Gabby and Brett's Engagement in Banner Elk

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”

— Erol Ozan

I was absolutely ecstatic when Brett proposed to Gabby this summer! They are dear friends of ours and we’ve been working out together at Crossfit Postal for what seems like forever. The only catch was that for their photos they wanted a snow adventure! Which I was all about…. except for the patience part lol. But finally after several months of waiting and a few small teaser snow falls, we found the one we were waiting for! We were afraid it was only going to be in the single digits because it had been a few days prior, but we lucked out with sunshine and 40s, I’ll take it!

They were willing to venture with me into an area I have recently discovered but also to push further than I had previously. It absolutely required four wheel drive so they scooped me and off we went, they even brought some champagne to celebrate!

After we were finished on top of the mountain we decided to snag one last look at the Mill Pond because the waterfall is just amazing and while we were down there Brett jumped right in to help a Florida family who had gotten their car stuck in the ditch, it was amazing!

You guys I cannot wait til the big day this fall!! We’re going to dance the night away!

Kristen and Kate's Surprise Proposal at Pullen Park

“I’m so happy I could bounce!”

— Tigger

Kristen proposed to Katelyn first down in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights and it was of course wonderful and the catalyst for all the wedding planning and this engagement shoot. When Kate messaged me to say she wanted to propose back to Kate during their engagement session I could hardly contain my joy! I LOVE surprises! I told her I’d wait until I found the best spot for light then cue her by saying I was going to take some headshots of Kristen at which point she’d step back, pull out the ring and get ready.

The sun had completely hidden itself behind this giant dark cloud as soon as we pulled into the parking lot so we were a little bummed but we knew we’d make the most of it, and started walking and talking about their plans. The wind was really strong freezing us all as it whipped across the lake but they braved it like champs every time they had to take off their coats for a photo.

We were rounding the lake almost to the bridges (where I had previously figured we’d do the proposal) and out of nowhere the sun in all its glory popped out from behind that cloud and said, “it’s time.” I nearly jumped for joy and blurted out something about headshots and gave Kate a look and she knew exactly what I meant and then we got Kristen into place. The next few moments were pure magic as the sun bathed them (and the fresh field of flowers behind them) in light. All three of us were crying before it was over but we were able to snag a few more photos in the sun before it disappeared entirely for the rest of the shoot.

Kate chose a sapphire ring as it’s Kristen’s favorite stone and we were so excited to find some blue flowers to match them.

You simply can’t make this stuff up. It gives me so much joy to celebrate with my couples all the magic and joy that defines their lives during this season. Thank you for letting me be a part of your story guys!! Can’t wait til October!