Asheville North Carolina Mountain Engagement
Courtney & Cody’s love story is one of serendipity, long-distance challenges, personal growth, and, ultimately, a full-circle moment that brought them back to where it all began. Their journey together is not just about romance but about perseverance, following dreams, and finding their way back to each other through life’s twists and turns.
Growing up in the same town of Roswell, New Mexico, Courtney and Cody had heard of each other but had never officially met. That changed when they found themselves in the same art class. Cody, being a grade ahead of Courtney, had always been someone she knew of, but it wasn’t until this class that their paths truly crossed. It wasn’t long before they formed a connection and started dating, marking the beginning of their on-again, off-again high school romance.
One of their most cherished memories from those early days was attending prom together. Courtney’s uncle, knowing how special the night was, lent them his classic 1967 Eleanor Mustang for the evening. Little did they know, this car would play a significant role in their story later on.
After high school, life took them in different directions. Cody graduated first and moved to Texas to play JUCO baseball, while Courtney finished her senior year in Roswell. The distance made their relationship a challenge, leading to an on-and-off dynamic as they navigated young adulthood. When Courtney graduated, she set her sights on Arizona State University, a decision that unexpectedly influenced Cody’s next steps.
Determined to be closer to Courtney, Cody made a bold move—he walked onto the ASU football team and earned a spot, playing for two years. Meanwhile, Courtney thrived at ASU, joining the wakeboarding team and enjoying the college experience in her own way. Their time at ASU allowed them to reconnect and grow both as individuals and as a couple, strengthening their bond despite the challenges they had already faced.
One of Cody’s biggest dreams was to participate in ASU’s pro day, an opportunity for football players to showcase their skills for professional scouts. He trained relentlessly, pushing himself to be in peak condition. But on the very day he had been preparing for, fate had other plans—he pulled his hamstring. The injury was a devastating setback, but Cody remained hopeful, knowing he had another year to try again.
Then, the world changed. 2020 brought the unexpected reality of a global pandemic, shutting down opportunities and altering futures in ways no one could have foreseen. Just when it seemed like his football dreams were slipping away, a new and unexpected opportunity presented itself. A specialized program that recruits college football athletes for NASCAR pit crews made a stop at ASU. Cody, always up for a challenge, decided to give it a shot.
Shortly after his tryout, the world went into lockdown. Everything was put on pause, and uncertainty loomed. Months later, in November, Cody received a life-changing call—he was invited to North Carolina for a second tryout. He excelled in the process and was officially offered a job as a NASCAR pit crew member, a career path he never could have predicted but one that suited his athletic skills and competitive spirit perfectly.
With this exciting new chapter ahead, Courtney and Cody packed up their lives and made the move to North Carolina together. The transition was a big one, but it marked another milestone in their relationship—choosing to take on the unknown together, side by side.
By the summer, they planned a trip back home to New Mexico. But Cody had more than just a visit in mind. He had been dreaming of the perfect way to propose to Courtney, and he knew exactly how he wanted to do it. Remember that 1967 Eleanor Mustang from their first prom? He decided to restore the car and use it for one of the most important moments of their lives.
After working tirelessly to get the car up and running again, Cody finally had everything in place. Sitting inside the same car that had been a part of their story years before, he asked Courtney to marry him, with the engagement ring hanging from the rearview mirror on a delicate chain. It was a moment filled with nostalgia, meaning, and pure love—a true full-circle moment that neither of them would ever forget.
And that is how I found myself in the mountains with these two incredible people, capturing their engagement session in a setting just as beautiful as their story.
Courtney discovered my work on Instagram, and from our first conversations, I knew their session was going to be something special. Our initial plans were delayed due to rain, and scheduling around the intense NASCAR season proved to be a challenge, but we finally found the perfect time to make it happen.
We decided on Black Balsam Knob in the Asheville area, a location known for its breathtaking mountain views and dreamy golden-hour light. The hike to the top was an adventure in itself, but as we reached the peak, it became clear that the wait and effort were completely worth it. The panoramic views, the crisp mountain air, and the soft glow of the setting sun created a stunning backdrop that perfectly complemented Courtney and Cody’s love story.
The session was effortless—Courtney and Cody’s connection was so natural and genuine that it made my job incredibly easy. They laughed, held each other close, and soaked in the moment, completely at ease in front of the camera. There was something truly magical about watching them interact, knowing the journey they had been on to get to this moment. From high school sweethearts to navigating long-distance challenges, from chasing dreams to unexpected detours, and finally, to this mountaintop engagement—every part of their story led them here.
One of my favorite moments from the session was capturing the way Cody looked at Courtney. It was the kind of look that spoke volumes—the kind that says, “I’ve loved you for years, and I will love you forever.” There was so much history, devotion, and excitement for the future wrapped up in every glance, every touch, every quiet moment between them.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned shades of pink and gold, I snapped the final frames of the evening. It was one of those sessions that left me feeling incredibly grateful—not just for the stunning images we created but for the opportunity to witness and document such a meaningful love story.
Courtney and Cody’s engagement session was a true testament to the idea that love, no matter how many twists and turns it takes, always finds its way. Their journey has been one of patience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, and I have no doubt that their wedding day—and every day after—will be just as extraordinary as their love story.
To Courtney and Cody—thank you for trusting me to capture this chapter of your lives. Your story is inspiring, your love is beautiful, and I can’t wait to see where the road ahead takes you next!
