Blue Ridge Mountain Engagement Photo Adventure on Tanawha Trail

The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains captivate a lot of people and these two are no exception. Jess and Mike are both transplants that found their way to the High Country—and haven't wanted to leave—like so many other folks in this region that permanently relocate. This is where they've been building their lives together and it's where they plan to remain for many more years.

It made perfect sense to select an engagement photo location that highlights what they love about living here. Jess and Mike don't have as much time to go on adventures as often as they would like because their home and work lives are so full, which is why we revisited one of their favorite hiking spots to photograph their engagement pictures while also enjoying the second day of summer.

The location for the engagement session that they chose was a section of the Tanawha Trail that's in Foscoe, about a 30 minute drive from the Boone, NC area. After making my way up a windy gravel road, I reached the parking area at the trail head. You used to park on the side of the road but now there's a whole area available that can accommodate a handful of vehicles, it's a great improvement!

As I waited for Jess and Mike to arrive, I chatted up sweat-drenched, red-faced hikers catching their breath in the parking lot. It happened to be one of the hottest days we've had so far here in the mountains, but it still beats being in Florida! A hot summer day in the Blue Ridge Mountains is far different from the sweltering heat experienced further south. They're deal with triple digits down there while we're protesting temperatures that climb to the high 80's! (Mountain folk are spoiled.)

These two enjoy the simple things in life and they share a deep passion for food. Whether they're growing it, cooking it, or eating it, it's an important of Jess and Mike's relationship. When they aren't working at Artisnal—a beautiful, upscale restaurant with five-star food in Banner, Elk—getting their hands dirty in their home garden and greenhouse with their three dogs running around the yard is how they like to spend their downtime.

For the first part of our session, I took them through the hardwood forest so we would have some shade until the sun went down a little more. After hiking for a bit we broke out of the woods into a sun-soaked pasture where the couple cuddled with a blanket of delicate wild daisies surrounding them.

We navigated all of natures wonders with a deep sense of gratitude. I really appreciated the fact that these two didn't mind the bugs swirling around them or the brambles we trekked through or the cow pattie landmines waiting to be squashed under our footsteps. Jess + Mike are a daring pair and they're always up for having an adventure! Definitely my kind of peeps!

It was a lot of fun observing and capturing the playful dynamic they have with one another. The joy they emanate was evident a mile away. I'm so glad we were finally able to get their engagement pictures done because the weather wasn't cooperating with us at first. It was a blast getting to know these two kindred spirits and I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding this August at Camp Sky Ranch.

CONGRATULATIONS to Jess + Mike on your engagement and upcoming marriage! I know you two will have epic adventures, and I hope that your relationship and connection will grow stronger as you continue this journey together! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your adventurous engagement photos on the Tanawha Trail. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek while I finish up your full gallery.

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Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

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