Justin and Bryan's Engagement at Linville Falls Winery

“To dare - is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare - is to lose oneself”

— Soren Kierkegaard

Love sometimes has a funny way of presenting itself in our lives. Sometimes it hits us like like a freight train and we cannot help succumbing to its force. Sometimes it enters our lives subtly and without notice at first. It enters with small gestures and inside jokes, commonality and late night discussions. It can come when we’re desperate to find it and also when we’re not looking for it all. However it comes, when it does, it is good. Everyone deserves it and everyone is capable of giving it. Regardless of what it looks like.

I simply could not be more honored to be a part of this announcement.

Justin and Bryan decided to announce both their engagement AND their coming out at the same time and of course wanted a fun photoshoot to go with it! I *may have held a small dance party by my laptop when they told me.

They met at work several years ago and hit it off pretty quickly, but their common love of To-Shin Do ninjutsu really seemed to seal the bond. Throw in their best Shiba Inu pup, Ketsu and you’ve got the sweetest little family.

They’ve been waiting for just the right time to take this big step and feel that they cannot wait any longer. They both wanted to propose to each other to show they were both choosing and both saying, “Yes.” They have such a fun journey ahead and I cannot wait to watch their story unfold.

They said it best themselves in their announcement, “There is no perfect time or way to open yourselves up to the whole world, but we have decided that right now is the time because we have great news to share. We just got engaged! Our relationship is one that has evolved over time. Together we have been around the world, we have helped each other through tragedy, celebrated each other’s victories, and we have made each other laugh so hard that we have cried. Together we can endure anything that life throws at us and we are ready to learn and grow even more together in this next stage of our lives.”

I’ve had so much fun getting to know them over the past few days as we made all the plans and ensured it would be the perfect photoshoot! Their rings are inscribed with their martial art warrior names and it’s such a big part of their lives so we had to include a special photo with their swords as well.

Ketsu was definitely one of the best puppers I’ve ever worked with. He was so very regal and calm. I can definitely see him being the very best little ring-bearer in the future!

You guys thank you so much for including me in this special time! I am truly honored and I’m excited for all that’s in store for you!

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Linville Falls Winery

Rings: Lashbrook Designs

Best Pupper: Ketsu

Cindy and Logan's Engagement on Watauga Lake

“The ship is safest in the port. But that’s not what ships were made for”

— Paulo Coelho

Sometimes you come across people who you know will be lifetime friends the moment you meet them. Cindy and I chatted back and forth for months before this shoot happened and talked about all sorts of adventure options. She and Logan can be found on some sort of adventure just about every week.

The fact that they met snowboarding on Appalachian Ski Mountain was a great indicator to where their relationship was heading. (He did propose while snowboarding in Brekenridge after all) And with their first date canoeing on Watauga Lake, we just had to reenact it for their engagement photos. Little Marcie certainly approved.

Sunrise was not the easiest of course, the lake was almost an hour away and we needed to be there by 6 to make sure we caught the light, but it was totally worth it, as it always is. I met them at their house bright and early and they offered me some Chai…which I happened to already have in my thermos, so I knew we’d be besties before the day was over. ;)

We had a cute little duck follow us around for a good part of the morning which we all loved. But when we got to the island where we planned to shoot, we found about a dozen tents with tenants sound asleep! We tried to sneak around and whisper to get some of the photos, but one of their hounds alerted them of the intruders and we dove back into the boats to give them some peace. Oops!

It was such a perfect day and I’m SO excited to see what adventure awaits their wedding guests next year!

Boho Family Session in Wendell, NC | The Ritch Family

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them”

— Henri Matisse

When I walked into the Ritch's home this year for their yearly photoshoot I was overwhelmed, nearly to tears, that their home is filled wall to wall with our photo sessions from the past six years. Some in small frames, some in giant canvases but all placed with love and adoration for their little family. I always love seeing the occasional final product of my shoots on walls and fridges and desks and in wallets, but to see just so many brought me joy I can't explain. I love what I do so much and could not be more grateful for families like the Ritch's who get excited about it every year. 

Each year they come up with a new theme and they all participate whole-heartedly. I was excited about their boho theme in a sunflower field this year but was greeted by an extra special surprise when I walked through the front door. Samson, their sweet new 10 week old Bullmastiff puppy was full of kisses and snuggles. I can't wait to take their photos again next year and see him as the giant 140 pound lap dog he's about to become!  

Additionally I got a private concert from Phoenix who's been playing drums for several years now and simply blew me away with his talent. I'm visualizing band photography in my future with this guy. Seriously, so talented. 

Thank you for bringing so much adventure and fun into your shoots guys! Can't wait to see what you come up with next year! 

St. George Street Engagement | Kendall and Alfred

“Love isn’t losing yourself. Love is finding who you are in the arms of another person”

— Marisa Donnelly

You guys, I had so much fun last night! Kendall and Alfred drove down from Raleigh to have an engagement session here in St. Augustine with their sweet pup Macy and we had a blast! We had planned to start on Saint George Street and move along to the beach, but we were having so much fun there they decided to buy a couple drinks and cigars and just hang in the city. We were so glad too because one of Florida's daily rain storms rolled in when we were finishing up and we got trapped under an abandoned house's garage over-hang to stay dry!

It's always fun to walk around a crowed street and take portraits while people bustle by because it captures a moment in life that shows no matter how many things or people are trying to distract your attention, you only have eyes for your love. It's also fun because sometimes people see you being adorable and say things like "what a picture perfect moment you guys!" and you get to say, "we know!" and point out your photographer hiding in the bushes. Haha! 

They will be eloping to the gorgeous cliffs of California in March then coming back here for a Trash the Dress Session and I cannot wait!! Kendall said she doesn't let her adventurous side out much but she wants to let loose for a day and I couldn't be more happy to help her do it!

Thank you guys for letting me participate in your St. Aug adventure! Can't wait til the spring!

If you enjoyed this you might also enjoy this St. Augustine Trash the Dress Session or this St. Augustine Engagement Session

The Arthur Family at Durant Nature Park

“I sustain myself with the love of family”

— Maya Angelou

I feel like I've known the Arthur's and especially Leslie for a decade. They are one of the kindest families you could ever know. Leslie spends her time at Lifepointe Church serving the community in a myriad of ways. She is never without a kind word on her lips and genuinely cares about everyone she serves. 

David tends to deal more in numbers and things I could never understand but it is always for the purpose of serving people and helping in amazing ways. 

Hannah who has always had a shy love of music (even though she is an amazing singer) has also recently discovered a love of cross country. Leslie and David fully support her of course and we're all amazed at what she's accomplished in her first year on the team. 

Their dog Tucker is just the sweetest! We were able to take portraits with him a couple years ago and he is as sweet as ever! I hope you guys enjoy a few of my favorites from the day, I had so much fun!