Adventure Engagement Session in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Fate is a funny thing, especially when reflecting on the beginning stages of a budding relationship. When retracing those early steps and decisions that lead to two paths crossing, one can realize the true fragility of these life changing moments. It invokes a sense of bewilderment of how two people can come together when so many alternate decisions could’ve derailed the meeting entirely. There must be a helping hand of fate at play.
Jazmin & Brennan were exploring these thoughts about the night they first met over a decade ago as they trek along the scenic path of the Appalachian Trail heading towards Bears Den Overlook. They were almost two ships passing in the night as Brennan was reluctant to go out and join some friends that very evening.
Bears Den Overlook is a rocky outlook on the Appalachian Trail in nestled in Bluemont, Virginia. The open ledge offers beautiful panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and is a prime location to watch the sunset. It is an easily accessible 0.5 mile round trip hike of only making it a perfect location for an engagement shoot.
They were both briefly situated in Jasmine’s hometown with plans on jet-setting back to their respective corners of the country within the following week. If they hadn’t met that night, Jazmin couldn’t image a second chance for them to encounter one another.
With some encouragement, Brennan did muster up the energy to head out for the evening and that is where he set his eyes on her and they instantly hit it off. What drew Jazmin to Brennan was his sense of humor that made their meet ups that much more enjoyable and they had a few more date together within that short amount of time.
When the time came for their departure, they both were eager to keep a line of connection open and this really stood out to Jazmin for how willing he was to make plans for the future after only knowing each other for a short amount of time. He did not want to let the distance get in the way and wanted to make sure he gave it a fair shot.
Over the years, they moved many times across the country, and each new venture required navigating through its own set of challenges. Yet, they grew closer each time as they learned to grow together it became the foundation of their relationship.
Their ability to rely on each other through thick and thin underscored that they were team. With each new corner of the country came their own set of adventures exploring local landscapes as well experiencing different cuisines and nightlife scenes along the way.
View their save the date video
Closely adjacent to Bears Den Overlook snakes the Shenandoah River that is popular for water activities and including kayaking boat & brew tours to local wineries and breweries in the area.
In planning their engagement shoot, when the opportunity arose to incorporate canoeing as a water activity, it felt like a nature choice for them as they have enjoyed many watering activities like river day trips, kayaking, and paddle boarding over the years. Snorkeling was as actually how these two got engaged!
They were on a cross country road trip to meet family in Tampa but decided to take a detour to quick detour down to the Florida keys as Brennan was planning on proposing before meeting up with family later in the week. He figured snorkeling would be the perfect opportunity and was trying to book an excursion, but unfortunately everything was sold out for 2 weeks in advance.
The few places that had spots left were pre-canceling because of high winds forecasted for the following day; however, he did end up securing a tour to a secluded patch of mangroves.
While out in the water, Brennan had secretly packed her claddagh ring that he gave to Jazmin as her first Christmas gift and pretended to pull it out of the water. Jazmin was very confused especially how he was even able to find it with all the murky sediment, so she panicked and told him to put it back.
After some coaxing Jazmin realized what Brennan was trying to do and then was overwhelmed with emotions, and it was a challenge to get her back to the boat without drowning herself in her own tears as they filled up her snorkeling mask.
Watch their Love Story Video
Once back at the marina and sunset approached, they took a romantic stroll on the beach and Brennan proposed again with the actual ring which came as a double shock to Jazmin as she thought the one in the water was it!
The last stop of their adventure engagement session was Bear Chase Brewery. This destination farm brewery unique in the Bluemont area was originally a historic homestead turned brew barn and taproom. Like Bears Den Overlook, this also has picturesque views of the blue ridge landscape looking outwards to the east.
Throughout their long-term relationship marriage has always been the end goal and every step in the engagement stage has been filled with excitement! Even after 11 years together, we still learn and grow together with every high and low along the way.
They have been taking their time planning the wedding and really trying to enjoy each stage along the way. The whole process has brought them closer together and have implemented their newfound tactics to tackle all of their everyday tasks as a team. Jazmin & Brennan will be celebrating their nuptials with friends and family later this spring at Brentsville Hall.
“From a person that is typically not great at posing for photos, the Til Death Team made it feel natural.
The entire experience was enjoyable!”
We had a great time during all aspects of the engagement session! From our initial meeting we voiced we were a shy couple who didn't particularly feel comfortable in front of a camera. As soon as we met the team in person, we instantly felt comfortable and the nervousness went away. As the engagement session went on, the more fun we had! Not to mention that the whole team is down to earth, awesome to work with, and dedicated to the task at hand. The teams professionalism and easy going personalities made this a memorable experience!
~ Jazmin & Brennan
“We are extremely grateful for your dedication and ensuring that everything was perfect before concluding the shoot. ”