Portraits

Blue Ridge Mountain Engagement Photos

Hey there! If you’re dreaming of mountain engagement photos that are equal parts romantic and adventurous, you’ve got to check this out. I recently had the absolute best time with a couple who loves their motorcycles almost as much as they love each other. We hit the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina for a session that was full of gorgeous views, cozy moments, and some seriously cool bike shots. Keep reading to see how we turned their love for the open road into a picture-perfect engagement shoot – and get some ideas for planning your own unforgettable session!

Man and woman hugging each other while looking out at mountains.

About the Couple: Michelle + Justin’s Love Story

So, let me tell you about Michelle and Justin – these two are the real deal. Their story kicks off with a modern twist: a Tinder swipe. Michelle had been navigating the dating scene in Greenville for a couple of years and was totally over it. Meanwhile, Justin had only been single for two months before their paths crossed. Their first date was at a Mediterranean restaurant, and they ended up staying until closing time, chatting away and discovering just how much they had in common. From motorcycles and EDM music to a shared passion for fitness and food, it was clear they were a perfect match. They fell in love fast, proving that when you find the right person, everything just clicks.

Now, their proposal story is one for the books. For Justin’s birthday, they planned a trip to Austin for a Moto GP race. Michelle was all about making sure the weekend was perfect, so the idea of a proposal never even crossed her mind. On the second day of the race, Justin suggested they take a photo by the COTA sign. Michelle thought it was a bit cringe, but Justin convinced her, even getting a random guy with a nice camera to snap the shot. Turns out, Justin had met this guy in the bathroom, told him about his proposal plan, and asked him to capture the moment. As they posed, Justin asked Michelle to put his jacket in her bag. When she looked up, there he was on one knee. Total surprise!

Although they aren’t big fans of having their pictures taken and often feel self-conscious, they wanted to feel happy, confident, and authentic during their session. Justin, who is incredibly athletic and a skilled motorcyclist, brings an adventurous spirit to their relationship. One of their favorite memories together is from their amazing trip to Spain last year, which was full of adventure and unforgettable moments.

Man and woman holding hands and laying in grass with flowers.

Engagement Photos in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Let’s talk about the Blue Ridge Mountain location of Michelle and Justin’s engagement session – the Blue Ridge Parkway in WNC. This spot is a gem for couples who want stunning mountain views without the hassle. Here’s what you need to know:

  • No Permit Needed: That’s right, you don’t need a permit to shoot here, making it super easy to plan your session.
  • No Hiking Required: You can enjoy incredible views without a strenuous hike. Perfect for those who want the beauty of the mountains without the workout.
  • Limited Cell Service: Heads up, there’s little to no cell service here. Make sure you have all your plans set beforehand.
  • Pet-Friendly: If you want to bring your furry friends along, this place is pet-friendly.
  • Low Crowds: One of the best parts is that it’s usually pretty quiet with very few crowds, giving you plenty of privacy.
  • No Restrooms: Plan accordingly, as there are no restrooms nearby.
  • Weather Conditions: This spot isn’t accessible during bad weather, and fog is quite common. Michelle and Justin’s shoot was enveloped in fog, adding a dreamy feel to their photos.

This particular spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway is extra special for Michelle and Justin. They frequently ride their motorcycles along this scenic route and always make a point to stop here. It’s become a meaningful location for them, adding another layer of significance to their engagement photos.

Mountain Engagement Photos Outfit Inspiration

Michelle and Justin nailed their outfit choices for their engagement session, offering great inspiration for future couples. They went with two distinct looks that perfectly captured their style and the vibe of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For their formal outfit, Michelle wore a stunning long, white dress while Justin rocked a stylish blue suit. These outfits were a perfect match for the lush greens and vibrant blues of the mountain scenery, adding a touch of elegance to the natural backdrop.

Man and woman holding hands and walking with mountains in background.

Their second outfit was more casual and totally showcased their personalities. Both wore black jeans and their motorcycle helmets, which is exactly what they’d wear on one of their rides. This look was not only authentic but also added a fun, adventurous twist to their photos.

And just a quick tip for future couples – Michelle and Justin did an outfit change next to their car since there are no restrooms at this location. With no crowds around, it was no big deal and worked out perfectly!

Mountains & Motorcycles

The theme of Michelle and Justin’s engagement session was all about combining their love for the mountains and their passion for motorcycles. This unique blend made their photoshoot truly special and personal.

Woman hugging man while they ride a motorcycle.

Their mountain engagement photos perfectly showcased the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, with its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. But what made their session stand out was the incorporation of their motorcycles. These bikes aren’t just a mode of transportation for Michelle and Justin; they’re a shared hobby that brings them joy and adventure.

Throughout the shoot, they seamlessly integrated their motorcycles into the photos. Whether it was posing with their helmets on, capturing moments of them riding, or simply leaning against their bikes with the mountains in the background, every shot highlighted this important aspect of their relationship.

Incorporating their motorcycles was important to them because it’s a significant part of their love story. They frequently ride the Blue Ridge Parkway together and always stop at this special spot. By including their bikes in the session, they not only celebrated their shared passion but also created photos that are truly reflective of who they are as a couple.

Close up of man and woman's feet on motorcycle.

Love Note from Michelle + Justin

“My partner and I came into this experience with a lot of nerves. There’s always so much pressure when you want to make sure you’re capturing such an important milestone of your relationship. Tessa was so genuine in her process of getting to know and understand us as a couple. While shooting, she made us feel like we were the cutest couple in the world and the awkwardness and nerves melted away! She understood our vision and gave us the perfect amount of direction. My Pinterest board was brought to life and she even managed to get some shots I didn’t even know to dream of! I would 100% recommend anyone work with her for engagement or even for your wedding day!”

Michelle

Woman sitting on motorcycle and man standing beside motorcycle with mountains in the background.

Fun Ideas for Mountain Engagement Photos in WNC

Planning your own engagement session in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Here are some fun ideas to make the most of your time in this beautiful area. From cozy Airbnbs to scenic hikes, there are plenty of ways to turn your photo session into an unforgettable adventure.

Cozy Airbnbs to Stay Nearby

Little Mountain A-Frame | Old Fort, NC

The Nook | Swannanoa, NC

Modern Creekside Retreat | Asheville, NC

Nearby Hiking for Adventure Lovers

Devil’s Courthouse Trail | 0.8 mile hike

Black Balsam Knob | 1.4 mile hike

Craggy Gardens | 2.2 mile hike

Man kissing woman on the cheek in a motorcycle mirror.

TESSA

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I'm a micro-wedding and elopement photographer in Upstate, South Carolina. My style is documentary—I love capturing the in-between, unposed moments between you and your love. I strive to know you and capture you at your most authentic.

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