BriAnna & Jason’s Waterfront Lake Norman Engagement Session | Destination Wedding Photographer

I’m going to tell a story of a day when I almost failed my clients.  Maybe you think I shouldn’t tell this story, hell, perhaps I think I shouldn’t tell this story.  What is important to note is SPOILER ALERT: I did not fail anyone on this day. 

Jason and BriAnna came all the way from sunny San Diego for their engagement session here in North Carolina, where they will get married next summer.  We had emailed, texted and talked back and forth for months in planning and I was so excited about this session.  In planning locations it became clear that we weren’t going to be able to accomplish the two looks we were going for within the same timeframe on one evening, so we planned to meet a day apart to get lake photos and field photos during optimal light for both.

Here’s where you learn the lesson from me.  Always, ALWAYS, specify A.M. or P.M. when corresponding about time.  I almost always shoot during golden hour which is the last light of the day…but can also be the first light of the day!  We decided to meet at 7:30, the summer days are long and the light is plentiful.  I assumed (and intended) sunset, but BriAnna and Jason assumed and prepared for sunrise! 

Thankfully in part because of a bad habit of mine to keep my phone on my bedside table, and the fact that I’m an extremely light sleeper, I heard the buzz of a text come in early in the morning.  BriAnna was letting me know that they were on their way, as they were driving in from Greensboro.  I woke up in a panic, jumped out of bed and ran to get the kids up because it was summer and of course they were home with me.  We were out of the house within 5 minutes and on the road.

The drive from my house to Lake Norman is 1 hour on the best day.  Luckily, we didn’t hit much traffic and arrived at Jetton Park only a bit late.  This is my all-time worst nightmare.  I’m an obsessive early bird.  I leave so much time to get everywhere that I’m often an hour early to most appointments. 

Luckily BriAnna and Jason used the extra time to explore and fall in love with Jetton Park, and we all had a good laugh during our session.  I think these are some of my favorite pictures, and honestly, I cried on the way home after finishing a successful session in such circumstances.