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When couples start planning their wedding, the engagement sessions sometimes feels optional. It’s easy to think, “Do we really need these? We’ll get enough photos on the wedding day.” But engagement photos are about more than a pretty save-the-date. They shape your experience, not just your gallery.

Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Most couples aren’t used to being photographed for hours. That’s where an engagement session helps. It gives you time to practice and relax. You’ll learn how to move, pose, and laugh naturally. You’ll see what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. By the time your wedding arrives, you’ll know exactly what to do. No stiff smiles. No awkward hands. Just the two of you, confident and relaxed.

Building a Relationship with Your Photographer

Your photographer isn’t just another vendor. They’ll be with you through almost every moment of your wedding day. That’s why trust matters. An engagement session gives you space to connect. You’ll learn how your photographer directs. They’ll learn what makes you laugh, what feels natural, and what matters most to you. Think of it like a rehearsal. On the wedding day, it won’t feel like a stranger holding the camera. It’ll feel like a friend cheering you on.

Capturing This Season of Life

Your engagement is short but special. It’s full of excitement and anticipation. You’re planning your future and dreaming about what’s ahead. Engagement photos capture this chapter. They’re relaxed, personal, and real. Wedding portraits are beautiful, but they often feel more formal. Engagement photos show who you are in everyday life. Years from now, you’ll look back and remember the joy, the nerves, and the sweetness of this time.

Personalizing Your Story

Engagement sessions are about more than location and outfits. They’re about telling your story. Maybe you take photos at the park where you walk your dog. Perhaps it’s the coffee shop where you had your first date. Maybe it’s the mountain view you both love. These places make your photos unique. They turn your session into a reflection of your life together.

Bonus: Practical Uses for the Photos

And yes, the photos come with perks. They’re perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or guest books. You can even use them as décor at your reception. Parents and grandparents love them too. But the real gift isn’t how you use the photos. It’s the memories you make while taking them.

Engagement sessions aren’t just another box on the wedding checklist. They’re a way to prepare, connect, and celebrate this exciting season. When you look back, you’ll see more than poses. You’ll see your story—one that started long before the wedding day.

Want to see more engagement session: check out these blogs!

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.

This proposal was extra special to photograph—not just because of the stunning backdrop at Falls Park in Downtown Greenville, but because I’ve known Colby and Wiley Beth for most of their lives!

My sister and Wiley have been best friends since they were three years old, and Colby grew up just around the corner. He and my sister were neighborhood buddies, riding the school bus home together for years. So when Colby’s mom reached out to help plan the big moment, I was all in!

We wanted to make sure everything stayed a surprise for Wiley Beth, so I snuck downtown a few days before to scout out the perfect spot and even filmed some videos to send Colby’s way. To keep things extra stealthy, I worked with his mom so Wiley wouldn’t stumble across any suspicious texts or photos on his phone.

The Big Moment at Falls Park

The big day rolled around with the dreamiest spring weather—73 degrees and sunny! Naturally, Falls Park was packed with people soaking up the warmth. We weren’t sure how this would affect the moment, but honestly, it made it even sweeter. As soon as Colby dropped to one knee, cheers erupted from all around the park. Total strangers celebrated with them—it felt like something out of a movie!

What Wiley didn’t know was that her and Colby’s families had been hiding nearby the whole time. The moment she said yes, they all popped out from behind trees and bushes to join the celebration. There were hugs, happy tears, and so much joy.

Being part of this proposal was such a full-circle moment for me. Getting to witness two people I’ve known since childhood start this new chapter together was truly an honor. Colby and Wiley Beth, thank you for letting me capture the start of your forever. Your love, your people, and that spring sunshine made this day one I’ll never forget.

Here’s to more downtown adventures, more surprise celebrations, and a lifetime of cheering each other on—just like the crowd did that day. 🥂

P.S. If you’re planning a Falls Park proposal, I highly recommend bringing your photographer in early—we love being part of the planning process!

Want to see more of falls park? Check out Lauren & Michael’s Engagement Session in Falls Park!

Your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It’s a chance to celebrate your love while capturing beautiful photos you’ll cherish forever. To make sure your session goes smoothly and feels fun, here are six easy tips to help you prepare for your engagement session!

1. Coordinate Your Outfits

Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Start with a color palette that complements your skin tone and the location of your session. Avoid overly busy patterns and logos—simple and timeless looks are best. Bring a second outfit for variety, like one dressy and one casual option. Most importantly, wear something you can move in comfortably!

2. Plan Around Golden Hour

Golden hour, the hour before sunset, provides the most flattering light. Work with your photographer to schedule your session during this magical time. If morning light suits you better, sunrise is another great option. Trust us—the light makes a huge difference in creating dreamy photos.

