Cynthia Viola Photography

Carver's Gap

Jessica and Zak's Engagement at Carver's Gap

Engagement PortraitsCynthia Viola
Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own
— Robert A. Heinlein
Roan Mountain State Park Engagement session

I have had a front row seat to these two cuties from the moment they started dating. Zak is good friends with my guy, and we both started dating at roughly the same time so we’ve been hanging out together ever since!

Just before Covid hit Zak wanted to do this epic proposal with a horse and carriage at the Biltmore House and we were so excited for him…so when that became impossible we started scheming how to make it happen closer to home. They have an awesome boat and RV out at Watauga Lake, so we considered that, we thought about hikes and picnics and in the end it simply and beautifully worked out to have dinner together at our favorite spot, Louisiana Purchase, and surprise her with the ring at dessert.

Surprise proposal at Louisiana Purchase Banner Elk

Needless to say, she said, “Yes!” and their engagement shoot followed last night. Roan Mountain is just so incredibly beautiful this time of year, it was the perfect backdrop. They brought the kiddos along and we made an evening of it.

Roan Mountain State Park family photos
Roan Mountain State Park family photos
Roan Mountain State Park Fall family photos

I am grateful for such incredible friends and cannot wait to capture the big day sometime next year! It’s going to be an amazing journey!