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Mountaintop Engagement Session at Max Patch Mountain

This mountaintop engagement session in North Carolina set my soul aflame. I fell in love with Max Patch Mountain, with Jenny and Matt, and with this sunset that would rival any sunset in the world.

This mountaintop engagement session in North Carolina set my soul aflame. I fell in love with Max Patch Mountain, with Jenny and Matt, and with this sunset that would rival any sunset in the world.

These two embody the adventurous spirit of mountain chasing, of high-peak love, wild spirits and hearts on fire. Matt proposed to Jenny on a backpacking trip. It only made sense that we would dance on mountaintops for this love story.

Max Patch Mountain is about a 3 hour drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it’s worth every mile and minute to get there. A beautiful drive, a decently easy hike (it is uphill with a heavy incline, be sure to take your time and admire your surroundings… or pretend to do that while you actually catch your breath while trying not to look as out of shape as you feel…. or that’s my strategy at least.), with an incredible reward at the top.

We ran with those Sound of Music vibes with Jenny wearing a free-flowing black floral gown that perfectly suited the topography around us in western North Carolina. Because we weren’t planning on making that hike again immediately, they brought with them an easy change of clothes - yep, that meant changing in the wild - something you might have to do if you choose to have an adventurous love story session!

We spent the next hour drooling over the sunset, consistently amazed with how more and more dazzling it became with each passing moment. These are the love stories I live for.

Love mountain engagement sessions? Check out this one, too!

Want to book your own Mountain Love Story?

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Lookout Mountain Engagement Session

Bella and Matt made this really easy for me, even driving in from Atlanta for their session. They said they wanted mountain views, so mountain views there were - we even got way lucky with the tow planes flying over head! We ran around the mountain top, twirled on the curving roads, and snuggled in summer wildflowers. I don’t think there’s a better recipe for a perfect Tennessee engagement session!

Love stories and engagement sessions are my favorite thing to photograph.

There. I said it.

Now, let me explain. This is where we get to know each other. I get to hear about your love story, how you met, how you fell in love, how you adopted a puppy together, how the proposal happened, and the wedding planning is going. All the good stuff. This is where you get comfortable, better understanding how it feels to be in front of my camera, having clearer expectations of what wedding day might be like. This is where I get to observe what kind of couple you are - if you’re flirty and cute, if you’re serious and steamy, if you’re playful, or if you’re a bit intimidated by P.D.A., if you’re cool with my potty mouth, or down with the N.W.A., or if you know all the Hogwarts houses. This is when all that magic happens.

Engagement sessions also give us more control. We get to pick where we want to shoot, we get to figure out what sort of vibe we want, what clothes would work best (always a big fan of neutrals and earth tones, or pop of flattering color like the red is on Bella’s skin tone!), and if there’s anything of big time importance you want to include and why (like your pup or the location where you met, or playing your favorite Super Nintendo game). It’s way less stressful than wedding day, and often times way more creative, and even better light.

Bella and Matt made this really easy for me, even driving in from Atlanta for their session. They said they wanted mountain views, so mountain views there were - we even got way lucky with the tow planes flying over head! We ran around the mountain top, twirled on the curving roads, and snuggled in summer wildflowers. I don’t think there’s a better recipe for a perfect Tennessee engagement session!

couple walking through tennessee hills
couple standing on hills in tennessee
couple embracing during engagement photo session in tennessee hills
plane flying over couple holding hands
couple dancing over tennessee hills
portraits of newly engaged couple
couple looking at each other over tennessee hills
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5 Fun + Easy Date Ideas in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Happy Valentine’s Day! You’re here because you woke up and realized you didn’t make dinner reservations for a fancy schmancy dinner on this Day of Love. Or you’re here because that’s not really your thing anyways. So here are 5 alternative ideas for a fun Chattanooga, Tennessee date day!

1. Adventurers: Hike TN Trails

By now you’ve realized you live in a city built for the outdoors. Mountains, rivers, waterfalls - Chattanooga has got it all! Plan a fun and easy hike day to see new views, bring along a hammock, and kick off your shoes while you listen to the sounds of nature surrounding you. Find trails on your own or discover new ones together. I love using the AllTrails app for this. It has detailed maps, user reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings. Really wanna wow your partner? Bring a speaker, a book of poetry, and pack a picnic!

Check out some of our favorite trails below!

