Nicole Daacke Photography

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Shenandoah National Park Adventure Engagement Session with Fall Foliage

Adventure session in Shenandoah | Engagement Photos in Virginia’s fall foliage | National Park Elopement Photographer

This adventurous engagement session was my first time shooting in Shenandoah National Park and it was SUCH a blast. We were frolicking around the trails during Virginias peak fall foliage, taking in everything this national park has to offer. Shenandoah would make a fabulous spot for an elopement - just sayin ;) 

Sarah and Brant are one of my 2019 wedding couples, getting hitched on November 9th! In their initial inquiry, Sarah had spoke about how her and Brant love Shenandoah National Park and that it was a special place for them, so when she later mentioned she wanted to add in an adventure session, I knew I had to mention Shenandoah for a location. It didn’t take much convincing for them to love the idea, although with the ways that our schedules were lining up, it was going to be tricky to get there when the expected peak foliage was. So we kept a close eye, and about a week before their engagement session, we decided to go for it and road trip down.

However, an adventure session is ALWAYS an adventure (like seriously I don’t know if I’ve ever had one go completely to plan, but they always end up still great). Being that the only day we could get down there was a Saturday, meant that the national park was swarming with people from around the world, trying to get in for a peek at the colorful leaves. We spent about 2 hours just trying to get into the park because of all the traffic - CRAZZZZY! 

Eventually we got in, and found each other, and made our way to our trail. Once we got to the trail, things cleared out a bit and had some space to be creative. Another adventure element of the day was that it was freezing, but poor Sarah handled it like a freakin trooper (legit have the best brides, what even). We got lucky with a GORGEOUS sunset, hit golden hour at the perfect time to get creative and enjoy the stunning landscape that surrounded us. 


These guys are the sweetest, chillest, kindest people and I cannot wait to shoot their wedding day this fall. Already planning on all the gorgeous photos we’re gonna get at the fern garden at their venue. 

Enjoy!

Planning an engagement session amidst Shenandoah National Park’s fall foliage, or wanting to have your adventure elopement there? Get in touch! I’d be stoked to be your photographer, and it all starts by clicking that button below!