Some love stories take you across town. Some take you across the world. About a year ago, Michael and I began quietly planning something extraordinary, a surprise proposal for Sai in the fairytale hills of Sintra, Portugal. What followed was one of the most beautiful, joy-filled, heart-bursting days I’ve ever had the honor of capturing. From the very beginning, this proposal felt personal. My husband Will and I have known Michael since before he even met Sai. We’ve seen his world before her and we’ve seen it after, and the difference is light. Sai is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The night before my own wedding, when emotions were high and details were swirling, she jumped right in to help without hesitation. That’s just who she is, steady, generous, warm. The kind of presence that makes everything softer and brighter. So when Michael reached out about flying me halfway across the world to photograph the moment he asked her to marry him… there was no question. Of course I would be there. If you’ve ever been to Lisbon or Sintra, you know it feels like stepping into another world with its winding cobblestone streets, dramatic cliffs, lush greenery climbing over ancient stone walls. But on this particular day, the weather had its own plans. It rained. And not just a drizzle. We found ourselves in the heart of what felt like a Portuguese rainforest tucked into the mountains with mist rolling through the trees, raindrops clinging to every leaf, the air thick and alive. Instead of golden sunshine, we had moody skies and soft fog wrapping around us like a secret. And honestly? It was perfect. The rain made everything more intimate. Quieter. The world felt hushed, like it was holding its breath with us. Michael carried a mix of nerves and certainty all week long. He had thought through every detail: the timing, the setting, the way he would position them so Sai could take in the view before turning around to find him on one knee, soaked but smiling. And when it happened, time slowed. Sai’s expression shifted from confusion to realization to pure joy in seconds. Hands to her face. Tears blending with rain. Laughter echoing through the trees. The kind of embrace that says, “This is my person. Forever.” Rain in her hair. Mud on their shoes. Zero hesitation. It was intimate and emotional and absolutely them. Photographing proposals is always special. But this wasn’t just any couple. We’ve watched their relationship grow from the very beginning. We’ve seen the way Sai steadies Michael, the way he adores her, the way they choose each other in both big and small ways. Being invited into this moment wasn’t just a professional honor, it was deeply personal. There’s something incredibly sacred about documenting the start of a new chapter. The shift from “one day” to “we’re doing this.” The beginning of forever. As we wandered through the misty mountain paths afterward, taking portraits under umbrellas and laughing at how soaked we all were, there was this beautiful mix of celebration and quiet awe. They kept looking at each other and laughing, like they couldn’t quite believe it had just happened. And honestly? I felt the same way. People sometimes ask if I travel for proposals or weddings. The answer is always yes, especially for love like this. Love that doesn’t wait for perfect weather. Love that embraces the storm. Love that feels like home. Michael and Sai, we love you both more than you know. It was the greatest joy to stand in those rain-soaked mountains and witness the beginning of your next chapter. Thank you for trusting me with such a sacred moment. Congratulations, you two. 🤍 Here’s to forever.

A dreamy, summer engagement session in Charleston. I had been counting down the days for this one because not only do I love Charleston (the charm! the color! the architecture!), but Paige and Stuart are the sweetest couple, and I knew we were going to have the best time. From the moment I met them at one of my expos, I could tell we were a great fit. When Paige reached out a week prior, asking if I would be up for a Charleston trip seven days later...obviously I said YES. A girl loves to travel, so we immediately started dreaming up a session that felt fun, vibrant, and full of those classic Charleston backdrops. And here’s the cutest part—their last name is going to be Charleston, so of course it made perfect sense to do their engagement photos IN Charleston! The stars totally aligned and I was able to meet them there as they were roadtripping down to Savannah!! We started in the heart of downtown and set out to explore all the iconic spots—Rainbow Row, the Pineapple Fountain, Chalmers Street, The Mills House Hotel, St. Michael’s Church, and so many other adorable spots in between. We walked all around the French Quarter and South of Broad, soaking in every pastel wall, cobblestone street, and blooming flower we could find. Summer in Charleston is a dream, so unreal. BUT THAT HUMIDITY. It was the kind of day where the second you stepped outside, your camera lens fogged up and your hair basically gave up...but P & S were total troopers and didn’t let it slow them down one bit. They smiled, laughed, and made the whole afternoon feel like an adventure. I always tell couples that engagement sessions are about more than just pretty photos—they’re about getting comfortable, having fun, and making memories together—and these two did exactly that. As the sun started to dip lower, we wrapped up the downtown part of our session and made our way to Folly Beach for sunset. And wow . Between the breeze, foamy waves, and the golden, pinky light, it was truly the perfect way to end the day. These two kicked off their shoes, splashed in the water, and let the evening unfold so naturally—it honestly felt like a scene out of a rom-com. Sunset at Folly Beach. I’ll be capturing their wedding next year, and I couldn’t be more EXCITEDDDD. This session was not only full of gorgeous locations and glowy light, but it was also the perfect chance for us to connect, laugh, and get to know each other even better before the big day. Paige and Stuart—thank you for being so fun, relaxed, and up for anything. I’ll never forget how much joy and love filled this day. Charleston was the perfect backdrop, but your connection was what made this session truly special. Counting down the days until I get to celebrate you two again!

