http://www.thistlewoodphoto.com/

Thistle + Wood Photo, Cumming, GA (2024)

12/18/2024

Even though the reception was calling, Gallan and Shane didn't hesitate to linger for a little while longer for golden hour portraits. And this became one of the most peaceful wedding evenings in all my career.

They savored the stillness, the quiet moments of just being together before heading back to the lively celebration. That willingness to pause, to soak in the last bit of light, speaks volumes about who they are as a couple - intentional, present, and deeply in love. And the sunset light was unreal this evening!

You'll often hear me going on and on about how worth it is to carve out a few extra minutes for golden hour phot moments like this are exactly why. There's something uniquely peaceful about stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the day, even for just a brief moment, to connect with each other and the natural beauty around you. It's a chance to breathe, to reflect, and to capture images that are as breathtaking as they are meaningful!

When I look back at those photos, I'm reminded of why I love this part of the day so much. Golden hour isn't just about capturing beautiful images-it's about creating space for couples to slow down and savor one of the most incredible days of their lives. For Callan and Shane, this time felt like a perfect reflection of their wedding day as a whole: peaceful, intimate, and filled with the kind of light that stays with you long after the sun has set!

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12/03/2024

Blue hour used to feel too cold to me. That moody stretch of time after the sun sinks felt like a moment to avoid—too much shadow, too much blue, too much of the kind of real that doesn’t always feel polished. I always thought the colors were too heavy for portraits.

But now? It’s one of my favorite things to capture. It feels honest. Like these pictures of my husband and me on a quiet beach near Forks, Washington in Olympic National Park. (One of favorite places in the world) Using the tripod might’ve been difficult, the setup might’ve taken a bit of patience, but the weather was stitched together just for my heart, and I wouldn’t trade that evening for anything!

We wandered along the shoreline as the waves rolled in; the air was sharp and salty, but the kind of chill that doesn’t bite—it wakes you up instead. And as the light faded, the blue hour painted everything in soft hues that somehow felt both calm and alive. Just us, the ocean, and a world that felt like it was holding its breath for a little while.

I’ll be back in Washington May 23–31, and I’d love to tell more stories in the places where wildness meets calm. If you’ve been dreaming of a couples session or elopement surrounded by this kind of beauty now’s the time to book—no travel fees for these dates! 🤗

10/31/2024

Cynthia and Julio are two souls who simply love to be together— they had a beautiful, intimate wedding back in their home state, but they wanted something extra—they dreamed of a quiet place where they could be completely surrounded by fall color and the soft light of sunset. They knew they wanted to soak up every moment, and together, we found the perfect mountain to hold their words.

So, they traveled to the mountains to put on their wedding clothes once again and exchange vows with nature as their witness.

The fall colors hadn’t really shown up this season, but as I drove to meet them, it was like the mountains had saved their best for this one night. As we drove up, we were in awe, the trees alive in reds, oranges, and purples like a painted world around us. When we reached the top, they took their time. There was no rush, just the two of them leaning into each other, holding hands, watching the sunset with that look of quiet joy.

Right as the sun dipped behind the peaks, they exchanged their vows, pouring so much love into every word. For that moment, it felt like time slowed down, and the mountains were theirs. No wind, just perfect stillness, broken only by their words and the light painting everything in gold.

This is the kind of celebration that takes your breath away—stretching a wedding day across time, making it rich with meaning. Cynthia and Julio, thank you for letting me capture these memories, for showing me what it means to truly live in the moment. 🍂🍁☀️📸

10/22/2024

We all felt the importance of it as we made our way up the mountain, our breath misting in the cool morning air. As we reached the peak, however, instead of the sweeping sunrise we anticipated, we were greeted by a thick, impenetrable fog. The mountains, the valleys, everything was hidden. But in that moment, it felt like the world had narrowed its focus to just us.

Then came the ceremony. The family and Phil lined up, the fog still thick around…and then it happened—the first few notes of “Liz on Top of the World” from Pride & Prejudice started to play. The song floated softly through the air, and as Korrin stepped out, I felt time slow down. I often get so focused on capturing every detail of a wedding that I don’t always process the emotion in real time—but this was different. Tears welled up in my eyes as the moment unfolded in front of me. It was ethereal.

Everyone felt it. The fog seemed to hold us close, but as Korrin and Phil began to exchange vows, something incredible happened. Slowly, the fog started to lift, and as they shared their first kiss, the colors of the sunrise began to break through. Through the mist, the soft hues of sunrise painted the sky, and the distant mountains finally revealed themselves; we all watched in awe as the park revealed itself just in time to celebrate with them.

