Leslie + Wes' Grandfather Mountain Engagement Photo Adventure by Boone Photographer Wayfaring Wanderer

When you find that special someone that you want to spend forever with being apart from one another can be grueling. You chat on the phone, send messages, facetime, or Skype but what you really want to do is hug their neck and plant a wet one on those hot lips, am I right?! If Cody and I spend more than a few days apart I get antsy, so I can't imagine if we lived in different states like Leslie and Wes.

Currently, Wes is stationed in Virginia and Leslie resides in Raleigh, NC where she teaches Spanish. These two are planning a wedding this summer on Sugar Mountain so their long-distance love won't stay that way for too much longer once they are married.

While they are used to having distance between them since they dated on and off for four years after they first met up here in Boone, NC. After that, they both went their separate ways. Wes left to pursue a career in the Navy and Leslie traveled around the world to expand her horizons.

They lost touch over the years, but Wes found Leslie again and he decided that it was time to make sure she sticks around, so he made it official and asked her to be his wife last November!

They came up to the Boone area to visit their wedding venue and thought that it would be a good time to squeeze in their engagement photos so they can use them for save-the-dates.

Leslie had her heart set on a snowy photo session, but the forecast didn't cooperate, so I came up with some other creative engagement photo ideas.

One of the engagement photo location ideas I threw out that Leslie liked from the get-go was Grandfather Mountain. Apparently, they tried to visit the tourist attraction a little while ago when they were in town but it was too cold so the bridge was closed. It's not as much fun if you can't go up to the Mile High Swinging Bridge to see the views!

Normally, the admission charge to get into Grandfather Mountain is $20 per person for adults. For that reason, this usually wouldn't be a viable location to do an engagement session due to the high cost but every year in December they offer Dollar Days to local residents, so I was able to get us in for $3 per person. A few years ago Dollar Days used to be $1 per person but I suppose they've had to go up.

Once we were past the gate, the three of us slowly made our way up the windy road in Wes' bright orange jeep. We stopped at various overlooks along the way so that we could get some variations in our backdrops, and so that we could avoid the colder weather up top for as long as we could. From my experience, I know that it's always a lot colder and windier up there because you're at such a high elevation.

Little did we know, though, how fiercely the wind would be blowing once we reached the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It was absolutely insane! The gusts of wind were blasting so hard from all sides that it kept knocking me off balance. I had to wedge my foot in between two rocks while I was shooting because I, literally, thought I was going to blow away. Seriously.

It was hard to think straight with the freezing cold and wind pounding, although there was a tiny little pocket I found between boulders and trees where we could stand and not feel the fury. I wanted to keep them in that spot forever!

Despite the bitter temperatures Leslie and Wes took it all in stride. They laughed and enjoyed the adventure as crazy as it was. I love working with laid-back couples that like to have fun and can be silly together no matter what gets thrown their way! I really wish that I wasn't already booked for Leslie and Wes' wedding day because I had a blast hanging out with these two.

Once we were done up around the Mile High Swinging Bridge, we practically ran back to the gift shop because the wind picked up and began blowing even harder! After getting inside where it was warm and cozy, we saw that the wind was registering at 39 mph. I could have sworn that it was at least 100 mph! HA!

CONGRATULATIONS to Leslie + Wes on your engagement and upcoming marriage! I wish you two epic adventures in life and love, 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 at Grandfather Mountain. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek while I finish up your full gallery.

Ready to book your exclusive Choose Your Adventure Session?

Simply send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com or message me through my website contact form because I'd love to find out how I can best help you! Now BOOKING 2015 engagements + weddings!

I will be making some announcements in the next few weeks that will be shared in the Weekly Wander if you want to know the inside scoop. Weekly Wander subscribers will get the details first, so I recommend that you sign up to GET NOTIFICATIONS if you don't want to miss it!

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

{ Featured LINKS }

» WIN FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» BIG LIST of Boone Wedding Vendors + FREE Printable
» Kim + Dennis' Linville Falls Engagement Adventure
» Casey + Sarah's Valle Crucis Anniversary Adventure

Ali + JB's Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

“Where could it be?!” Ali wondered. “When were you last wearing it?!” one of the bridesmaids questioned as we attempted to solve this conundrum.

We were all perplexed as we retraced her steps to the ceremony site. Somewhere along the way Ali’s veil blew off and it was nowhere to be found.

Since we were so clueless, I ended up looking back through the wedding pictures to see when I photographed her wearing it last. I confirmed that she had it on while making her way to the altar but it disappeared before she walked down the aisle.

The mystery of the lost veil didn't last long, though, because once we got to the reception location it was waiting for her. Surprisingly, that was the only mishap that was experienced the entire day!

Everything was in sync and on-time for the most part which almost never happens on a wedding day, but Ali and JB had lots of folks taking care of them to ensure there was nothing to worry about.

A lot of family & friends came together to celebrate the union of Ali and JB. Many of them pitched in to help make things run smoothly!

I knew that family is extremely important to this couple and that they were expecting a big bunch, 250+ guests, in fact. It was incredible to witness the love this tight-knit crowd felt for the couple.

