Posts Tagged: outdoor mountain wedding portraits

Fall Portrait Sessions

Martinez family outdoor portrait photos Pixels On Paper North Wilkesboro NC photographers

While we’re all still trying to decide between a tank top and shorts or to pull out the sweaters we know we’ll need, it’s time to think – if only late at night when you have a few minutes of peace – about setting up fall portraits. Families gather for camping retreats around crackling fires, hikes and reunions. Kids play in the leaves. Friends want to dress up before going out for parties and get more than selfies, but mostly fall is the perfect time to get photos to use for Christmas and holiday cards, to give as gifts, and to celebrate another new season together.

This little vagrant above was trespassing (unnoticed at first), but once spotted we picked him up, reported him to authorities and then took him to wait at our place when, oh wait……….. that’s my son.

Engagement Photos
Hatfield Photography, Family portrait photography by Wilkesboro NC Photographers Pixels On Paper photo
Family Portraits with a View
Sisters on a Walk
Celebrating a 6 month milestone
Senior Year Portraits
pixels-on-paper-child-family-fall-portrait-photographer-photo
Fall Family

Senior year portraits that aren’t strictly cap and gown, family time and events, even personal milestones, all of these are perfect opportunities for a photo shoot. The temperatures are also premium in North Carolina as are venues.

If you’re even just thinking about an autumn portrait session in the NC mountains or at a private and favorite spot, contact us to start planning. We look forward to capturing a moment in time with people you love!


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States LicenseAll photos are ©2019 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

Courtney + Cody’s wedding photography | Family, Nature + Love

Courtney & Cody’s wedding was one that featured so much family heritage throughout and that impressed me once again about these two. It was also very much about the excitement of the day – which was September 22nd at Gambill Estate in Roaring River NC. The ceremony was simple and the day was incredibly special.
For this blog, we chose to use the photo pages directly from their wedding album. Couples rarely get wedding albums anymore. I think it’s important to note that these become heirlooms where a USB thumb-drive does not.  Everyone thinks that they will make a slide show, but they don’t, or they forget to share it, or the older relatives cannot access it. An album lasts and we custom design each album around the couple’s favorite images. Both sets of parents also ordered replica albums.Parker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo

According to the couple, their favorite moment was just after the ceremony, when they realized “we really are married – the dream is real” and could bask in it. A close second and third were being with their families before the ceremony and the reception where everyone could chat, mix, mingle and eat afterwards.

What we loved was how they incorporated so much heritage. Courtney did this for her bridal portraits as well. Generations of family china patterns from both sides were used as the place settings during the reception and the decor used featured orchard and farm elements including homestead doors, ladders, and apple crates.

Parker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoBoth Courtney and Cody were relaxed and excited throughout the entire day and Cody in his normal comedic fashion caused a roar of laughter when he wore a head lamp to remove Courtney’s garter.

Parker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoParker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoCourtney told us how quickly they felt it all went by, but that – if given the chance for a do-over – they wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Parker / Tevepaugh Pixels On Paper Photography Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo

Here’s a little more about their vendors:
Wedding Gown: Bridal Traditions
Wedding coordinator /planner:  Cathy Snipes
Wedding and reception venue: Gambill Estate
Videographer: Our Story Video Creations
DJ or band: Block Party Productions
Caterer: Michelle and Mike Mizelle
Flowers, Cake and Desserts: Family


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

Perfect Outdoor Wedding, even with some rain

Timing, place, theme, palette, overall mode, multiple details………. some couples throw it all out and just let things happen. There is magic in that. There is also magic in a beautiful, thoughtful plan and that’s what couple Brooke Davis and Joey Tibbett had for their wedding. These two were guests at a wedding we photographed last year (that of Katie and Patrick Carlson) and Brooke ended up approaching us about HER wedding. We were thrilled when they decided to hire us for their big day. Seeing it all come together was a treat, because they did it up right, as they say.

Pixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoAfter our first meeting or two, we photographed their engagement portraits at Cone Manor and we could already see their sense of style and certainly their affection for each other. The wedding was absolutely amazing, though. This was the first time that we’ve shot a wedding at the Gambill Estate and it is a gorgeous venue for weddings.

Their day started off with a long, heavy downpour and even as it was letting up, there was enough rain to keep us all moving. We did our best with Brooke and her bridesmaids to stay dry and they were so lovely and such great sports. Pixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo
Even though the rain stopped just before the ceremony, we were all under cover and the setting could not have been more beautiful. I mentioned their style, Brooke and Joey’s eye for symmetry, color, and details is astonishing. I’ve rarely seen a palette more elegant, clean and pulled together. One of their nephews pulled his little sister down the aisle in a custom wagon to everyone’s delight.

Pixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo

Thank goodness the rain stayed away and people were able to spill out onto the grass for lawn games and chatter. It also allowed us to get great shots of the couple and their crew and everyone enjoying themselves at the reception. It was a truly beautiful day.

Pixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo

Joey’s dad has a 1968 Rambler American that they wanted to drive away in, so of course we had to do photos with the car. It was as classic as the couple, the ceremony and the day.

Pixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding PhotoPixels On Paper Wedding Photographers Gambill Estate Outdoor Wedding Photo


We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License

All photos are ©2018 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

An Outdoor Wedding ~ in a casual way

Is there a penalty for saying this one was special, if it’s true more than once? We feel this way about more than a few of the couples we photograph on their big day, and this one goes in that category. While we don’t know Dylan and Elizabeth intimately, Dylan’s dad, Richard, has been a friend of ours for over a decade. Plus, who can feel cynical about the world when there is a bagpiper – IN A KILT – playing during the ceremony? Dylan’s uncle not only played the bagpipes at Dylan’s wedding, he played them at Richard’s, so this was a tradition worth keeping. Elizabeth and Dylan are a low key couple, extremely cool and fun, and so was their wonderful outdoor wedding.pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photo

You want to know how to mix the casual with the tender? Take cues from these two. Part of the laid back atmosphere they wanted to create for their wedding and reception was to have it at their new home in New London, NC surrounded by their families and friends and their beloved dogs. Elizabeth and Dylan had only been in their new digs for a few short months and worked hard to get the place ready. While the dogs made cameos, any dog owner will tell you that getting them to pose takes more than a nod and a wink but they made it.

pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photoOn the traditional and tender side: Dylan was given a pair of cuff links just before the ceremony that were his grandfathers as a special touch from Richard. Additionally, someone shared the old Southern tradition of burying the bourbon at the ceremony site to ensure good weather the day of the ceremony. It worked!! As the tradition mandates, the bourbon is dug up and there was a toast of bourbon with the guests after the ceremony. The groom’s sweet Grandmother made the desserts and the catering was provided by Lexington Barbecue as in THE best barbecue. Richard commented, “who knew my son was a barbecue snob?!”pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photo

pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photo

pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photo

pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photoWe stole the couple from the ceremony late in the reception because the sunset was just too gorgeous not to get photos with. These two are so relaxed with each other, so happy and in love and their future just appears to be only filled with light and joy and silliness AND DOGS.

pixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photopixels on paper concord outdoor wedding photographers photoWe look forward to watching these two grow their family and their lives together over the coming years and loved being a part of their big day. Our thanks to Richard and their whole tribe for letting us in! We love you guys!

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

88x31 lucy & glens valle crucis wedding photography | pixels on paper boone wedding photographers

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License

All photos are ©2017 Pixels On Paper. Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

What Makes a Wedding ….. A WOW

If you take an informal poll about which weddings people remember and what made them amazing, you’ll get a few surprising answers, but several themes come quickly into relief. The same goes for reading blogs and checking out WeddingWire. There are exceptions, but mostly the same categories bob to the surface.
The dancing. “Everyone was dancing. When it got late, the shoes came off, but most everyone just stayed on the dance floor.”
Amanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NChaley & cody |boone nc wedding photographer | river run farm | valle crucis | blowing rock | pixels on paper wedding photographersPixels On Paper Photography Charlotte NC Wedding photography photoAmanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NCThe details. “They spent so much time thinking about each element – from the seating, to the little gifts for the wedding party, to their vows.” The food and drink. “My dad kept saying, ‘it’s all about the food and booze and he was right. Our reception was the highlight. Everyone kept telling us how tasty everything was and how much fun they were having.”
Amanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NCPixels On Paper Photography Rock Hill SC Wedding Photographers PhotoAs you can see, there’s usually a little bit of everything in the course of a wedding season, especially since the wedding season has become nearly three quarters of the year.
The venue. “We LOVED the views and everyone could roam or go inside to relax and then back outside to eat and dance.”
Ryan and I have shot weddings at some amazing places.
Amanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NC

This and the shot above taken at On the Windfall.

Pixels On Paper Photograhphy High Country NC wedding photographers Leatherwood mountain resort wedding photo

Pixels On Paper Photograhphy High Country NC wedding photographers Leatherwood mountain resort wedding photo

Above and the preceding photo taken at Leatherwood Resort.

©2016 Pixels On Paper Photographers. http://www.pixelsonpaper.net Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.Those last two were taken in West Jefferson at Twickenham House. The food and music and views matter, but then there is the couple. Often, this is expressed as “how much love everyone felt.” We all need love and many of us cry at weddings, because they are such a fresh, new, pure and unapologetic celebration of it. Marriage is, we all hope, for a lifetime; watching two people say “I do” is a pretty overwhelming.
Firethorne Country Club wedding charlotte NC. Whitford/Kessell wedding photography by Pixels On Paper Photographers photoAmanda Walling and Bonnie Hostetler On The Windfall outdoor Wedding West Jefferson NCPixels On Paper Photography Rock Hill SC Wedding Photographers Photo©2016 Pixels On Paper Photographers. http://www.pixelsonpaper.net Do not copy, crop, or remove watermark.

The final answer if you’re planning your wedding is YOU. You make it special by bringing people you love together to watch you take an enormous step into your future. Plan well, do your homework, work with the best you can find and afford, but remember that surrounding yourself with people who love you and bringing your heart to the party will make it a WOW. We hope to be there to capture every last detail.
haley & cody |boone nc wedding photographer | river run farm | valle crucis | blowing rock | pixels on paper wedding photographers

Pixels is booking weddings, engagement and bridal portraits now for 2017 and 2018. Contact us! We’d love to work with you.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.