When Courtney and Josh first messaged me they had mentioned that they do not live in the Asheville area, but planned on get married in Asheville. They mentioned they wanted a photographer that fits their vision. Of course that hooked me immediately because If they love my work and connect with it then I have a strong feeling we will work great together!
When we started talking about their engagement session I suggested this amazing Dome located at Asheville Glamping. I have always wanted to photograph here but never had the opportunity. Since Courtney told me that her and Josh were huge home bodies and their perfect date night was to cuddle up and watch binge watch Netflix with their dog, I knew this location would be perfect for them and it would be easy for them to fall into one another arms.
I just love their love story. This is how they met in their own words: “Josh and I met as 6th graders at our Middle School. Nothing sparked at the time except the small crush I developed. We were in most of the same classes and slowly integrated into the same friend group. Once we got to high school my crush had developed into something a little stronger. Still apart of the same friend group we both worried that we would jeopardize a friendship if we ‘went out’. After a couple back and forth’s, we began dating in the 10th grade. Fast forward past high school graduation, his bachelors and masters, my cosmetology career beginning, and his job in higher education accounting taking off. Our love developed, grew, and changed as the years passed. From puppy love to something that neither one of us can put into words most days. He’s a piece of me that I didn’t know I needed.We knew we wanted to be married. There wasn’t a question whether we would or not. Both of us knew that life without the other didn’t make sense. So of course I dropped more than a couple of hints about engagement rings. Every event that came up or anytime we travelled somewhere I wondered if now would be the time. For my Birthday in July 2017 we took our annual Bull’s Island trip. We have done it for 3 years now. Bulls Island is a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. As a lover of shelling and shark tooth hunting, I discovered Bulls Island and Josh has taken me for the past couple of birthdays. We hiked out to the boneyard beach area of the island. The ferry takes about 40 people to the island so once everyone spreads out to explore it is pretty secluded. We set up our umbrella and blankets to enjoy lunch and rest. In true Josh fashion he dropped to one knee then and there with the most perfect ring I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m not even sure what words were said because I was so surprised. It was the perfect proposal for us; private, intimate, and just for us. 10 years of continuous dating led to this moment. He didn’t even have to ask whether I’d marry him or not.. it was always him”.
In Courtney’s words she describes what she loves about Josh. “What I love most about Josh is that he has never asked me to be anyone but myself. He fully accepts my weird quirks, random obsessions, and scatter brained tendencies. He is my solid ground no matter how high I live in the clouds. Over our many years together our love has grown so much. He’s my best friend in this crazy life and I’m so incredibly lucky to call him mine”.
In Josh’s words he describes what he loves about Courtney. “One of the many things I have grown to love about Courtney over our 10 years together is her passion for creativity. Whether it be creating a beautiful hairstyle on a client or mastering a new craft, Courtney always brings a level of passion that amazes me. Courtney has showed me over the years that what I needed in a partner was someone whose strengths are completely different from mine. While my creativity may be lacking, Courtney continues to challenge me to adapt and grow in areas where she excels. Courtney has shaped the person I have become in more ways than she knows. And with her love, I know she will continue to shape who I am in the years to come.”
Of course after this cuddly steamy session we had to head to another epic location in Brevard NC. They choose to take photos at this amazing waterfall.
