Noah and Julie's Mountaintop Proposal


I have known Noah for over eight years so when he asked if I would photograph his proposal to Julie, it was an immediate yes!

Noah was a groomsman in our wedding and I was thrilled to celebrate his own love with him.


Weeks before, Noah and I spent a few days talking back and forth to decide the best day and location for this moment. He was set on an evening on the Beacon Heights Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville, NC. We both went to Appalachian State University so this was basically our backyard for four years. I knew just what he had in mind and we were set!


Noah was genius and changed my contact name to "Potential Spam" in his phone so that Julie would have no idea he was planning their proposal as we spoke back and forth.


The day of the engagement we confirmed the timing and travel for each other driving up the mountain. I asked Carter, my husband, to come along so we can celebrate them together as dear friends and have a day date to Boone. The last time I was headed up the mountain was for another surprise engagement on the ASU football field when I was 37 weeks pregnant.


We planned to arrive at the lookout parking lot 15-30 minutes before Noah and Julie so we could follow behind them on the trail out to the view. With a ten minute "hike", Beacon Heights is the perfect spot for a dramatic mountaintop view without an extensive hike. We were almost found out when Noah and Julie drove right past us in the parking lot so we were quick to put our heads down! It's hilarious trying to hide from friends who would absolutely recognize you if seen.


They parked a bit away from us and began their walk up the trail. Noah was in a full suit so we couldn't wait to hear what story he had told Julie to get her all dressed up for a mountain hike. When the overlook was in sight, Carter stuck ahead to find the best vantage point. If we had followed them out to the opening they would see us without fail so we hid amongst some bushes and trees. Just as Noah was getting ready to propose, Julie saw the tip of my camera! She turned to Noah and asked "Is this really going to happen right now?" To which he replied, "Well, not until I get the signal."


One moment later he got a quick text from me to let him know we were ready! He dropped a knee and told her how much he loved her as he asked her to marry him. She said yes! After a few moments we walked to them and gave such big hugs! We followed to a new spot on the overlook for an engagement session to capture the sweetest anticipation as it settled into them that they were now engaged! After 20 minutes of photos, Carter and I gave them huge hugs and headed home to our littles. They celebrated with a nice dinner in Boone, NC.


Congratulations Noah and Julie! We cannot wait to celebrate you even more soon!