Charlotte North Carolina Raffaldini Vineyard Engagement
Like so many things in 2020, Lindsey and Brandon’s engagement session didn’t go quite as planned. Originally, we had envisioned a breathtaking session in the mountains just a few hours outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. The location was carefully chosen—rolling hills, stunning overlooks, and that crisp mountain air. But as luck would have it, the day of their session, the weather had other plans. It wasn’t just a little drizzle—it was a full-on downpour!
As we navigated the reality that rescheduling was necessary, we quickly realized that our weekend availability was almost entirely booked. With Lindsey and Brandon’s busy schedules, we knew we needed to pivot and find a new plan that worked during the week. The only challenge? A weekday meant less time to travel, so our original mountain location was no longer an option.
Finding the Perfect Backup Plan
With our location now up in the air, the search was on! We bounced around multiple ideas, from local parks to gardens, but nothing quite matched the vision we originally had for their session. Then, Lindsey came across Raffaldini Vineyard and Winery, just outside of Charlotte—and it turned out to be the perfect fit!
Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, Raffaldini Vineyard feels like a little slice of Italy. With its charming stone villa, sprawling vineyards, and the Blue Ridge Mountains painting the backdrop, it transported us straight to the Tuscan countryside. Not to mention, we had the chance to start the session with a glass of wine—definitely not a bad way to kick things off!
A Session Worth the Wait
When the day of their rescheduled session finally arrived, we were met with the most gorgeous weather—clear skies, warm golden light, and not a raindrop in sight. We traded in the gloomy storm for a sun-soaked evening that felt straight out of a dream. And the best part? Since it was a weekday, the vineyard wasn’t super crowded, giving us free rein to explore the grounds without interruption.
From the moment we started, Lindsey and Brandon were absolute naturals in front of the camera. They laughed, twirled, and soaked in every moment together, making my job effortless. One of my favorite parts of the session was capturing them in the vineyard rows, the golden hour light spilling perfectly over the landscape. There was such an ease to their love—completely natural, effortless, and full of joy.
We ended the session just as the sun began dipping behind the mountains, casting the most beautiful glow over the vineyard. The change of plans may have been unexpected, but in the end, it turned out even better than we could have imagined.
Why Flexibility is Key
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing weddings and engagements, it’s that sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected. Sure, we had to shift plans, but had we not? We might have never experienced the magic of this Italian-inspired vineyard setting. This is exactly why I encourage my couples to embrace flexibility—because, in the end, the heart of an engagement session isn’t just about a perfect location or perfect weather. It’s about celebrating love, capturing authentic moments, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Lindsey and Brandon’s vineyard engagement session was the perfect example of how, sometimes, Plan B turns out even better than Plan A. And after this unforgettable evening, I think it’s safe to say—it was well worth the wait!
