Emily and Kyle | Craggy Gardens, NC

Last fall, Kyle, Emily, and I put a date on the calendar to talk through where we should do their engagement session. It was really important that their photos felt true to them and reflected each of their personalities. Originally, we had brainstormed spending part of our time in downtown Asheville, then heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A few days after our call, Kyle reached back out and said, “Scratch the original plan; I know the perfect spot.”

If you’ve never been to Craggy Gardens, it is nestled in the Blue Ridge Parkway about ninety-five miles outside of Charlotte. Emily, Kyle, and I spent the first part of our time right off the overlook. If you’re going too fast up the parkway, this spot can be super easy to miss but wow should you definitely make an effort not to miss it. This session took place toward the middle of October, so the Parkway was covered in fall colors and its trademark mountain mist. We gradually made our way up the trail to the overlook, and when we first got there I have to admit, you couldn’t see very much. The mist had settled over the mountain and the fog was dense and pervasive. As Kyle and Emily made the trek back down the trail to change, I was greeted by the magic of the mountains and the fog began to clear. The wind took over, and before I knew it I could see in every direction and the sun came out. Kyle and Emily still joke with me that we experienced every kind of weather that day, and truly, it felt like we did. But wow did it make for photo magic!

One of my favorite parts of this session was the time and thought these two put into the location. Having photos in a place that’s meaningful to you makes them all the more special to look at, and makes you extra excited to be there. I could truly feel Emily and Kyle’s love for Craggy as well as each other, and I think that comes through in every single photo. Emily and Kyle, thank you for taking me on such a wonderful adventure. I’d hike a trail with you any day of the week!

Be sure to stay tuned for more of Kyle and Emily when their wedding day hits the blog real soon!