When Andy reached out to me about proposing to his best friend, Alli, at Max Patch, I was psyched. It’s a bit of a drive from Asheville, but the Blue Ridge destination is such a dreamy spot for such a special moment, and the two would be driving from Charlotte, NC to stay for the weekend.

Andy told me over the phone that he, too, was a photographer. So we devised a plan that included his camera. Once him and Alli climbed to the top of the mountain, they paused for a moment to take in the view. Then, Andy asked Alli stand up and pose for a few photos. But instead of reaching for his camera, Andy pulled out a ring from his camera bag, and the proposal began.

The plan (thankfully) went off without a hitch, and afterwards, we took some photos amidst the beautiful mountain backdrop. 

The love and friendship between these two was clear, which made the session feel incredibly natural and fun. Plus, Max Patch was sprinkled with wildflowers (mostly buttercups), which added an extra magical element to the photos, despite a mostly clouded-over sunset. 

Can’t wait for more engagement and proposal photography sessions like this one!

I love an engagement photography shoot or a couples photography shoot that has a theme. This one was centered around Lake Powhatan, tucked inside Pisgah National Forest just outside of Asheville. 

I love how playful this session felt. I got to initiate some splash battles, and capture plenty of fun moments running around the shore. When Abi and Liam said they were down to go fully into the water, I was psyched. We wrapped up the shoot with a few floating photos just before closing hour at the lake.

I’m looking forward to more creative couples photography sessions like this one. My goal is always to capture just how romantic and playful true love can be. 

Interested in documenting your connection? Let’s chat!

I loved this portrait session with Onalee up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I chose a location just outside of Asheville, NC near the Mills River Valley Overlook and kicked off the session around golden hour, continuing on after dusk, using a headlamp to light the scene.

Onalee gave me free reign to creatively direct this portrait photography shoot, so I played around with a lot of ideas, including double exposures, long exposures, and some photography in motion shots. I’d love to do more creative portrait sessions like these. It’s always fun to think outside the box!

Gorgeous, right? This is what your photography session could look like if you book your engagement, anniversary or couples shoot in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville, NC. 

It was such a joy to capture Lauren & Beau on this beautiful spring evening at Craggy Gardens. I did a lot of playful posing for this session, while capturing their laughter and tender touches in between. A beautiful sunset capped off the evening, as well as some candid moments beneath the moon.

I can’t wait for more photography sessions like this in Asheville and the surrounding area.

Interested in booking an engagement photographer or a photo session to celebrate your love? I’d love to connect. Get in touch at GraceDPhotos@gmail.com.

So you want to take your “boudoir” session outdoors? Sign me up. These have easily become one my favorite types of portrait sessions.

Technically, “boudoir” means “a woman’s bedroom or private room”. But throw out semantics for a second, and picture this: You. A mountain / waterfall / golden hour sunset / [insert any other epic outdoor scenery]. And a photographer (me!) there to capture it all, while guiding you into poses that make you feel *fire*.

That’s the kind of boudoir that I think is hot. Naturally beautiful. Because nature is beautiful. And so are you.

Recently, a client booked me for a four-season shoot. This was the “winter” photography session. We chose to shoot on a snowy day at the top of Roan Mountain on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. And the experience was magical. Drop-dead gorgeous, all around. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can create in the remaining seasons.

If you’re interested in booking a boudoir photography session but are hesitant about what that experience might feel like, give me a shout. It doesn’t have to involve you being half-dressed in the middle of winter. But it could. I’m happy talk about options in and around Asheville, NC. Send me an email to connect.

It was so much fun hanging out with the Sprachman family for this family photography session in the park. I love shoots where the kids get to run around and the whole family joins in, whether that’s at a hiking spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or a park area, like the North Carolina Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens, or the Biltmore in Asheville. Can’t wait for more family sessions like this one!

New life is so precious, and it feels like such an honor to get to capture it. Laura and Wes wanted to do a newborn photography shoot outdoors, so we chose the Asheville Botanical Gardens as the location. It’s a good spot for spreading out a blanket and having a casual family session. 

It happened to start raining during the shoot, but we still were able to capture so many adorable moments. Their two dogs even joined for some of the photos. 

I can’t wait for more family photo sessions like these as the weather starts to warm up this spring!

My favorite family photography sessions feel like I’m simply coming to hang out. Maybe we’re embarking on a Blue Ridge hike together, having pillow fights in the living room, or venturing out for an outdoor picnic within Asheville. I’m in the midst of the activities, but also somewhat in the background, observing the natural moments and capturing all of the beauty of love, family, and connection. 

I’ll pose you for a few fun portraits throughout the session, but much of my time is often spent capturing candids. The laughs, the kisses, and yes, with kids, sometimes a few tears, too. There’s memories in those moments, and that’s what I want to catch for you to look back on.

Currently I’m booking sessions in Asheville, and the surrounding region, including Weaverville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and beyond. Whether you’re here on vacation or local to the area, give me a shout if you’re seeking a family photographer — I’d love to spend an afternoon hanging with your fam!

Fun fact: I almost went to the Culinary Institute of America, but backed out last minute and wound up in a career where I photograph food and drinks instead.

My love of the hospitality world still goes deep, and so when I get the chance to collaborate with a local restaurant or brewery owner, I’m always so psyched. Currently, I’m working with clients in Asheville, NC, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC and the surrounding southeast region. 

This latest shoot was for Boojum Brewing in Waynesville, NC. I photographed a variety of menu items, as well as some beer and drinks. I’ll be going back soon to capture staff in action, as well as some interior photography. This was a fun one, and I’m excited to collaborate again!

With a background in journalism, I always love editorial and magazine shoots. This latest assignment was for a global food feature for WNC Magazine, which took me to many of my favorite Asheville restaurants.

I opted to shoot using a hard flash photography style, one of my favorites these days for showcasing the natural vibrancy of food and cocktails.

I look forward to collaborating with other local publications across the southeast region in the months to come. Hope to incorporate some creative portraits as part of my next shoot!