Earlier this year, Caleb proposed to Casey at Black Balsam Knob. It’s a well-loved hiking spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with sweeping views that feel endless. When it came time to plan their engagement photos, they knew exactly where they wanted to go. Returning to the same mountain where they got engaged felt both sentimental and meaningful. This mountain engagement session was not only about photos, but also about revisiting a place that had already become an important part of their story.
The Journey to the Summit
This past Thursday, I set out to meet them for their session. I drove two hours into the mountains, passing through winding roads that climbed higher with every mile. Once I arrived at the trailhead, we started the one-mile hike to the summit. It’s not a long trail, but it is steady uphill the entire way. At the top, we were rewarded with some of the most incredible views. Black Balsam Knob offers 365° scenery, with layers of mountains rolling into the distance. The open landscape made it easy to move around, explore different spots, and capture their photos against the dramatic backdrop.
Evening on the Mountain
The weather was cloudy but calm for most of the session. The clouds added depth and mood to the sky without blocking the views. Casey and Caleb enjoyed being back in a place that already held so much meaning, and we took time exploring different angles of the summit. Each spot gave us a new perspective of the mountains, and every direction felt like the perfect backdrop.
As we wrapped up and began the hike back, the rain started to fall. At first it was a light drizzle, but by the time we reached the tree line, it had become steadier. We made the one-mile hike down in the dark and wet, using a flashlight to light the trail. Once I left the trailhead, the drive home was another two hours through thunderstorms. The evening turned into an adventure from start to finish, but it felt fitting for such an epic location.
Why Mountain Engagement Sessions Stand Out
Mountain engagement sessions are about more than just the views. They are about the experience of being in a location that means something to you. For Casey and Caleb, Black Balsam Knob was the perfect choice because it marked both their proposal and their engagement photos. It tied their story together in a way that was unique and true to them. If you’re considering a mountain engagement session, let this be your encouragement—it may take a little extra effort, but the views and memories are always worth it.
If you are dreaming of a mountain engagement session, let this be your sign. The hike may be steep, and the weather unpredictable, but the reward is always worth it. Reach out now! Contact.
Want to see more of the mountains? Check out this blog of Anna & Tylers Mountain Wedding.











0
+ Leave a comment