Meeting Joy and Jacob was just one of those amazing flukes. I was running an engagement session giveaway and Joy won it. Once I announced her as the winner, she emailed me her and Jacob's story, and I was instantly hooked. Some people's names just fit them, and Joy is one of those persons. Her joy truly overflows. As she shared her and Jacob's journey through dating and preparation for the wedding and marriage, I couldn't help but hear our own story in her words. Both Joy and I are English majors married (almost married) to men in ministry. We're both lovers of eclectic folk music, floppy hats, long books, and the mountains. When Joy invited me out to Asheville for the shoot to one of her and Jacob's favorite jaunts, I couldn't pass it up. We splashed in a waterfall, twirled in the Black Balsam trees, and hiked mountains, all the while listening to their dreams for what was to come. Hand in hand, atop the the rugged crags, with whipping wind that toyed with the ends of her dress and hair, they felt their adventurous hearts at home.

The thing about mountains is that they have a funny way of making you feel small. And feeling small, as a photographer, an artist, a creative soul really is a good thing. Whenever I'm brought to the mountains, it renews a humility in me when approaching this craft, and humility can always go a long way when trying to capture anything truly beautiful.