After the ceremony, we spent the morning chasing the fog and sunlight, exploring different parts of the park together. The family shared breakfast and coffee and enjoyed sharing easy time together. We hiked back down the mountain, and Korrin and Phil joined me for a spontaneous adventure through Shenandoah. We drove along Skyline Drive, stopping at every overlook we could, laughing as we ran through Big Meadows, the fog still lingering here and there. We even stopped at the visitor center to grab a stamp for their National Park passport and, of course, got a picture by the Shenandoah sign to cap off the day. Every moment was filled with so much joy, laughter, and pure adventure—it was a day that perfectly reflected who Korrin and Phil are as a couple. 🍂🤍🍁

09/27/2024

This sweet couple drove all the way up to Asheville, NC, just for their engagement shoot in the mountains! 🌄 And honestly, it’s not uncommon with my couples —there’s something magical about taking your love story to a new place, especially one with such incredible views. Making an experience or even a weekend out of your engagement session is the BEST way to do it in my opinion!

From exploring hidden trails to relaxing in cozy mountain cabins, it’s more than just pictures—it’s creating memories that last a lifetime. So if you’re thinking of planning your shoot, why not make an adventure out of it? I got a ton of cool places I can share with you too 😉

09/25/2024

This wedding was one of my favorites in all my career. 🥹🤍

It wasn’t because it was at some fancy, outrageous venue. It was at an airbnb tucked away in the North Carolina mountains.

It wasn’t because the details outrageously filled every corner of the day…in fact, the details were simple; but they were the most intentional, thought out, and absolutely lovely. From hand written letters to the guest, all the way to sand from Maryland and California - where the bride and groom are from - for their sand ceremony…everything held so much meaning.

It wasn’t because everything went along the schedule the exact way and the timing was perfectly planned…It was that this sweet couple gave me the most creative freedom to pour into helping their memories be preserved in joyous and unique ways. Like immediately going along with me when I told them I found this epic mountain-view field just down the road. (it wasn’t part of the venue, but we went for it even if it met driving off for 20-25 minutes during the reception 🙌🏻)

I couldn’t even share all I hoped to in this post…and I shared a lot but golly I am so thankful for couples who chose to share their story with me. And even more so, when they let their day be filled with meaning over perfection.

I’m telling you, this is how you set yourself up for a remake wedding day 🥹🤍🙌🏻🍂🍁

09/20/2024

First wedding of the fall season, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start 🍂✨. Shooting at Blackberry Ridge was nothing short of remarkable. The whole day had this magical, “Pride and Prejudice” vibe— aka my FAVORITE — the soft elegance, timeless details…I couldn’t get enough!

What made it even more special was how focused everyone was on joy and peace. Days like these, where everything flows smoothly and effortlessly, are what I live for as a photographer. 🤍

09/06/2024

As per usual with summer in the mountains…the weather didn’t go as the forecast planned for. 🤪

It was FULL sun when we pulled in, and as we hiked up (10-15 minutes) that’s when the clouds settled in. That’s how quickly weather can change.

What started as a cloudy accent quickly turned into a steady drizzle in the distance as we made our way up the winding trails. I could see the rain coming in, (silly me thought it was miss us) but we kept going! Despite the gray skies, the vibrant green of the mountain foliage popped against the fog, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere that made every frame feel intimate and cinematic. AKA my FAVORITE!

Long story short…the rain didn’t miss us. 🤪 and yet these two fully embraced the deluge of rain that dumped on us. And while we got absolutely soaked…it made for the most beautiful moments!

Rainy day sessions might seem like a challenge at first, but they often yield some of my favorite photos. Plus, there’s something inherently romantic about sharing an umbrella with your partner on a mountain top as the mist settles around you. 😉

So, if you find yourself faced with a cloudy forecast for your engagement session, don’t be discouraged. Some of the most stunning, memorable photos happen when you let nature take its course. Plus, who wouldn’t want to look back on their engagement session and remember dancing in the rain with the person you love?!

07/31/2024

I can’t resist sharing more from this session…I mean how often can you get moody clouds to start, A RAINBOW, and the most brilliant sunset lit up by rain all around you?!

This time of year brings unpredictable weather in the mountains, but it also brings weather like this too. And THAT’s why I love it!

