North Carolina Arboretum Engagement Session || Alicia + Dave

If the great thing about being a photographer is capturing people’s connections, the second best thing is exploring how each connections fosters another one! Such was the case with Alicia and Dave, a lovely couple from Little Rock, Arkansas. They decided last year to host their intimate 2018 wedding in Hot Springs, NC and while searching for vendors learned that Vortex Doughnuts caters weddings. While paying for their treats, they told the cashier about their wedding plans and he (Alex) gave them my business card, directing them to my website to check out my photos. Lo and behold, a few simple steps brought two people from hundreds of miles away into my life, and so much the better for it!

We met on a misty May morning, taking advantage of the hour as the overcast skies made the gardens look even more vibrant. The vast expanse of greenery perfectly offset Alicia’s bright dress and hair, and the flowers dotting the garden beautifully matched her own.

But, as always, it was Alicia and Dave’s laughter than I enjoyed photographing the most! Though a little camera shy at first, once they started cuddling and dancing together, they all but forgot I was there. Throw in a couple well-timed prompts - my favorite always being “tell your partner what you’re most grateful to them for” - and their vibrant love for each other outshone the garden.

As I reflect on our engagement shoot, I’m more excited than ever to spend the weekend capturing Alicia and Dave’s love, and getting to meet their loved ones! Between their Welcome Dinner on Friday (a celebratory pre-wedding dinner with all of their guests) and their wedding the next day at Mountain Magnolia, it’s bound to be a lovely weekend.