A Mountaintop Elopement at Hawksbill Trail in Asheville, North Carolina

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute honor of photographing the most magical mountaintop elopement for my sweet clients, Torrie and Austin, in Asheville, North Carolina. My husband, Will, and I made the trek with them up Hawksbill Trail for their ceremony, and let me just say—this was not your average hike. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top, with the last stretch being a steep scramble up rocks and roots. But even through the challenge, the beauty of the spring trail kept our spirits high. Bright pink azalea petals were scattered across the path like nature’s confetti, and we even passed a tiny waterfall that gave us a peaceful pause before pushing onward.

Throughout the hike, there were plenty of moments to stop, catch our breath, and soak in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Torrie and Austin were total troopers—cheerful, determined, and excited the entire way. When we finally reached the summit, we were completely awe-struck. The panoramic view was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the Southeast. I teared up just taking it all in—jagged ridgelines, the breeze brushing past us, and wildflowers blooming everywhere. It was the kind of beauty that makes all the effort melt away in an instant.

Once at the top, we set up a little changing area so Torrie and Austin could get into their wedding attire. I couldn’t resist snapping a few sweet shots of their outfits hanging from tree branches, swaying gently in the wind. The mountaintop was covered in even more wildflowers—tiny white blossoms, light pink blooms, and vibrant greenery tucked between wild, jagged rocks. We explored around a bit, hopping over boulders and following the light until we reached the iconic triple-peak rock formation that juts out like nature’s version of icy spires. That’s when the real magic began.

The wind up there was wild, but we embraced it completely. Torrie’s veil and hair danced through the air, wrapping them both in motion and emotion as they held each other close. You couldn’t have choreographed a more cinematic moment if you tried. The way they moved together, so naturally and joyfully, reminded me why I love what I do so much—capturing not just the beauty of a location, but the connection between two people deeply in love. These photos are more than just images—they’re memories full of wind, laughter, movement, and meaning.

As the sun began to dip into golden hour, we took our final shots and turned around to take in one last look at the view that had taken all our breaths away. The hike down was thankfully much easier (thank goodness!), and we made it just before sunset. That climb bonded us in a way that only shared adventure can, and I’ll carry this day with me forever. Torrie and Austin, thank you for trusting me to document this unforgettable moment—I’ll never forget it.

xoxo Haley