This is Glen Falls Trail on Lookout Mountain. Fun and super easy, the rock formations remind me of Rivendell in Lord of the Rings!

Chickamauga Creek Gorge is a local’s favorite during the summer for swimming in the natural springs. But during the winter, the views and rushing water are unbeatable! You can even shimmy your way out onto massive boulders for that picnic lunch!

Cloudland Canyon is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga in Georgia, and it’s so worth it! Up top are epic views of the surrounding valley as well as views of the multiple waterfalls scattered throughout the park. Cloudland Canyon even offers backcountry treks as well as biking and camping. Make a weekend out of it to explore as much of the state park as possible!

Cloudland Canyon is super diverse. From those sweeping views up top to the waterfall pool at the bottom, you’re going to want to come back here again and again!

While it’s a well-known and high-trafficked trail, it’s for good reason. Sunset Rock has views you’ll never get tired of. Each time I’m there, it’s different. Whether it’s rain storming across the valley, or a blue cold day - the colors that fall over the Tennessee valley are consistently breathtaking. While you’re there, you’ll see repellers on the cliff - stay for sunset, it’s called Sunset Rock for a reason!

You can hike the trail from Craven House or park at the top and walk down. Keep in mind that parking is very limited and sometimes risk waiting for quite a while!

The Tennessee River snakes through the city on one side, and wide expansive mountain views to the other at Sunset Rock.

Opposite of Sunset Rock is Snooper’s Rock. Best at sunrise whether the sun is shining or not. We were there one morning where the sun stayed hidden, but instead fog filled the valley, making us feel like we were in the clouds. Bring along a thermos of coffee, and watch as the fog burns away and the Tennessee River reveals itself below.

2. Urban Assault: Explore downtown Chattanooga, TN like a Tourist

So what if you’re a native born and raised. When was the last time you wandered around the city like it was the first time? Every time I do this, I’m reminded just how beautiful Chattanooga truly is.

Get lost exploring the alleys and sculpture work in the Bluff View Art District. There are beautiful gardens, and fountains hidden behind buildings, and fantastic coffee and an even better patio at Rembrandt’s Coffee House. After that, stroll over to the glass bridge outside of the Hunter Art Museum, and make your way down to Chattanooga’s iconic walking bridge - the Walnut Street Bridge. Take your time and listen to the street performers while taking in the sunset - there’s a reason this is the city’s number one proposal spot!

Looking for the perfect Instagram post? Go on an urban scavenger hunt to track down all the incredible wall murals we have! Did you know the polka dot wall has its own Insta account - it knows when you’re taking pictures of yourself.

Don’t miss out on the famous Donut Wall on south Broad Street! And then head into Koch’s Bakery to grab some donuts you know you need now.

3. Couch Dwellers: Plan an In-Home Date, Perfect for Introverts

Sure, we could blame it on the weather, but why don’t we just own up to it, instead. Spending an hour getting ready to squeeze into tight clothes and go eat expensive tiny portions just isn’t for everybody. Make it a Pajama Party, but be intentional with it. Order the pizza, pop the corn, soften the ice cream out on the counter. Go ahead and choose what to watch on Netflix - oh my god, that’s so hot. Not spending 30 minutes trying to figure out what to watch, and just watching- WOW. Be extra cute, and build a fort in the living room complete with twinkle lights and board games.

Put the phones away and just enjoy each other’s company! Remember playing that game where you’d push against each other’s feet like arm wrestling… but for your toes.

Yep, go ahead and chase each other around the house. You’re bound to end up with a stubbed toe, but then your love-ah can take extra sweet care of you.

Share a cup of coffee and actually listen to each other!

4. Book a Tiny Room: In a Tiny House!

Sure, sure hotel rooms are cool. What’s cooler? A whole house! A whole TINY house! This movement has stormed the nation, and it’s such a fun experience! Stay for the night and prepare for snuggles and cuddles as you’re forced to cozy up in this small space!

Check out Live a Little Chatt! Not only are the houses cute and tiny, the views are grand and beautiful!

Thrill-Seekers: Try Something New Together

Chattanooga has no shortage of experiences to try out! We’ve got stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, rock-climbing, not to mention open-mic nights, cooking classes, axe-throwing, bike rentals, even these things we call the Ducks, and, of course, plenty of paint and sip classes. Talk about something you’d both be interested in trying and just go for it! Groupon is actually a great place to discover new experiences!

Longboarding in Chattanooga’s historic St. Elmo neighborhood! Not only is it good exercise, you also look like a total badass!

