Magical Waterfall Engagement Photos in Highlands, NC
When Noelle and Alex came to me with the idea of a waterfall engagement session, I could not contain my excitement! Knowing their inspiration— the film Fern Gully, really transported me into the world they wanted portray: colorful, mystical, and intentional. I actually watched the movie right after they mentioned it, and fell in love with the visuals and symbolism behind the message. It’s always a really special part of being a photographer, being invited into your client’s mind and creating something together that feels shared and alive.
We really took the chance to lean into the environment, letting the mist from the falls settle onto our hair and playing around with the moss and rocks to add dimension. Eventually giving way to the droplets finding their way onto our faces at any given moment. You’d see a drop land, followed by laughter right after. Connection and authenticity are at the heart of what I believe in as a photographer, so I like to allow space for the nature of their relationship shape the session. With their spunky hair, they truly embodied the picture of a “fairy,” and I loved every little detail about it.
Dry Falls, nestled in Highlands, North Carolina, is one of my favorite mountain roadtrips. Being able to actually walk behind the waterfall, feel the air shift, and take in the intricacies of the rock and moss feels almost unreal. It’s funny.. I would sometimes catch us just pausing and admiring the immersive space, unable to take our eyes off the water. Another perk is that it’s only a few flights of stairs from the parking lot, making it accessible for walking, maybe even in a wedding dress, wink wink!
We spent a good few hours out there, enjoying moments where they just stood close, laughing, exchanging inside jokes, completely soaked in the mist. Other times, they wandered beyond the gates (we were pretty sure it wasn’t allowed but anything for the picture right!?), venturing onto the moss and navigating the tree roots. At times, it felt less like a photoshoot and more like stepping into a little world of their own.
Shooting on film in a place like this just felt right. I remember my first time coming here and imagining what it would be like to photograph a session here. Definitely felt full circle to bring that vision to life with these two.
I had a few frames left on a roll of psychedelic film and thought it would be the perfect moment to use them. We were all in awe of how they turned out. Surreal to say the least!
If you’re dreaming of something a little more immersive, a little more connected to nature, whether in the mountains of North Carolina or somewhere that feels like your own version of magic, I’d love to be there to document it.
