Planning the perfect engagement session
There’s something undeniably romantic about a mountaintop engagement session. The crisp mountain air, the breathtaking views, and the feeling of being on top of the world with the person you love—it's the perfect setting for a love story like Cassidy and James'. When we first started planning their engagement session, the location was still up in the air, but after a quick change of plans, we landed on an adventure in Shenandoah National Park. And we couldn’t have asked for a more stunning day.
THE WEDDING ANTICIPATION
Cassidy and James' love story started long before their engagement. The two met in high school, but life took them on separate paths before they reconnected years later. When they did, everything fell into place, and they quickly realized they were meant to be. Now, they’re preparing to tie the knot this fall at The Preserve at Dundee near their home in Richmond. Before their big day, they wanted an engagement session that captured their adventurous spirit and the joy they find in each other’s company.
We met up with Cassidy and James in the afternoon, just as the golden light was beginning to drape itself over the Blue Ridge Mountains. As we drove into the park, we made an impromptu stop at one of Shenandoah’s scenic overlooks. The sun was spilling over the valley, casting a warm glow that was too beautiful to pass up. These first few images set the tone for the session—natural, warm, and full of love.
A hike to mark the start of forever
From there, we headed toward the trailhead for a short but scenic hike. This particular trail is famous for its iconic talus slope, a rocky expanse covered in lichen that offers an incredible backdrop. As we climbed higher, Cassidy and James were completely in sync, laughing, holding hands, and stopping every so often to soak in the views. Cassidy braved the rocky terrain in her heels, effortlessly proving that she was just as adventurous as she was elegant.
When we reached the summit, we were met with a panoramic view that stretched for miles. The rolling mountains, the soft haze settling in the valley, and the golden-hour light created pure magic. Cassidy and James embraced the moment, twirling, dipping, and even climbing onto some of the larger boulders for those epic, cinematic shots. We love incorporating movement into our sessions—it brings out the natural energy and connection between a couple, and these two absolutely nailed it.
A stunning finish to a magical evening
The grand finale of the session was one of the most breathtaking moments we've ever captured. Cassidy and James stepped out onto a rock formation that jutted over the valley, holding each other close as the wind tousled Cassidy’s hair. There was something so poetic about the moment—the vast landscape around them, the quiet serenity of the mountaintop, and the undeniable love between them. It was as if time had paused just for them.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wrapped up our session feeling incredibly grateful to have been a part of this special chapter in Cassidy and James' story. Their adventurous, down-to-earth nature made this engagement session an absolute joy to capture, and we know their wedding day will be just as magical.
