David Howell Photography

Diving into the weekend like

For Natasha & Joey

There are weddings that feel like they belong to the present. Then there are weddings that feel like they’ve been happening long before us. Some weddings ask you to create. This one asked you to witness.

Inside the Catholic church, nothing was rushed. The light, music, and rhythm of it all asked you to slow down and be in the moment.

Families traveled from everywhere, even as far as Hawaii, to be there. Not just to witness something new, but to stand inside something that’s been passed down.

Then we stepped outside into the spring, into celebration, into the Upchurch where it all opened up. Laughter, movement, people who hadn’t seen each other in years holding onto each other like no time had passed.

Natasha. She was stunning. Effortless. The kind of presence that quiets a room.

I kept thinking this is why we do it. Not to create something new, but to recognize something lasting and to honor what came before it.

Planning:
Venue:
Ceremony:
Florist:
H&MU:
Rentals:
Catering:
Band:
Photo Booth:

Samantha

Mariam & Wyatt

Today’s cooler temperatures have me reminiscing on their quaint vineyard celebration—full of sunlight, texture, and a slower, more intentional pace.

Mariam had this playful, spunky energy while Wyatt brought his quiet, Southern warmth. It all just felt easy and naturally unfolded into something really beautiful.

Yianna & Trey | Casting lines and sharing wine

It was so fun standing by the stream’s shore capturing images of Trey guiding Yianna through a run in the river. As someone who’s been fly fishing for a while now, it was special to watch a couple in love share in something that’s meant so much to me. I stayed quiet along the bank, peeking through winter foliage and bare limbs, simply observing. It felt like I was capturing a real meaningful part of their story.

For a few years now, I’ve encouraged couples to take me somewhere that means a lot to them for their engagement session. Perhaps I’m showing my cards a bit here, but I really think this is the secret to capturing comfortable couples (CCC). While out on the water, I learned that Trey has created a non-profit for North Carolina Brook Trout which aims to conserve and restore these native fish and their mountain stream habitats. I felt like I finally won the engagement bingo card because their interests highly aligned so naturally with mine!

For Yianna, we went to the local winery down the road. Wine has become another activity they share. It’s an easy way to pause, relax, and settle into the quiet after a day on the water.