Marvina and Mario truly had a vision for an elegant state capitol engagement session in downtown Atlanta. These two made the trip all the way from Nashville to shoot with me, and from the moment they arrived, I knew we were about to create something special. Our first stop was the Georgia State Capitol Museum, and let me tell you—it was a dream location. As soon as I saw the outfits Marvina picked (she nailed  the vision), I could already picture the magic we’d make together. After walking through security and stepping into the Capitol’s grand interior, I was completely stunned. The soaring staircases, the soft natural light pouring in from above, the statues and artwork—it was everything and more. We explored almost every level of the building, finding beautiful corners, unique angles, and the perfect light for those soft, romantic moments. One of my favorite parts was watching Marvina and Mario slow dance under a skylight, their movements framed perfectly by the architecture and sunlight. It felt cinematic. We even had a sweet moment with another photographer who came up to introduce himself and connect on Instagram—it made me so happy to be part of a creative community that uplifts and supports each other, even in the middle of a busy shoot. Those kinds of connections always fill my heart. Just as we wrapped up and made our way back to the cars, the sky decided to open up with a classic Georgia spring downpour— perfect  timing! We made it just in time before the rain came pouring down and then hit the road for the second part of their session at Providence Canyon (which you have  to check out in another blog post!). From elegant architecture to red canyon walls, it was a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments with two people who are clearly meant for each other.

This engagement shoot with Riley and Morgan was one of those unforgettable experiences that will stick with me forever. Morgan sent me her Pinterest link early on and as soon as I saw the vibe she was going for I knew the PERFECT spot for their session. She wanted an early morning, moody, fog shoot with lanterns by the water. They were vacationing in Blue Ridge so we met halfway in Ellijay at one of my favorite spots. Little did I know, it was going to be one of the coldest shoots I’ve ever done. It all started with an early wake-up call—like, really  early. I started the drive up to Ellijay a little after 5am well before the sun was going to peak through. It was still dark when I arrived at our first location—a local reservoir I LOVE with gorgeous large rocks and a panoramic mountain view over the water. The air was crispyyy, the kind of cold that immediately numbs your fingers and makes you wonder if your toes are still attached to your body. I sat in the heat enjoying the quiet stillness of the beginning of blue hour, right before the sun rises, when everything feels calm and untouched. Once we met up and got started, Riley and Morgan were absolute champs, with a crazy wind chill and being right on the water adding an extra -10 degrees, we set up two real flame lanterns that added a GORGEOUS a warm glow to the scene. Aside from how beautiful the scene was, there’s just something so undeniably special about blue hour itself. The sky is this gorgeous shade of indigo, the world around you is still asleep, and there’s a quiet beauty that’s hard to describe. As we worked our way through the shoot, I was in awe of how natural Riley and Morgan were in front of the camera. Their connection was so effortless, even though they were shivering a little bit in the cold (okay, maybe a lot  a bit). We made our way to the next locations: a live oak tree in a field and then to a dock on the local lake. I’ve always had a soft spot for the South’s live oaks—there’s just something about them that feels timeless, like they’ve seen decades of stories unfold beneath their branches. It was the perfect spot for Riley and Morgan to share a quiet moment before we moved on to the lake. I love our North Georgia lakes in winter, we have some of the best views with the mountains surrounding most of them. This dock we went to was empty and peaceful (except for one friendly fisherman wondering what in the world we were doing in fancy clothes in 20 degree weather...he laughed all the way up to his truck). It was super windy and even more cold still being right on the water so I ended up making the best of things and throwing a blanket over these two to create more of intimate feel. By the time we wrapped up the shoot, I was so cold I could barely move my fingers to pack up my gear—but I also couldn’t stop smiling because I knew we had captured something beautiful. Even though our limbs were frozen and we were all ready to jump into a warm car, the photos we created were worth every bit of it. I always say that I specialize in adventure and candid moments—and this shoot was the perfect example of why. I want my couples to feel like they’re having an experience, not just a photoshoot. Whether it’s braving the cold for a sunrise session in the mountains or hiking to a hidden waterfall, I love creating memories with my couples that feel as authentic as their love. Even when it's freezing, even when it's a little uncomfortable, the raw beauty of those moments is what makes it all worth it. Riley and Morgan’s love shone through every shot, and it was an absolute privilege to capture this special chapter of their story.