They chose to have a destination wedding here in the blue ridge mountains because they both grew up spending a lot of time here.

Ali & JB both love the mountains and have been visiting the Grandfather Golf and Country Club since they were kids.

If you happened to read their engagement story, you’ll discover that they bonded over their affinity for this high country haven, and it’s also where JB proposed to Ali last October.

Click here to read the story behind their engagement photo adventure. 

I found this scenic little nook a short distance from the house they rented. It was such a pretty spot for Ali's bridal portraits prior to the ceremony. She looked like a doll in her lacey wedding dress.

Her beautiful all white bouquet of roses was created by the talented Desi's Floral and Design Studio.

Their heartfelt ceremony took place just a few days before summer was officially over. It might have poured the night before but the skies were blue and the sun was shining for their wedding day!

The temperature was a perfect mix of summer and fall, you couldn't have asked for better weather for a high country wedding!

I think someone was excited to be walking down the aisle!

I was getting emotional because it was so sweet to watch him tear up as he give his little girl away.

Grandfather Mountain made for a stunning backdrop for their wedding day! Don't you think?

The arbor was decorated and delivered by Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery.

CONGRATULATIONS to Ali & JB! You’re MARRIED! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two newlyweds epic adventures in life and love, and I hope that your marriage will only grow stronger as continue this journey together!

Thank you so much for choosing me (and my sidekick—Cody) to capture your high country wedding, it was so much fun being a part of your big day!

Friends & Family: Want to see all of  Ali + JB’s wedding photos when they are ready to be viewed, please sign up for the weekly wander to be notified » GET NOTIFICATIONS!

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

{ Featured VENDORS }
» Ceremony & Reception | Grandfather Golf & Country Club
» Floral Designer | Desi's Floral & Design Studio
» Catering & Cake | Grandfather Golf & Country Club
» Ceremony Arbor | Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery

» Band | ATL Groove Factory

{ Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

Reflections of a Lazy Photographer

I was unsure about what to expect when I planned to attend Grandfather Mountain's Nature Photography Weekend. When I got to the registration table at 3, they simply told me to GO SHOOT! until the first program, which wouldn't take place until 8 or so. I decided to start my day at 'The Mile High Swinging Bridge', since it was located at the very top. From there, I would work my way back down to the museum where the presentations would be held.

Before I stepped foot out of the car, it was apparent that an unusual amount of people had tripods set up, and pointed in the same direction. There were the regular tourists visiting the mountain as well, but you could definitely tell who was there for the photography event. We also had these nifty little buttons that distinguished us between other visitors. I noticed early on that most people go off in their own direction to seek out that perfect shot, while very few shoot in groups. I eventually adopted a buddy for the weekend after my first day of shooting alone.



Unbeknownst to me, the most important event of the weekend seemed to be the photography contest between the participants. I knew that there would be a friendly competition, but I didn't realize that it was a big deal. Early on, though, I determined that there would be some pretty stiff competition between this group of well-seasoned photographers. They only had room for 165 photographers, and from what they mentioned the weekend sold out in a matter of hours. I felt like I was among a pretty elite group of photographers who had many years of experience between them. They also had some enormous lenses, too, lenses that cost more than my car, probably. I'm not so sure that I could carry a 600mm lens, much less have money in my budget to purchase one! Haha

Even though programs/talks would be going on until Sunday, photographers only had until 3pm on Saturday to pick out their 3 photos to enter in any four categories. Regular visitors were out numbered by the laptop toting photographers in the restaurant as they scrutinized and selected their favorite shots. I attempted to be as discerning as possible when dwindling down my picks. At the time, I felt like I chose images that I thought would work best for the contest, and not the ones that were personal favorites. As you can see, I sometimes favor the fuzzy and soft while others would most likely scoff at the out-of-focus image. In their world, bokeh is not the brilliantly, bright circles of joy I consider the effect to be. No, they are seen as circles of confusion! Well, if hunting bokeh is wrong, I don't want to be right :D

It's not that I can't produce, because I've beaten out higher odds with the annual Appalachian Mountain Photography competition, but I didn't feel as confident about this one as I do when I enter photos in that competition. Compared to what other photographers captured my images were far less spectacular, but I'm okay with that. I gained something much more valuable over the weekend than the recognition and award certificate passed out to the winners. I know, that's what losers say :D haha

The hard way, I learned that I have become a lazy photographer, and I really don't want to continue allowing that to happen. I'm capable of so much more. One thing I noticed was that I happened to be the only participant NOT carrying around a tripod, which is considered an essential to anyone who cares about shooting tack-sharp images, especially when I was using my 70-200mm lens. But, no, I didn't take my tripod out of the car once! Another crucial issue I came to realize was that I have grown very impatient when it comes to getting the best shot possible. I'm just not taking the time to compose a shot or search for a better image when I find something I think is worth capturing. There is definitely room for major growth that I plan to tackle immediately!



