The woods seemed quiet and calm in Shenandoah National Park. The trail ahead of us was (thankfully) not very steep, and we could see for a couple dozen yards ahead of us. Suddenly, Hunter interrupted our conversation in a quiet but no-nonsense tone: “Guys. Stop. That’s a bear.” He was right. It was. A black bear. About 10 yards from us. Having sighted a black bear on another photoshoot only three days before (what a week amiright?), I had just done some research and was well prepared this time. Just make loud noises, no sudden moves, and the bear should run off, right? Just as we all started to clap our hands and wait for the bear to move along, two cubs stumbled out of the woods behind their mama. We stopped in our tracks and slowly began to back up. If I know anything about bears, it’s not to get between a mama and it’s cub. “Good thing we built ten minutes of trapped-on-the-hiking-trail-by-bears-time into the schedule, right?” I asked.

 

Bear sightings and all (they eventually continued on their merry way), we are still SO incredibly thankful that Andrew and Ellen were up for a short hike for their engagement session, because this location was everything we could have asked for and so much more! The light was golden, the mountains were breathtaking, and the rugged rocks were just plain awesome. The only thing we loved more than the location was Andrew and Ellen’s adventurous spirit, and their willingness to take on some tricky terrain, even in three-inch wedges (you go girl)!

 

Andrew + Ellen,

Hunter and I are beyond grateful that we were blessed to spend our Saturday evening with you two. You have such an incredible combination of gentle kindness and an up-for-anything adventurous attitude. It was evident to us after only a few hours that nothing is going to stop you two — not even bears! Watching you interact with one another and dance before this incredible mountain scenery showed us the depth of your love for one another and it blew us away. We are so excited to be a part of your wedding next year, and hear all about the many adventures you take on as husband and wife in the many years to come!

 

With love,
Sarah + Hunter

 

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If you’re interested in speaking with Hunter and I about your own wedding or engagement photoshoot, click HERE to get in contact with us!

 

If you’d like to view more of our photos including engagement sessions like this one, click HERE to check out our portfolio!