When Donald reached out to me about photographing his proposal at Amicalola Falls I was so BEYOND excited! Amicalola is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest locations in North Georgia. And if you didn't know, it's also the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeastern United States. One of the more popular spots to propose is on the main bridge following the hiking trail across the falls, but these two always dreamed of a cozier, more intimate moment, so Donald opted for a base of the falls proposal where there's much less foot traffic. There's a gorgeous spot that opens up on the trail about 5 minutes up the "Base of the Falls" path. I traveled up and got in place and right when these two arrived, I kid you not, a summer storm cloud came out of NOWHERE and absolutely poured on us. Thankfully I always have my rain cover in case of situations like this so I threw that on, crawled out of my hiding spot up a few rocks and started shooting! It was the sweetest proposal ever and she was so in shock and even joked that she was just telling him before the moment happened that they should stop and kiss in the rain. So freakin' sweet! The moment was absolutely giving The Notebook vibes and honestly, a rainy forest scene is SO dreamy. Thankfully we had umbrellas in the car that we ran down and grabbed to use for the rest of the session so everybody didn't get too waterlogged but right when we wrapped up it stopped raining LOL. Georgia weather... I loved capturing this moment for these two, can't wait to see where their future takes them!

If "I Got U' by Duke Dumont were a photoshoot. These two had so much fun during their session and it shined through these photos so clearly. If you see a couple slow dancing on a bar stage in their own bubble, it's probably these two...and they'll probably head home to build legos after. I adore them. We started out by Chase's truck in the parking lot shooting some absolutely adorable window pics. Then we went out into the vineyard after and these two danced, spun, and did dramatic Disney lifts until Chase almost had to be lifted...(air lifted) to the closest pizza shop. Nothing makes you hungrier than a solid photoshoot. Literally nothing. I'm OBSESSED with the drone work we did. The magic and simplicity of just laying in a giant field with your lover staring up at the clouds was truly captured. Plus we got some killer shots at the fairy princess steps showcasing the gorgeous Italy-inspired architecture and giving Sierra her stunning Cinderella moment. Literally every part of this session was freakinggg adorable but I think my favorite moment was when they immediately stopped what they were doing to run over to the corn hole boards and get a few throws in. At one point I actually got one of the bags flying directly towards Chase's face and Sierra's reaction is priceless. We headed back up to the restaurant for dinner at Trattoria di Montaluce where Chase and Sierra got their old fashioneds with quite literally the world's largest servings of pizza and pasta delivered to us right after. We closed out with some cheesecake (obviously) and watched as the Dreamworks-style, crescent moon hovered above through a few clouds. It was an incredible, memorable night that we'll never forget and the beautiful thing is, we have pictures from it forevaaaaa.

It all started with a local riding past us...simultaneously biking and frisbee-ing with himself. An impressive feat. If there's one thing about Brandon and Nicolle, it's that they're obsessed with each other...and they have the world's most adorable height difference. They are some of the sweetest, most genuine two people I know and I could not wait to take these pictures for them!! They opted for the city vibe and let's just say they NAILED IT. I knew once Nicolle said she wanted to do some shots around the fancy hotel downtown that these pictures were going to be stunning because when these two dress up, they dress UP. I wanted to create a unique blend of Gossip Girl and The Hangover for them with this shoot because they're both equally as elegant as they are absolutely hilarious. The elevator and hotel hallway photos are some of my favorites. There 's just something about those bright flash photos that gives you that behind the scenes, authentic vibe, but the TRUE vibe was brought on by how much fun these two had during their photos, they did not hold back (which we LOVE)!! And those elevator pictures. .. a true love letter to all elevator movie scenes. I can't wait to watch their love story continue to unfold <3