More than figuring out key areas I need to improve upon, I'm most grateful for this fresh (and much needed) dose of enthusiasm that was infused within me due to the inspiring photographers who presented and shared their mesmerizing work, as well as the stunning images captured by participants over the weekend. I hope that I can use this newfound excitement to get past this plateau and take my photography to new heights!

The World As I See It

When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about.

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)




*Little do we realize while bouncing about our busy lives that in the grand scheme of things we really are a minuscule part of what really holds it all together. As a whole we do have a huge impact on the world around us depending on what we do or do not contribute to that, although that doesn't encompass the point I am looking to convey. When I saw this picture later in the evening while sorting through the Grandfather Mountain shots of the day I came upon this one, and as my gaze was fixed upon this spectacular sight I began to feel quite small. Other than the obvious fact that the silhouettes of two unknown individuals are pretty small, I myself felt microscopic in comparison as well. The opportunity to have these experiences not only reminds me that there are bigger and better things to worry about sometimes, but other than that it was simply and utterly humbling to encounter.

Like a Rock..........

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826)

In a million years............

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt



Closer to the peak of our destination is when I began to sweat, in the last blog I made mention of the difficulties involved with the hike we took while at Grandfather. I'd like to proclaim that along with physical constraints accompanying it was a burst of emotional uncertainty that I haven't been through for quite sometime now. On the last leg of the trail where you begin to climb using these ladders is where things got a little hairy. As I climbed one set of steps I could see two others higher up but didn't think too much about it as I thought those would end our hike to the peak. Little did I realize exactly what was in store for me once we got a little further up. When the next set of stairs were behind me I looked up to see a third set (which I was fully prepared for); and then as a complete surprise I see a FOURTH, mind you we are climbing upwards to 5900 feet and are surrounded by more blue sky than anything else. I began to get scared as we climbed the next set of stairs, my grip got tighter, and Cody worked so hard to coerce me into getting to the next step, but I didn't want to let go of that ladder.........it took a moment once I reached the top to step up onto the rock from the security the ladder had to offer - at least with that I had something to hold on to. I couldn't believe how scared and panicky I became, Cody said it's just because I'm more cautious now. It's true, I see it as me being a pansy really, but he's right. It was just a little over a year ago when I was the girl who wasn't scared to try anything, especially when it came to climbing, and not JUST ladders. In rock climbing I had to take risks if I wanted to accomplish a boulder problem. Bouldering is arguably the purest form of climbing since you don't use ropes, all you have is a crash pad & sometimes good spotters to break your fall. I remember gaining a tremendous amount of strength in a short period of time, climbing was my life. I now have different things to occupy my time but they don't have any risks involved. My Dad and Mom are probably happy about that - I was careful though! The problems with my neck and back are a big part of why I'm not as confident in my abilities anymore, I feel as though there are better things in store for me, and unlike I thought, climbing just isn't one of them - at least for right now......

~ Where Clouds and Peaks Meet ~

Only 507 biospheres exist worldwide and Grandfather Mountain is the only one that is privately owned. To meet biosphere criteria, properties must have global ecological significance. They must also be legally protected from development, have a history of scientific study, and provide for public education. At 5,634 feet above sea level it is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Range. What's more amazing is that the mountain itself is said to be 65 million years old!

Me being the semi-adventurous soul I have become the hike I wanted to do was one that had cables and ladders in-place because if I remember right I thought it would be fun! The hike went for longer than one mile but our time constraints wouldn't really allow us to go any further, but maybe next time. Our hike took us to a fabulous view of Macrae's Peak and as trying as some sections were for me it was well worth the difficulty involved. The boulder-strewn path was enough to get your heart pumping but didn't push too hard, the problems I had were with some of the steeper parts of the ascent as we reached the pinnacle, but you'll here about those later on. The views were absolutely spectacular; and the continuity of the mountains lend an emotional depth which holds an ethereal beauty I believe all should bear witness to at some point in their lives.

Mile High Swinging Bridge

While waiting for our table at Melanie's on Sunday we came upon an ad for Grandfather Mountain announcing "Dollar Days"!!! This only means something to locals since it really only applies to us or those who work in the surrounding counties; to say the least we instantly knew what we were going to do with ourselves on a semi-gloomy Sunday afternoon. After eating a delicious breakfast at Melanie's we made a quick stop back at the house so Cody could get some shoes fit for hiking. This visit was the first time we were actually able to hike one of the trails on Grandfather Mountain, which I was very excited about. Just so you know how awesome Dollar Days are at Grandfather I'll tell you that when we first pulled up to the little ticket station the lady had us wait a moment, then very pleasantly said that'll be $28 dollars, along with a $10 bill I handed her my id and she said oh, you're locals, in that case it will be $2.00!!!! I mean that's a deal otherwise we probably wouldn't go to Grandfather as cheap as I am. The above photo is doctored up if you couldn't tell, I didn't spend time setting up the tripod or else I could have gotten some better exposed photos, I'm finding myself getting really comfortable with my new Corel Paintshop Pro software.............I even commented to Cody that I hope I don't become a crappy photographer because of it. I did get some shots yesterday that I really like with only slight adjustments made to brightness and/or contrast..............I'll share more as the week continues.