http://www.thistlewoodphoto.com/

Thistle + Wood Photo, Cumming, GA (2025)

02/08/2025

Almost two years of marriage, celebrated in the North Georgia mountains. 🌿✨

Vogel State Park gave us the perfect backdrop for their anniversary session, and we waited until closer to blue hour to really lean into the soft, emotive lighting. (MY FAV 🙌🏻) Even though it was a bright, sunny day, the magic happened as the sun dipped behind the mountains, creating a whole new dynamic with light that I’m obsessed with!

This is something I’m deeply passionate about—how light moves, how it shapes a scene, and how even “flat” light still holds endless possibilities. Just because the sun is behind a mountain or already set doesn’t mean it stops being a light source. You can still find backlight, sidelight, and even soft direct light depending on how you position your subjects. It’s more subtle, more of a challenge, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

📷✨ TIP: Even when the sun isn’t visible, think of it like a giant softbox still casting directional light. Look for the way it’s reflecting off the sky, bouncing off surfaces, or gently wrapping around your subjects. Blue hour is all about nuance—and it’s one of my favorite lighting games to play. 🤍

01/24/2025

This past weekend’s engagement session at Cloudland Canyon felt like something out of a dream. Winter is my favorite season, and this place during winter is a sight to behold. A week before the session, I saw the forecast: clouds and low fog. I’ve been to this park nearly 30 times, but these conditions? Absolutely unmatched. Watching the fog weave through the canyon while still being able to see the mountains was pure magic. ☁️🥹

And then my couple arrived, and somehow the day got even better.

They’ve been together for over four years, meeting during college in the middle of Covid. What started as a close friendship turned into the sweetest love story. They got engaged in September during a trip to Peru (so epic!) and love hiking, traveling, and adventuring outdoors together—basically, the perfect match for a setting like this.

I love sharing this place with couples who have a heart for adventure. There’s something about Cloudland in the winter—especially with fog rolling through—that feels so raw and ethereal. ☁️❄️

01/15/2025

If you know me, you know this is one of my special places. 🍁☁️

Amicalola Falls State Park isn’t just a stunning destination—it’s a sacred space for me. I used to come here weekly to walk, hike, and talk to God. The sound of rushing water, the towering trees, and the endless mountain views always seemed to reset my heart and remind me of what’s truly important. But as peaceful and inspiring as it is, I’ll admit that it can be a tricky place for photography sessions or weddings. With steep trails, heavy foot traffic, and the logistics of navigating the park, it’s no surprise that many photographers hesitate to take on the challenge.

When Madisyn reached out to me about documenting her intimate wedding here, she mentioned that I wasn’t the first photographer she’d contacted. Others had told her it just wasn’t possible. But the thing is, I don’t believe in “impossible” when it comes to love stories. I took it as a challenge, and I knew—deep in my heart—that this could be done.

And we did it. ☀️🤗

On one of the coldest days of the season, Madisyn and Dylan braved the frosty mountain air and made Amicalola Falls the backdrop to their remarkable love story. We finished the day after the ceremony beneath the tumbling cascade of the falls, the mist kissing their cheeks as they embraced. Later, we hiked to the mountain ridge-line, where the sun dipped behind the mountains, painting the horizon in soft, golden hues.

Intimate weddings like this one hold a special place in my heart. They push the boundaries of what’s possible. There’s something so beautiful about stripping away all the noise—the big venues, the guest lists, the expectations—and focusing solely on two people, their love, and the breathtaking world around them. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s deeply moving.

This day was everything I love about my job. It was proof that sometimes, when we lean into challenges and trust the process, we create something unforgettable.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding that dares to break the mold, I promise you—it is possible. And it’s so, so worth it.

01/14/2025

As the sun dips below the horizon and the world turns to shades of blue…my favorite time—I like to call it Lantern Hour—that magical time when the glow of a single lantern transforms a scene into something straight out of a storybook. ✨

From the misty mountains of North Carolina to the rugged coasts of the Pacific Northwest, these lanterns have traveled with me, lighting the way for couples who embrace the beauty of the outdoors and the intimacy of adventure. There’s something so timeless and romantic about their soft glow during blue hour, whether it’s illuminating vows whispered at a mountaintop or adding a touch of warmth to a foggy shoreline. It always makes me so happy when couples ask to use them.

Lanterns remind me that even in the quietest, dimmest moments, there’s light. Here’s to another year of chasing those moments and the glow they bring—no matter where the journey takes us. 🤍☀️

01/09/2025

It’s always the greatest honor when a fellow photographer trusts you to capture their story! This session was so special—watching Toni & Ryan let their walls down, have fun, and just be themselves is truly what makes these moments shine. is a remarkable photographer - please check out her work!

We explored picturesque bridges, tree-lined paths, and the dreamy glow of golden-hour light. From joyful laughter in the middle of the street to quiet, tender moments by the water, this time with these two felt like a perfect balance of playful energy and heartfelt connection.

It was a perfect evening 🤍🍁🍂

01/08/2025

The air was crisp, the leaves crunched beneath our feet, and the light had that golden autumn glow that only exists for a few fleeting weeks each year. As I walked up to the historic 1747 estate where Callan and Shane were getting ready, I could already feel that this day was going to be one for the books.

It wasn’t just the stunning location or the perfect weather—it was the energy. This wedding had the kind of warmth and intimacy that made everyone feel at home. Callan and Shane had poured so much thought into every detail, and it showed, starting with the incredible estate they chose to prepare for their big day.

The 1747 Historic Estate in Warwick New York where the couple got ready was a dream! This home wasn’t just a place to get ready—it was a masterpiece of character, charm, and natural light…think large windows spilling golden sunlight into rooms full of antique details. I was overwhelmed in the BEST way when I walked in. The space felt like something out of Pride and Prejudice, and it instantly inspired some of my favorite images to date.

Callan and Shane prioritized this location for a reason: they knew it would create a calm, inspiring atmosphere to start their day. And it truly set the tone. Friends and family gathered casually, lending a hand here and there, while laughter and excitement filled every corner of the house. We even took a moment to frolic in the piles of colorful leaves outside before heading to the ceremony—it SO echoed the carefree spirit of the day. 🍁🍂

THIS. This is why I’m such a big advocate of how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of the wedding. This sweet couple did it so well and we all felt the joy radiate from the start.

People ask me what my favorite part of a wedding to document., and though it’s close with a few others…I’m quick to say the start of it - the getting ready process. It’s the time I feel like I really get to launch into story telling mode and capture the details of the day, little interactions, and important moments that help tie the day together. 🤍

Let this be a reminder to pour into the start of your wedding day too. 🤍

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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Thistle + Wood Photo