As soon as Josh told me they'll be in Rabun County, Georgia the weekend of the shoot, I was stoked!! Northeast Georgia is by far my favorite place to visit. Between the small, cozy towns, gorgeous state parks, and friendly people - it's just simply the best. We set out for Tallulah Gorge early in the morning to get there before it really started to heat up (Georgia weather). It was FREEZING for the first 30 minutes and then as soon as we got into direct sun it felt like it was 150 degrees. We realized there's really no good way to dress for a photoshoot hike. LOL. We got to the bottom of the gorge and snapped some photos next to the lower falls and then went out next to the sliding rocks (totally not intimidating) to get some waterside pics. Josh and Kait got cheered on by everyone on the platform while I had them do their dip and kiss - a totally wholesome moment <3 Once we started heading back up, we quickly realized Kait had thighs of steel as Josh put it, because girl cleared those stairs like they were nothingggg AND in a dress. After we reached the top of the trail, there was a small clearing where the light was coming in through the tall grass in the most magical way I've ever seen, so, of course we stopped there - those photos turned out so beautiful. And let me just say, these two did not miss a moment to whisper sweet nothings in between just about every pose and every prompt I gave them, they dove right in...literally and figuratively. They were absolutely on fire throughout this entire session and their photos absolutely show it. If you have time after visiting the gorge, definitely head over to Tallulah Falls Lake just down the road. As long as there haven't been any super crazy storms, you'll see some of the prettiest, blue water in North Georgia. There's even launch spots around the lake that make it easy to jump in if that's your vibe! It was theirs!! 10/10 location, 10/10 couple.

A few weekends ago, I had the sweetest adventure with two of my amazing clients, Mario and Marvina, as we headed to Providence Canyon for their engagement photos. My husband, Will, and I made the drive with them to this little hidden gem just outside of Columbus, Georgia, and let me tell you—it did not  disappoint. We arrived just in time for golden hour and started up at the canyon overlooks, where the light was absolutely magical. The view alone was breathtaking, but it only got better the deeper we went into the park. After soaking in the view from above, we made our way down into the heart of the canyon. What we didn’t realize was that the trail had a surprise waiting for us—about 1 to 2 inches of water covering the path! But honestly, that just made the whole experience more fun. We laughed the entire way through the muddy trail, and thank goodness Marvina brought her dunks with her (total lifesaver)! The canyon walls were stunning and made the perfect backdrop for their photos. We explored two of the five main canyons and got some seriously dreamy shots before we had to start the climb back up before dark. Even though the hike was a little longer than we planned for, the whole afternoon felt like one big joyful adventure. There's something so special about getting to know my clients in such a natural and beautiful setting—laughing, telling stories, and capturing their love along the way. I already can’t wait to go back (though next time, we’re definitely going in the morning so we can spend more time exploring all five canyons!). This session was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the messiest trails lead to the most magical moments. xoxo Haley