I am headed back to the mountains today and I cannot wait to see what they bring 🌧️☀️📸🤍

07/26/2024

Summertime mountain sessions can be both wondrous and challenging, as the weather can create the most remarkable scenes, but also bring the unpredictable chances of storms and rain. 🌧️ ⚡️

As per routine, I had been closely monitoring the weather all week, which, true to mountain form, kept changing constantly… I THOUGHT I had found a window of opportunity, a break in the rain… but, as is common with mountain weather in North Carolina, the rain decided to join us. 🙈

As we reached the summit, the rain, miraculously, paused almost entirely for our session. It felt like a blessing; despite the rain surrounding us, we remained untouched. To be honest…you could probably hear me yelling in joy from the neighboring mountain because I was THAT happy. (Jenn and Jarrod could attest to this)

As the sun began its descent, it dipped below the cloud line, and the world around us was bathed in golden and orange hues. Every second the color and light was changing The rain illuminated by the sunlight appeared as if it were glowing orange fog. It felt like time had stopped, and we were witnessing God’s showing off his creation. Just as we were wrapping up, the rain finally reached us, but with the vibrant golden light and the rain combined, it was surreal.

This session became one of my favorites, not just because of the incredible weather but because of Jenn and Jarrod’s attitude and the connection we shared. It’s understandable if you don’t want to deal with the rain at your engagement session, but over and over again I am showed if you lean in and welcome the elements together, not only will you have incredible photographs to cherish, but the memories of the experience are so far beyond just “coming out to take pictures.” It will be an adventure – one that makes for a great story to share with your loved ones.

PLUS I always bring umbrellas with me – so I got ya covered 🌧️☺️

07/17/2024

B + L came to the North Carolina mountains to exchange their vows after getting married at the courthouse days prior, and let me tell you, it was the SWEETEST morning. Specifically because of their remarkable little ones they brought along. 🥹

It was COLD and rainy, but this family powered through for an emotional exchange of vows, frolicking through the fog and wind, rolling around in the grasses, and just filling soaking in the utter peace we felt on the mountain. 🌨️⛰️

Dresses got dirty, hair got messy, but laughs quickly followed, joy was radiant, and we made the most of what we were given. I’m so thankful for time with this sweet family - they reminded me how the importance of being present really makes everything so much more meaningful. 🤍

07/15/2024

This wedding. I always have a hard time narrowing down wedding images to share, but this wedding? Gosh I’ve been sitting here for an hour and I was only able to share half of what I wanted to share!

Taylor & Matthew had their wedding at one of my favorite venues in north Georgia! Though it was in a weekend In May, it was slighter cooler which made ALL difference. The people, details, and atmosphere was so intentional - I was blown away by the care and kindness that surrounded every inch of this day.

And Taylor’s bouquet?!? I couldn’t stop staring at it! It was utterly perfect!

I’m in my slow summer season right now, so having these wonderful spring weddings to relive is filling my tank.

Can’t wait to be back here this fall! 🍁⛰️🤍

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07/05/2024

I always have the hardest time posting full wedding photos because there’s so many I wanna share - and this was one of them!

had the absolute joy of capturing Adeline and Matthew’s wedding at the beautiful near Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you haven’t heard of this venue, it’s a charming, rustic gem nestled in the countryside, perfect for an intimate and cozy celebration.

🌸🌼 AND it’s also a flower farm that provides you with all the flowers you can have for your wedding. 🪻🌷

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the love and warmth radiating from this special place. The Barn at High Point Farms is more than just a wedding venue—it’s a working farm with the cutest animals you can imagine. Goats, chickens, and even a couple of friendly barn cats added an extra touch of magic to the day. The animals were such a hit with the guests, especially the little ones, and made for some incredibly adorable photo ops!

it was such a remarkable day, one you have to go check out on the blog on my website to really see the day and all its fullness! 🤍

✨ NOTE FROM THE BRIDE: ✨

“We received the pictures and are so obsessed with them. Having you as our photographer was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding day and I’m so grateful you were part of it! We will treasure these forever and I’m so excited to share them with all of our family and friends. You captured our day so beautifully and authentically💗 also, the blog post you wrote about our venue and our day was so beautiful, we loved reading it and reliving the emotions of the day. I’m so honored you chose to write about us!”

06/20/2024

A challenge I make for myself when I shoot at the same location over and over again is this: ✨

While I’m there, I try to find a new angle or spot I’ve never used before. It can be harder to step out of the routine of what you gravitate towards naturally, but these are the very things that fuels your creativity and goes against burnout.

if you fall into the same rhythm and pattern, your mind and heart is not pushed to lean into creativity. But instead, it flows with habit. Which is easy, but there isn’t an imaginative spark that encourages growth.

Ever since I followed this challenge, I found my creativity has grown profoundly! This shoot a huge example 💪🏻 I’ve shot this location at least 30 times by now, and at this session, I found two or three new spots I’d never noticed.

