Oooooh my goodness, where do I even START?! I mean… how can it get any better than THIS?? Glowy light on the top of a mountain with an absolutely sweet and gorgeous couple. I am absolutely in LOVE with how these turned out!!
Ever since Michael and I have been together, we have traveled to Virginia every year for Thanksgiving. I always look forward to spending time there, a perfect place nestled in the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Right before we left for our trip this year, I wondered if I could find a couple to take a few photos on top of a mountain there- since they’re pretty scarce (aka non-existent) in Ohio. I literally snagged my camera bag right before we headed out the door, and boy am I glad I did!! I connected with Olivia pretty quickly on the drive down and from then on, I was PUMPED!!!
Olivia and Ethan are simply the most darling couple I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. We all have so much in common, including being homeschooled all the way through high school and being a young married (and soon to be married) couple. They are both only 19 years old and will be 20 when they get married next year!!! Ahh!! That’s the same age I was when I got married this past summer! :) So, so sweet. These two INSTANTLY felt like friends as soon as I met them!! :) They have known each other since high school, but Olivia’s affection for Ethan didn’t come around until just this past year. They began their relationship by writing letters back and forth, since they were long distance. She has grown up in the Roanoke area, and he is from Georgia. How adorable is THAT?! He has written her a letter nearly every single day since they started dating. Their love for each other lights up whenever they are around each other- it definitely wasn’t hard at all to get these two to giggle around each other!! They just got engaged earlier this month, so the timing was perfect to snag these on top of Sharp Top Mountain near Roanoke, Virginia. Hearing them retell their engagement story was the most precious thing. Ethan managed to make it a complete surprise. She didn’t suspect a thing until he was down on one knee, and even then, it took her a couple seconds to realize just what was happening! Ahh!!! :) What a sweet story. They wore the same outfits they wore the day they were engaged to our session, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Olivia and Ethan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to meet with me!! I will forever be grateful you were willing to hike to the top of a mountain with me for these unbelievable photos. Thank you for making my first time shooting in Virginia magical. :)
Stephanie you did an amazing job on these! Thanks so much! The only downside is they will now need a bigger house…”and this is our engagement wall!”
Aha, yesss! Thank you so much! Glad you love them so much, they were such a joy to have in front of my camera!!
These are stunning! Well done, Stephanie!
Thank you Rachel! <3 :)
Beautiful photos. Wishing Ethan and his bride much happiness.
Stephanie… these are incredible. I found this post when searching engagement shoots in this area. Question for you- is this at sunset or sunrise? How long did the hike take, do you remember? Did the couple bring their outfits and change into them? Just trying to envision pulling something like this off soon! Thanks!!
Aw Lindsay! Thank you so much!! This is sunset at the end of November. The hike took a good 1.5 hours, usually there is a shuttle that can take you to the top though… it was just closed because it was the day after Thanksgiving, and we didn’t think about it! He wore his outfit all the way up (you can hike up a paved road) but she brought her outfit to change at the top (there’s a little building to change in). :) It was SO fun and I hope it turns out well for you!