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

It was happening—I was finally going to THE BILTMORE  in Asheville, North Carolina for engagement photos with my absolutely sweet couple, Jordan and Kevin. WHAT A DREAM!! From the moment Jordan reached out about their 2026 wedding, we instantly clicked, and I just knew this was going to be such a special journey together. As we started planning their engagement session, I could feel the excitement bubbling. I love when couples bring me into their vision early on, and Jordan did just that. She sent over her Pinterest board and, I kid you not, it was almost identical to the one I had shown my husband ten times already (bless him for listening). It was elegant, romantic, full of thoughtful touches—and I was so ready to bring it to life. Jordan had all the best ideas—champagne, florals, dreamy outfits—and every time she texted me with another idea, I had to stop myself from squealing. I always try to let my couples lead the vision (with a little help from my engagement guide, of course!), but from the beginning, it was clear we were totally in sync. The day of the session, we arrived at the Biltmore on a picture-perfect sunny Sunday, and stepping onto the estate felt like walking into a real-life fairytale. The massive lawn, the peaceful fountain, and that jaw-dropping estate view—it all took my breath away. We kicked things off at one of my favorite architectural spots: the two-tiered viewpoint to the left of the estate entrance. It's the perfect place for those full-frame shots with the Biltmore standing proudly in the background. From there, we made our way toward the "house" itself and wandered around all the tucked-away corners filled with charm and history. It’s one of those locations where every  turn is a photo opportunity. As the sun started heating up, we took a break from the direct light and headed to the shaded gardens. On the way, we passed a koi pond, garden statues, and all the dreamy little details that make this place so magical. The view from the top of the two-tiered estate viewpoint. Mid-May was peak  bloom season, and the floral garden did not disappoint. It was overflowing with color and texture, the perfect backdrop for Jordan and Kevin’s soft, romantic vibe. As we moved through the session, I got to know them even more—and I can honestly say, they are just the sweetest pair. Kevin is so gentle and thoughtful with Jordan, and the way she lights up around him made every shot feel so genuine. You’d never know they’d never had professional photos taken before—they were total naturals with just a little guidance. We wrapped up our time together with a champagne toast on the lawn (with full permission from the events team, of course!), and it was the perfect way to end such a beautiful day. We hugged, said our goodbyes, and couldn’t stop talking about how excited we were for their wedding next year. These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do—getting to celebrate real love stories in magical places with the most incredible people. Jordan and Kevin, thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with your memories and for giving me the dreamiest Biltmore experience. I’m already counting down the days until your wedding, and I feel so honored to be the one documenting your journey. Let’s do it all over again next year (but with even more champagne)!

A few months ago, I got the  text from one of our best friends, Chase: he was ready to propose to Sierra this May! After I finished screaming (and maybe crying a little), we dove headfirst into planning mode. Now, if you know Sierra, you know she is the queen  of figuring things out before they happen—so our first hurdle was coming up with a plan sneaky enough to keep her guessing. Thankfully, I’ve done their photos a few times before, so we created a perfect cover story: a “casual” shoot where Will was just testing new video gear. She totally bought it. Step one—check! Next came location scouting, and we knew we needed something magical—literally. Sierra is the biggest Disney girl, so we landed on a stunning castle-like campus that felt like it was pulled straight from Tangled  or Frozen . Think elegant staircases, reflection ponds, live oaks, castle halls, and huge wooden doors. People travel from all over just to shoot there, and for good reason. When I say this place is a fairytale come to life, I’m not exaggerating. Once we locked in the location, Sierra was OBSESSED. She texted me so many  times about how pretty it looked and how excited she was for the shoot—meanwhile I had to keep a straight face and play it cool. And let’s talk about her outfit. Y’all... she says she didn’t know, but the way she picked out this gorgeous  teal-green princess dress, styled everything perfectly, and before choosing THE dress, sent me “red or white?” dress options in advance?? Like how am I supposed to answer that!! I was seriously sweating trying to reply without giving anything away. Sierra might be nosy, but we love her for it. She was genuinely so excited, and it made the whole lead-up even more fun. The only thing left to worry about was the weather. The forecast that week was awful—70% chance of rain all day—but somehow, by a total miracle, the skies completely cleared. Classic Georgia spring magic! We arrived at the location and got about 20 minutes into the shoot when it became very  clear that Chase couldn’t hold it in much longer. Poor guy was sweating, and not just from the heat! Will was in full mission-mode, coordinating the hidden microphone and making sure the ring was handed off discreetly with zero box in sight. I led them to the center of the long reflection pond, castle perfectly in the background, and gave a sweet little prompt: “Close your eyes and think of your favorite memory with Chase… he’s going to run up and bear hug you.” Spoiler: there was no bear hug. Instead, she opened her eyes to find him down on one knee, asking her to spend forever with him. It was everything . The golden hour glow, the castle backdrop, the breeze through her dress—it all came together like a scene from a movie. And the best part? Sierra had no idea  what was about to happen. She’s dreamed of this day with Chase for years, and watching it unfold in real time was one of the most emotional things I’ve ever witnessed. I cry at basically every sweet client moment (no shame), but this one hit different. Seeing two of our closest friends take such a huge step, and being the one who got to capture it, was such a full-circle moment for me. To Sierra and Chase: THANK YOU for trusting us to help create and document your forever memory. It was truly a fairytale in every way. I’m so honored to have been part of this chapter and cannot wait  for the wedding (yes, I’ll be crying then too). Love you both so much!