Roan Mountain Foggy Engagement Session
This past February, I met up with Matt and Sarah in the mountains along the North Carolina-Tennessee border for their engagement session. Due to the challenges of COVID, they had already gotten married, but they still wanted to celebrate with a beautiful session in the mountains. We initially had another location in mind, but our plans quickly changed when we discovered the spot was completely covered in snow and inaccessible. Thankfully, we were able to relocate to Roan Mountain at the last minute, which ended up working perfectly since they were coming from Tennessee and I was driving from Charlotte.
The drive up to the mountains was stunning. The sun was shining, the skies were clear, and everything seemed to be lining up for a perfect day. I could already envision the breathtaking mountain views in the background of their photos. But about 30 minutes before I arrived, the weather took an unexpected turn. A thick, heavy fog rolled in, wrapping the entire landscape in a soft, misty haze. The beautiful views I was anticipating were completely hidden.
When I met up with Matt and Sarah, I suggested that we head up the mountain and see if the fog might clear. You never know with mountain weather — sometimes it changes in an instant. But to my surprise, Sarah was thrilled about the fog. She smiled and said she actually loved the whimsical look it created. In fact, she had found me on Pinterest through a previous foggy mountain session I had done at Max Patch, so she was more than excited to recreate something similar. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I quickly let go of any disappointment I had about the lack of mountain views.
As we made our way to the top of Roan Mountain, the landscape truly transformed. The fog clung to the trees and hillsides, creating a moody, ethereal atmosphere. It was like we had been transported to the Pacific Northwest or even the Scottish Highlands. The mist softened everything, and it felt like we were walking through a scene from a fairytale. The best part? The fog seemed to keep other visitors away, leaving us with the mountain almost entirely to ourselves. Aside from a few hikers who would occasionally emerge from the mist, it was just the three of us, savoring the peaceful solitude.
We spent time exploring the trails, running through the open fields, and capturing moments of joy and laughter. Matt and Sarah were naturals in front of the camera, and their easygoing, adventurous spirits made the session even more memorable. There’s something about the fog that brings out a sense of intimacy — it made every moment feel even more magical.
Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the fog began to lift. One moment I was snapping photos with the mist surrounding us, and the next I looked up to see bright blue skies. I was so shocked I literally froze for a moment. It was like a curtain had been pulled back, revealing the panoramic mountain views we thought we had lost. The mountains stretched out endlessly, and the contrast between the moody fog and the crisp, clear skies made the day feel like two completely different sessions in one.
The beauty of the cleared sky was undeniable. Matt and Sarah laughed at how surreal the experience was, and we took full advantage of the new view. The warm February sunlight added a golden glow to the landscape, and we captured even more stunning shots as we soaked in the views. It was a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be and how sometimes the best moments come when things don’t go according to plan.
Reflecting on this day, it’s hard to choose which setting I loved more — the fog or the clear skies. The foggy photos have an enchanting, dreamlike quality, full of romance and mystery. The clear sky shots, on the other hand, feel expansive and joyful, capturing the vast beauty of the mountains. Each set tells a different part of the story, and I’m so grateful we were able to experience both in one session.
Matt and Sarah’s session was also a reminder of the importance of embracing whatever the day brings. Weddings and engagement sessions often come with unexpected challenges, whether it’s the weather, last-minute location changes, or little mishaps along the way. But when you let go of expectations and allow yourself to enjoy the moment, you often end up with something even more beautiful than you could have planned.
So, which photos do you like better? The moody fog or the clear blue skies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re dreaming of your own mountain engagement session, whether it’s in the mist or the sunshine, I’m always up for an adventure.