3. Pamper Yourselves

Take the day to relax and get camera-ready. Schedule a manicure, get your hair styled, or have your makeup professionally done. These little details make a big impact on your photos. For grooms, a fresh haircut and clean-shaven or well-groomed beard can enhance your look.

4. Bring Meaningful Props

Think about items that tell your story as a couple. A cozy blanket, your favorite books, or even your dog can add a personal touch. Props help tell your love story and create fun, candid moments.

5. Clean the Ring

Your engagement ring is a star of the session, so make sure it shines! Clean it beforehand to remove any dirt or smudges. A sparkling ring adds an extra touch of elegance to your photos.

6. Communicate with Your Photographer

Share your vision with your photographer ahead of time. Discuss any must-have shots or unique ideas you have. Let them know about your comfort level in front of the camera so they can guide you. Open communication helps your session feel relaxed and authentic.

Your engagement session is all about celebrating your relationship. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stress-free session filled with laughter and love. We can’t wait to capture these memories for you!

Looking for more engagement session tips? Elizabeth & Mikes Winter Engagement Session

Ready for me to capture your special moments? Reach out now: Contact

Katie and Seth’s Dreamy Lake Jocassee Engagement Session

Lake Jocassee was not the original plan Katie and Seth’s engagement session. They are getting married next year at Duncan Estate but they wanted to get their engagement photos done as soon as possible. I was so excited for our planed session at.. Jumping off Rock. Turns out we could not find the access road and decided to pivot to Lake Jocassee. This is your sign to always have a backup plan.

As a couple who describe themselves as introverted, it was heartwarming to see how they truly lit up when they were together. Their connection was evident in every glance and smile, making the session incredibly special.

We kicked things off on the serene beach of Lake Jocassee, where the calm waters and stunning backdrop set a perfect stage. The South Carolina summer weather, however, had other plans. We started the session with some overcast skies and finished in the pouring rain!

Despite the weather’s unpredictability and a little adventure involving getting lost, we managed to capture some beautiful shots. We ended the session on the dock, where the skies decided to open up. The last five minutes were a dramatic downpour, but Katie and Seth embraced it with such grace and joy. Their ability to find beauty in the rain was nothing short of magical.

After delivering the photos, Katie sent me a touching message: “I’m so grateful for you and your art. You took terrible weather and made it the most beautiful, dreamy day.” It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. Katie and Seth’s engagement session at Lake Jocassee was a perfect example of how love can shine through even the most unexpected circumstances.

Want to see more lake session? Check out Pietro & Abby’s Proposal at Lake Hartwell.

Caroline and Jared’s Greenville engagement photos were full of fun and laughter! Before every session I send my couples a questionnaire to get to know them and their story better. When I was reading through Caroline and Jared’s answers I couldn’t help but smile. Here are a few highlights of what I learned about this sweet and spunky couple!

First, let’s talk about their dynamic. Caroline says Jared is like a golden retriever – fun-loving and light-hearted, always ready for the next adventure. Caroline, on the other hand, is the structured, thoughtful “Type A” personality who keeps things grounded. Together, I must say they balance each other out beautifully.

Caroline and Jared have been best friends for years. And you can tell with every photo. When they were just friends, they were each other’s go-to “relationship counselor.” How cute is that? They know each other like the back of their hand, share core values, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It’s no wonder Jared’s parents call them the “love-sick lovebirds.”

Their Love Story

Now, let’s dive into their love story. After Caroline broke up with her boyfriend of two years, she naturally called Jared. They hadn’t spoken for two years because Jared realized he had a “conflict of interest” – he had feelings for her! That phone call rekindled their connection, leading to regular FaceTimes and texts. Jared finally asked Caroline on a date, but there was a catch: she lived in Greenville, SC, and he was in Nashville, TN. They decided to meet halfway in Boone, NC, for a charming mountain weekend. The rest, as they say, is history!

Caroline and Jared love staying active and being outdoors. Whether it’s playing tennis, hiking, traveling, or exploring new places, they do it all together. They even spent a year as digital nomads before moving to LA – talk about adventurous!

Their engagement session was more than just photos – it was a celebration of their unique journey together. They laughed, teased each other, and shared sweet moments that showed their deep connection. As they gear up for their wedding, Caroline and Jared can’t wait to bring their friends and family together, who are spread across the country, to celebrate their love story.

Enjoy more from Caroline and Jared’s perfect engagement photos on the blog today from all around downtown Greenville!

Reach out to me to book your engagement session ASAP.

Want photos that feel like you? I’d love to help tell your story. Let’s talk about your engagement session!