to that rhythm for as long as the song lasts”

— Kirk Dietrich

Ok. So. You know I love weddings. You know I love engagement sessions. But oh my goodness! I LOOVVVVEEE secret proposals where I get to plan and scheme with several people in on the secret and then hide in the bushes while it all plays out perfectly!!

When Matthew called me to see if this was something I'd be interested in I jumped at the thought, rearranging other things I'd had planned for the day and calling Damien to make sure he could video.  Matthew had arranged for his friend Trey to fly in from Atlanta to play the saxophone in the middle of Pullen Park while they were walking around and as they got closer to him he would switch songs to "You Are So Beautiful" and Matthew would pop the question. Damien and I would of course be capturing every moment from the bushes. 

Hollie was ecstatic! They were just supposed to be up here on a Valentine's getaway weekend and she had NO idea. It was amazing. As Damien, Trey and I ran around the area trying to get everything set up several people started asking what was going on and when I told them, THEY got excited and by the time Matthew and Hollie came around the corner there was a whole crowd of people waiting in anticipation for the moment and when she said, "Yes!" everyone erupted in applause! AMAZING!

Ok, without further ado, here's a few of my favorites from the big moment! 

Hollie's family was hiding in the bushes as well and came running to congratulate them. She was SO sweet with her dad, I almost couldn't see to shoot through the tears! I know I'm going to just be a hot mess during the father daughter dance at their wedding!

They both have purity rings and hers fits so perfectly with the new engagement ring. So sweet. I'm so glad we had some blooming trees to work with, the day was perfect in every way.

The West Family Expecting! Pullen Park

“We do not remember days, we remember moments”

— Cesare Pavese

I have never had so much fun learning the gender of a new baby! Oh my goodness this joyful bunch could not be more surprised to find out that they're about to have a new little lady to brighten their lives even further. 

When Ivy said she wanted to reveal with a big box of balloons I was so happy! I love love love how children interact with balloons so I just knew Porter and Mary Elizabeth would be delighted. 

Mary Elizabeth was convinced they were going to be blue which made the rest of us think they would be too so we were all a little surprised at first then super excited! I can't wait to meet her you guys! You all have such great personalities, I know she'll fit right in and be so so loved and protected.   

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Mary and Nate Expecting! Dorothea Dix Park

“Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”

— Marilyn Monroe

Resilient doesn't even begin to describe this beautiful woman and her story. If you have the opportunity to meet her and listen, you should. She and Nate have been waiting for this little one for some time now and we are all so exciting we get to meet him in just a week or two!

A.J. and I were honored to capture Nate and Mary's wedding just 3 years ago now as well as other sessions for Mary in the years prior and we absolutely love her charisma and creativity. You should have seen the details at the wedding! I knew this maternity session was going to be perfect. Little Sterling is going to be the most adventurous and fun little guy imaginable. You should see the tee-pee they've already set up in his room! I would have done all the chores for a year to have a tee-pee in my room growing up! 

And Nate! What an amazing chef! They had us over for dinner two weeks ago and he blew our minds with his creativity (Paleo is not the easiest diet to cook for). He has also done an amazing job getting their new home ready for little Sterling. I simply cannot wait to meet him and see the look on his face when he can comprehend how cool his room is! 

Love you guys! Hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from Dorothea Dix! 

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The Mayhew Family at Jetton Park

“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime full of adventures”

— Lewis Carroll

Amid all the Christmas festivities happening this week Brentlee, John and Hamptyn were able to get away with me for a sweet family session at Jetton Park. We're all so familiar with each other at this point that we fell right into the rhythm of play, laugh, smile, chase Hamptyn around, play some more, adventure, laugh and smile again. I love it.

Hamptyn has ever been fond of finding shiny new rocks to pick up, but this adventure also included leaves - which brought some of the biggest smiles we've seen yet. It makes me so happy when things we regularly take for granted light up a child with wonder and magic. She was always also just a few steps away from blazing her own trail through the forest with her daddy right on her heels. My favorites are always the ones keen on adventure. Love this little one so much, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from the day. :)

The Ritch Family in Downtown Raleigh

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it”

— Danny Kaye

I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting a more creative and adventurous bunch than these three. From casual sessions in parks and back yards to a Pin Up-themed garage session to a colorful event at the NC State Fair, Courtney always keeps me on my toes with her next big idea and I’m always super excited to participate in the fun. 

This year’s theme was winter in the city. They got bundled up in these adorable peacoats and scarves and we played around with some Beatles-esque album covers and sipped hot chocolate while trying to keep our fingers from going numb. Starting at sunrise provided the perfect cold weather to make the peacoats not only comfortable, but essential for warmth. They are ready to welcome the winter season and I’m excited to show some of these fun images!