Fearless? Try Hang gliding! The Lookout Mountain Flight Park is the perfect place to get that adrenaline rush! If that’s a little too much, pack a picnic and hang out at the overlook and just enjoy watching the gliders!

Take in the beautiful scenery… of both local art and American artwork. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to HART Gallery on Main Street and In-Town Gallery on Frazier Avenue, you can make a whole day exploring fine art while you browse local boutiques and stop for local craft beer along the way!

Another fun date idea?

A love story photo session! Hire a photographer to third-wheel your date and snag photos of the two of you being all sweet and lovey-dovey. Trust me, they’ll love it!

But no matter what you do, remember to express to those you love, just how much you love them. I mean, yeah, Valentine’s Day may be a silly consumer holiday, but ignore all that crap, and use it as an excuse to spoil the ones you love. You don’t need chocolate and roses (but I mean come on, who doesn’t love chocolate). Chattanooga offers so much that you barely have to do anything!

Alright you Lovebirds, go get your Date on.

Discover & share this Love GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

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Engagement Taylor English Engagement Taylor English

Greenway Farms Engagement

I hope these images can accurately express the love these two share, the fun we had during this session, the adventurous spirit they brought - not minding to lay in the damp, mossy grass for a good image, the smiles and laughter and closeness they share.

We hiked around Greenway Farms, overlooking the old rock quarry, choosing our trails and paths and allowing them to let the images take shape. It was a gloriously cloudy overcast day in the fall, letting the trees show off their beautiful fiery colors for us.

I know their wedding this upcoming weekend at Church on Main will be just as filled with love and joy as they were during their engagement session!

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A Couple's Session at a Car Wash with a Chevy SS

You know all those images you see blow up on Instagram, and you think, “Man, I’d love to have images like that!” Half the time, those engagement pictures or that love story isn’t in some crazy epic location that most of us don’t have access to.

Most of the time, it’s in Taco Bell parking lots, or they’re walking around Target and pushing each other in carts, they might be in a movie theater making out in the back, or sitting on the curb of a grungy liquor store. Those are the images that “go viral,” because those are stories we can all relate to.

Every single one of us has pulled up to Sonic on a Friday night to order a Blast and sit on the trunk of our car. Every one of us has tried to trip our romantic partner as we walk down the long aisles at Walmart. Those are the cute every day moments that make us fall in love - the ones that happen in every day places. Yes, traveling to those grand epic locations is incredible, but those trips are few and far between for most of us.

This is where it happens - washing your car on a Sunday summer afternoon, watching her pull her up off her hair neck, lazily laying around watching the sun disappear. These are the moments I adore the most - as a photographer, as a lover, as a human. I know what it’s like to run around barefoot and spray each other with the water hose.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box for your photo session. Bring me all the ideas. What does a typical Sunday look like for you? Is it making breakfast and binging Netflix? Great, let’s shoot that. Let’s build a pallet on the floor and make waffles and I’ll capture the two of you being you. Is it household chores - washing clothes, yard work? Awesome. Let’s go the laundry mat and plant flowers in your garden bed. Is it grocery shopping and grilling out? Okay, let’s go to the Farmer’s Market for fresh veggies, grab beers, and head back to grill and play cornhole.

There are so many everyday moments we can capture - the moments that made falling in love with your person the biggest and best part.

So, now, feast your eyes upon these total babes who have all the #hairgoals!

Couple kisses outside of an old car wash in Chattanooga, TN
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Tiny House Love Story | Longmont, Colorado | Taylor English Photography

Ashley and Kurtis are one of my favorite Colorado couples, and I've had the photographic honor of working with them before - I mean, come on, could they be any cuter!? 

These two built this tiny house - entirely on their own. This is the stuff of Pinterest-dreams, totally swoon-worthy, and who wouldn't be obsessed with those touch of peach accents!? They share their tiny space with their pup Pike and their hopper - a bunny! He was a bit shy for pictures. I just cannot get over that they built this adorable tiny home. It's the perfect space for all the cozy snuggles, patty-cake on loft beds, and patio hangs with epic Colorado sunsets. 

But these two are already onto their next adventure - they sold their tiny home and are moving to a new city! I don't doubt that their tiny home experience is over just yet. But here's hoping I get to shoot the next chapter of their life - wherever that may be too! 

Tiny Home love story photo session playing patty cake in loft bedroom
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