north carolina engagement photos at rough ridge overlook in north carolina

North Carolina Engagement Photos at Rough Ridge Overlook

North Carolina has become one of our favorite destinations for engagement sessions and wedding photography. During the autumn months, gold, orange, & red foliage covers the Blue Ridge mountains. It creates a stunning backdrop for romantic photoshoots like Brian & Tamara’s North Carolina engagement session.  It was an honor and a privilege to get to capture stunning images of their love story at one of our favorite engagement and wedding locations just one week before Hurricane Helene devastated the area.  Their engagement session will forever hold a special place in our hearts for many reasons.

Why Rough Ridge is a Top North Carolina Engagement Spot

The best part about meeting couples for engagement sessions is that we get to break the mold of what engagement photos are like.  It’s common for couples to be nervous or feel awkward when we begin a session, but we get to tear down those walls.  Brian & Tamara were no exception, but everyone relaxed as we began our hike around the mountain.  Rough Ridge Overlook is one of the top engagement spots in North Carolina, known for its breathtaking views.  As we made our way through the short hike up the mountain, we shared stories and laughter while getting to know one another in the beautiful setting.  The atmosphere was electric as we all gathered at the overlook, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and the anticipation of the evening’s sunset.

Tips for Planning Your NC Engagement Photos at Rough Ridge

There are several factors to consider when scheduling an engagement session at Rough Ridge.  Weather is a huge one!  The temperatures can vary from the parking lot to the overlook, and rain can show up completely unannounced.  The stunning views, however, are completely worth it and make this location a popular destination for visitors which can also make parking tricky.  In an effort to avoid crowded trails, we’ve shot sunrise engagement sessions at Rough Ridge before, but there was something magical about the sunset overlooking the North Carolina mountains.

A Sunset Mountain Engagement Photo Session

In early September, the trails were lined with the beginning colors of fall, the air was crisp & invigorating, and we couldn’t help but stop to take it all in.  Brian is a natural commentator and kept us laughing throughout our time together when we weren’t sharing stories or getting to know each other.  As the sun began to dip below the horizon and the sky transformed into a canvas of vivid oranges, pinks & purples, we stood together as a group to soak it in.  It was a moment of connection, not just with nature but with each other as well.

Blue Ridge Mountains Engagement Photos

We bonded over our mutual love for adventure and the outdoors, and knowing what we know now about Helene makes the moment that much more special.  It’s surreal to think that we shared the experience with Brian & Tamara in this area before it was changed forever by the storm. We’re so thankful we got to enjoy it one last time with such an amazing couple to capture their story. During our time together, we were able to make long lasting memories and broke the stereotype of photography and what they thought engagement photos should be.  Brian & Tamara’s North Carolina engagement photos are ones we’ll never forget!

North Carolina Engagement Photographer + Videographer

Hey, we’re Rychelle and Aaron! A wedding photographer and wedding videographer husband & wife team! We love photographing engagements, weddings, and elopements, especially in scenic locations like North Carolina! We would love to get to know you and help you bring your engagement photos to life! Learn more about us here, and then check out our engagement and wedding packages and let’s get you married!