Shenandoah National Park Road Trip
This past August, Sam, Cori, and I embarked on a little adventure, road-tripping up to Shenandoah National Park to capture some photos in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. It was about a four-hour drive from where we live, but honestly, those hours flew by. Between the endless conversations, laughter, and singing along to every nostalgic playlist we could think of, it felt like we were in our own little world. Road trips like this are always a reminder of how the best moments in life are often the simplest ones—just good company, a sense of adventure, and a gorgeous destination ahead.
We arrived at the mountains a few hours before sunset, with the sky already starting to glow in that soft, golden hue that photographers dream of. Our first stop was an open meadow that looked like it was straight out of a storybook. The wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the sun cast long shadows, giving everything a magical, golden-hour glow. Sam and Cori were an absolute joy to photograph. They have this incredible, effortless energy together that makes every shot feel authentic. Whether they were laughing mid-spin or sharing a quiet moment with the mountains behind them, every frame felt like a piece of their story.
After some time in the meadow, we decided to hike up one of the mountain trails. Shenandoah has a way of making you feel both incredibly small and immensely alive. The towering trees, the winding paths, and the promise of a panoramic view at the summit made every step worth it. And let me tell you, the view did not disappoint. As we reached the top, the Blue Ridge Mountains stretched out endlessly before us, the peaks fading into a hazy blue that seemed to go on forever. We stayed there for a while, soaking it all in, chatting about life, and watching the sun begin its slow descent.
The sunset that evening was nothing short of magical. The sky shifted through shades of orange, pink, and purple, painting the landscape in a warm glow. Photographing Sam and Cori against that backdrop was an absolute dream. They danced, laughed, and simply enjoyed the moment—completely present, and totally themselves. Moments like those are why I love what I do. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about capturing memories, emotions, and connections that will be cherished forever.
But, of course, every adventure has its unexpected moments. As we began our descent down the mountain, I started to notice a not-so-pleasant sound coming from my car. The mountain roads had apparently taken quite a toll on my brake pads. The grinding noise was, well, less than ideal. My brakes still worked fine, but every press of the pedal was accompanied by a noise that could probably be heard from a mile away. Imagine a four-hour drive home with that soundtrack. Let’s just say it became the unintentional comedy of the night.
A few hours into the drive, we decided we needed a break and pulled into an Arby’s drive-thru. And let me tell you, pulling up with brakes that screeched like a banshee made for a very memorable fast-food experience. We couldn’t stop laughing. By the time we hit the road again, we were absolutely delirious, finding humor in every single brake press. Every time that horrible noise rang out, we burst into laughter until our sides hurt. Sometimes, all you can do is embrace the chaos.
But despite the car troubles, that day will forever be one of my favorite memories. It was a reminder that life rarely goes as planned, and that’s what makes it beautiful. The mishaps, the imperfections, the moments you didn’t see coming—those are the stories you remember. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have friends like Sam and Cori who will laugh right along with you, making the best out of even the most awkward situations.
Speaking of Sam and Cori, they’re not only wonderful friends but also incredibly talented creators. They run their own business, Werrell Woodworks, where they craft the most beautiful custom wood pieces. From furniture to home decor, every piece they create is infused with craftsmanship and care. If you haven’t checked them out yet, do yourself a favor and head over to their Instagram. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about that day. The laughter, the beauty of the mountains, and even the ridiculous brakes all made it a perfect adventure. So here’s to road trips that don’t go as planned, to friends who make every moment memorable, and to finding joy in the unexpected. Life is an adventure—loud brakes and all.
Until the next one!
P.S. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever had a road trip mishap that turned into a hilarious memory. I’d love to hear your stories!
