Engagement Session at Maxpatch North Carolina / Jessica + James / Kentucky Wedding Photographers

I have had the pleasure of photographing Jessica + James since 2017. They came to me as a couple, wanting photos at the spot that is special to them, Conley Bottom in their hometown. Unfortunately, just the other day Conley Bottom Marina and Restaurant was destroyed in a fire. Their community is now coming together to help put the place back together that they all love so much. You can purchase Conley Bottom T-shirts from a local artist to help with relief here - TSHIRT LINK!

So now, JESSICA & JAMES are ENGAGED! Since we already photographed them in Wayne County, we decided to take a day trip up to Maxpatch Mountain in North Carolina. It was so pretty the entire day, when we finally started trekking up the mountain, IT STARTED POURING! I mean literally pouring. Jessica & James shared an umbrella but it wasn’t long until James gave it completely up to Jessica. James was SOAKED and Jessica said, “You are the only person I would do this with.” Oh man, be still my heart <3 When we finally reached the top, the rain cleared and we were left with soaking wet clothes and the most beautiful half rainbow. The sun finally came out at the end.

They love each other so fiercely. They’ve made a pact to love each other until the very end. They are full of adventures, pushing each other to be the absolute best versions of themselves. I am so happy we were able to go to Maxpatch for their engagement session, not only are the photos BEAUTIFUL, but I think it’s a good representation of the mountains they will climb for each other.

I hope you enjoy viewing my favorites of their session :)

-Taylor

Engagement Session at Max Patch Mountain North Carolina / Dakota + Mackenzie

Dakota and Mackenzie knew exactly where they wanted to go for their engagement session and that my friends, was Max Patch Mountain in North Carolina. To say that they were prepared for whatever would be an understatement. We first met at a campsite along the long gravel road you follow up the mountain. It was perfect with a small waterfall, and a place to build a fire. They set up a tent so that they could change clothes with ease and they love camping so we did some with the tent (which also matched their first outfits.) Mackenzie also brought a mirror for outfit changes (why do I never do that? That is such a good idea!!)  Dakota brought his guitar that Mackenzie gifted him when he came back from basic training. We had him play her a song as they were sitting on a log. He played "I see Fire" by Ed Sheeran which is like the most beautiful song if you've never listened to it.

*Cue all of the hopeless romantic sighs*

We also built a fire, and when I say we, I mean Mikayla (she came along to second shoot) and I found some twigs to use, while Dakota and Mackenzie did all of the real work.... haha. The wood was burning so quickly so we then had to find some thicker stuff. I never knew that you couldn't burn the still-alive-stuff so that was pretty embarrassing when Dakota was like "well, that has a little green on it." HAHAHAHAHAH. I am a nut. Please do not depend on me if we have to survive in the woods, friends. Once the fire was going, we made them slow dance and eskimo kiss <3 

We had a passed a crazy vibrant patch of yellow wildflowers on the way there that Mikayla and I were oohing and ahhing about so I suggested that we go back and visit those. These two are so cool, they were really down for anything. 

NEXT, we went up the mountain!!!! We decided to take the *easier* way up which ended up being harder probably and much longer versus just going straight up. But once we were up there, the light was golden and it was a 360 degree view of the most beautiful sight you could ever imagine. Mountains are my favorite landscape so I was in heaven. On one side of the view, was the golden sun and on the other, was a huge moon. It was surreal and it was amazing to be surrounded by people who loved the view just as much as you did in that very moment. If you have never been to Max patch, you should definitely stop what you are doing RIGHT NOW and go. You have my word, it is so worth the trip. 

Dakota carried Mackenzie down the mountain because it was freeeeeeezing and she was barefoot. They are so incredibly sweet together. He also helped her put on her shoes and take them off while we were on top. 

and as always, I have this overwhelming sense of gratitude that this is my life, and I get to spend it with couples like Mackenzie and Dakota who just love exploring and adventuring and being with each other and celebrating the little moments of life <3 

I cannot wait for their wedding day.. this is such a special couple.