Todd + Jenna- Hot Springs, NC. Sept 2024
Hi there!
Time really does seem to be flying by, doesn’t it? I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner, practically breathing down our necks. This past fall season was a blur of whirlwind activity for me—so much so that my head has only just stopped spinning.—I photographed three weddings in just two months. While that was a busier schedule than I’m used to, I was ready for the challenge and honestly I’m pretty happy with how everything turned out.
Let’s talk about one of those weddings: TJ & Jenna’s!!!
I’m almost at a loss for words on where to begin with these two. They’ve been together since 2015, and when I first met them in 2017, I recall thinking, “Are you sure you two aren’t already married?” That’s just how seamlessly they fit together- they have great chemistry, ya know- and their wedding day, in every sense, was a perfect reflection of who they are as individuals and as a couple. But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just a day—it was a bona fide weekend adventure!
We kicked off the festivities by heading to Hot Springs, North Carolina, a place that holds a lot of meaning for both of them. This tiny town, with its scenic mountains and the flowing French Broad River, has been their go-to getaway for the last nine years. They’ve vacationed there, camped under starry skies, swum in the river’s waters, and joined in on the area’s many festivals. For their wedding, TJ and Jenna found a cozy cabin right in the heart of Hot Springs, surrounded by some of their closest friends and family. My husband (who doubled as my amazing assistant/bag holder/lens-helper-changer/driver of the vehicle/person who reminds me to drink some water and eat something before I pass out) and I, decided to camp nearby to fully immerse ourselves.
On the morning of the wedding, Jenna got ready for her big day with her friends and family at a beautiful home that was tucked in a valley surrounded by beautiful hills. Weather-wise was perfect for a wedding. Sunny and blue skies. We even saw some deer, lol. The atmosphere was relaxed and low-key. Jenna’s friends and family really helped out so much and everything ran so smoothly. Jenna had a father reveal with her dad. I obviously cried-It’s so touching to see his face when he turns around to see his daughter in her gown about to get married. I’m gonna cry again just thinking about it. Then we did a groom reveal and TJ got to see Jenna for the first time in her wedding dress. You can see on his face just how much love and admiration he has for Jenna and obviously was in awe of how beautiful she looked.
After those intimate moments and wiping away all the tears, we then piled into a couple of cars and headed out to our little wedding adventure. We drove about 45 minutes up a winding (and crazy bumpy) road, hiked about a half a mile (Jenna in her wedding dress, TJ in his suit), we all ran past a swarm of yellow jackets and then finally reached the peak of Max Patch Mountain-a place that literally took my breath away. On the top of Max Patch there are 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains spanning North Carolina and Tennessee. I felt like I was on top of the world! Their dear friend Erin officiated the ceremony-and on top of that beautiful mountain is where TJ and Jenna officially became husband and wife.
After the “I do’s” and champagne we made our way back down the mountain (ran past the swarm of yellow jackets again) and returned to Hot Springs. The evening’s festivities continued at Big Pillow Brewing, where even more friends awaited, ready to celebrate, laugh, and raise a pint (or two) in honor of TJ and Jenna. Being at their reception felt like entering a genuinely close-knit community. Everywhere I turned, it was obvious how much these two meant to the people around them.
But life, as we know, can throw unexpected curveballs. About a week after their ceremony, Hurricane Helene devastated Hot Springs. The campground, the brewery, and nearly everything we had enjoyed just days before was hit hard, suffering extensive flooding and damage. In the blink of an eye, a place that had been the backdrop for so much joy and love lay in ruins.
And yet, hope endures. I’m heartened to say that Hot Springs is already on the mend, proving just how resilient this community is. Big Pillow Brewing is planning on reopening on Christmas Day to celebrate their 4th anniversary, and the town is rallying to rebuild what was lost. To know that a spot so woven into TJ and Jenna’s story—and now mine—can rise again is a testament to the spirit of people who refuse to be defined by disaster. Life moves forward, love persists, and we hold fast to the memories of that beautiful day on Max Patch Mountain.
So as the holidays approach and I look back on the season, I’m grateful. Grateful for the couples who trust me with their most treasured moments, for the challenges that push me to grow, and for the quiet resilience of communities like Hot Springs.
Here’s to the joy we’ve shared and the hope we carry into the new year ahead and congratulations to TJ & Jenna…newlyweds <3