The couple was in the exact same spot as I normally have them, but I moved around, finding a new way to story-tell and set the scene.

It baffles me every time; when I can slow down, look around, it’s amazing the new ways I’ll find I can shoot. No matter how many times I’ve been to a location.

Burnout arises when we lose heart for what we love because we take on too much or we lean into the same patterns.

Creatively challenging yourself, like this, is can get you out of the mud and fuel you further. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box! 🤍

06/13/2024

I have gotten into the very bad habit of only sharing my work in my stories and forgetting to post. So let’s change that today 😋

✨ Elopement Perk: You get to be as flexible as you want ✨

Like these two, pick a spot as majestic as the Blue Ridge Parkway and:

☀️ Stop for lunch at a little cafe
☀️ Hope in for a visit at a quaint little bookstore
☀️ keep driving until you find the perfect mountain overlook
☀️ hike to an epic waterfall you have all to yourself!
☀️ watch the sunset together on your drive back

No pressure. No stress. But piecing together a day based on what you find. And THAT made this day such a remarkable joy.

Your elopement doesn’t have to just be at ONE place! Don’t be afraid to explore a little!

I’ve been sitting here for an hour trying to narrow down pictures from this day for this post…and I only was able to share a fraction of what I wanted.

So keep an eye out for a blog post soon! 😋

05/09/2024

If you are getting married anytime soon, soak it in. ✨

This time leading up to your wedding is SO special. Yes there are last minute things to do. Yes emotions are getting higher. Yes there will probably be stress.

But the anticipation, the joy of what is to come, and the uniqueness of this time is unlike any other.

This time a year ago I was getting ready to head to Scotland to spend a week with our closest family and friends adventuring all over the highlands together and getting married. It was the most remarkable week and our wedding - with all its imperfections - was utterly perfect. I still wouldn’t change a thing about it. 🤍

So now a year later - my heart, still filled with immense gratitude - also deeply misses that feeling of anticipation, the joy of what is to come, and the grand adventure of what was our wedding.

I think we get so lost in the stress, and running around, and the pursuit of perfection for our wedding day that we forget to be present in the time leading up. I can now say more clearly just how special this time can be if you slow down and really take it in.

So whether you’re getting married in a week or a year, just remember this. It all goes by so quickly, so Pursue presence over perfection 📸🤍✨

02/09/2024

This shoot was literally a dream come true for me. 🥹

For years I would pick the gloomiest and rainiest days to go walk at Amicalola Falls State Park. It was my thinking spot - my prayer walk - the only lace I went to be in nature and soak in being outside.

If you don’t know me my favorite weather is gloomy, foggy days. When it’s raining that’s my queue to go outside (maybe it’s the Scottish blood in me?!) when it’s sunny…stay inside. 😋

So over the past few years I’ve seen some of the COOLEST fog drift over the mountains and falls of the park - I e watched it glide through trees and settle around me. And goodness ever I wished I could catch it with a couple to photograph it in.

Then came these too…Krystal specially asked for us to try and make the shoot in a gloomy day if possible. But you can imagine my pure joy when she said this - another moody day lover! I was ecstatic!

To make a long story shorter…THIS is the weather we got. It was actively raining and yet this two just played in it together. At one of my favorite places. In one of my favorite weather conditions.

I couldn’t stop thanking them over and over for being so beautifully themselves and not letting rain hold them back. AND I got to live my dream of photographing a couple at the foggy Amicalola Falls and I’d been hoping for years for.

I will always look back at these photos and feel such immense joy and gratitude. I will continue to stand by the face that rain can 100% add to your photos if you just embrace it! 🤍🌧️

01/12/2024

Despite their hopes for a moody, foggy shoot, the sun decided to steal the show on what was supposed to be a rainy day.

We ended up being grateful for the unexpected sunshine because oh, it was COLD! Leah & Adam were absolutely troopers. 💪🏻

We rolled with the punches and turned the chilly vibes into warmth, capturing the genuine joy of this amazing couple. And guess what? The mountains had a surprise for us during blue hour – moody clouds slowly made their way in and added an extra layer of enchantment.

Lesson learned: the mountains may have their own plans, but when you go with the flow, every moment becomes remarkable.

Also, one could say I shouted very loudly when I saw them crack out their second outfit. It was very “Scottish” looking and Leah’s outfit was similar to what I wore on my wedding day in Scotland…so I was nerding out HARD!

I am so thankful for these two because of the absolute joy I got to have running around on mountain tops with them and 🤍

Thistle + Wood Photo