I am so glad we finally made the trek to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek falls on a perfect late spring morning. Both sets of cascades have been on the must visit list for quite awhile and we luckily chose the perfect morning to hit the Big Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get to these lovely falls. Somehow, we timed it perfectly to be the only one at the falls when we arrived which was a bit of surprise after hearing how busy these spots can be.

The 1.4 mile moderate trail to get to the gorgeous Mouse Creek falls is so beautiful. On this end of May, late spring venture there were some mountain laurel still in bloom with rhododendron close to bloom, tons of fern of all types, immense rock formations with a wide variety of types of stone and minerals mixed together, worn down over time to create unique outcrops and rocks everywhere. This trail and these waterfalls are quite popular places to visit, so it was not surprising we passed a multitude of people heading up when we were heading out. It was wonderful to see that there are so many people enjoying the area and most seem to be respecting nature while visiting as it was nice not seeing much trash or litter. Unfortunately, we lost count of how many dogs we passed going up with their people, either oblivious of or choosing to ignore the signs as you enter the trail indicating that dogs are not allowed on this trail. There are lots of no dogs allowed trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National park, so if planning adventures with the pups, please check if they are welcome on the trail you choose. The Big Creek Trail is a well loved horse trail, so please respect the no dogs rule for everyone's sake as some spots could be treacherous if a horse/dog interaction goes wrong. Rocky areas like this are usually a favorite place for snakes, so watch your step, and know that it is another reason to leave the furry friends at home for everyone's safety.

With social media and hiking apps sharing all the used to be hidden spots, I have to admit I've been more and more hesitant to share some of these mountain gems. Hoping that anyone reading this embraces the leave no trace principles to pack out everything you pack in (including dog poop in areas you are allowed to bring your dog) - stay on the trails to preserve sensitive flora and fauna - and to NOT move rocks in streams and waterways being of utmost importance. There are endangered creatures and plants of all types that need people to respect their homes. If you are planning to visit and haven't heard about leave no trace, please read up on it and know that without everyone working together these special places will be ruined. Let's all work together to preserve these special places for generations to come!  

Location Big Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Grayson Highlands State Park is located in the Appalachian Highlands near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.  Established in 1965, this unique state park in the Jefferson National Forest has been on our must visit list for a long time as the 4800 acre park is home to over 150 wild ponies that naturally maintain the vast grassy balds. I am over the moon that we were able to visit and found some of the pony herd scattered throughout Massie Gap.  It was extra fun to visit with both our dogs who apparently really like ponies and were really well behaved even though they were super excited about these big furry friends.  

The moderate 2 mile hike that loops up the Rhododendron Trail to Massie Gap is surrounded by the most wonderful views.  Everywhere you turn is spectacular!  The unique geology and rock formations are just amazing and the area calls to be explored and played in...plus ponies!  It is kind of a dream to adventure there!  

We will be coming back as I now need to see this special place in all the seasons.  We are truly thankful for all the people that work so hard to manage these conservation areas.  If you visit, please keep in mind to leave only footprints, take only photos, and try to remember that the ponies are wild so refrain from feeding/petting them.  Hard to resist those sweet faces, but it is better for them to receive as little human interaction as possible.  

Happy adventures! 

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Grayson Highlands State Park

Lindsey and Seth are one of the most wonderful couples that I have had the pleasure of photographing. This big-hearted duo adopts, rescues, and fosters cats and dogs, volunteers their time to do wildlife rescue work as well as owning two doggy daycare/boarding/grooming facilities in the Asheville area. It was such an honor to get to meet them, their pack of 6 lucky dogs, two of their kitties, and some of their favorite family and friends while photographing all the fun!

They chose to celebrate their love by having a small gathering in the gorgeous field near their home in lovely mountain cove on the most perfect day. Lindsey knew she wanted to incorporate a wildlife release into their wedding day, and Seth was more than happy to oblige. After the ceremony, they led the guests to a nearby wooded area, opened the crate door, and three opossum rescues emerged to discover their new home. The wildlife rescue she volunteers with, Edith Allen Wildlife, had some of the most adorable opossums that were ready to release right around the wedding date, so it worked out perfectly to surprise the guests – and me. It was the best wedding surprise I have gotten to capture!!

It was an inspiration to spend a special day getting to photograph the magic this couple creates together. I am the luckiest person to have met this pair and I’m humbled by all they do to help animals and people everyday. Between their work at Wonderdog caring for so many people’s dogs and all the foster and rescue work, they do so much to help so many animals have better lives. Truly thankful we connected through their wedding and I hope to get to photograph more chapters of their story as the years go by!!

I adored every moment of Lindsey and Seth’s wedding – so excited to share this joy with you all! Wishing all the best to Lindsey and Seth!!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Wildlife rescue the bride volunteers with: Edith Allen Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: near the couple’s home in Weaverville, NC

Their awesome doggy daycare/boarding/grooming business: Wonderdog Asheville, Wonderdog Merrimon

Making the hike to the Linville Daffodil Flats has been on my wish list, but it seemed too daunting to attempt…until this year.  After lots of research, buying better hiking boots, and taking longer hikes to prepare, the weather and my schedule lined up perfectly with peak bloom.  I had to try and I’m over the moon to share photos of the epic journey.  I pulled into the parking lot around 7:40 behind one other SUV (note – road can be tricky for cars/low clearance vehicles as the last 8 miles is gravel with washouts to keep a lookout for).  From all the spider webs I collected on the way down, it seems that I was the first to head down Pinch In Trail that lovely morning. I arrived at the flats at around 10 am, just behind the couple I saw at the parking area.  Ended up taking a diversion upstream and having to backtrack after not noticing the turn in the trail near the huge boulder covered in fern and moss (GORGEOUSLY distracting location!!).  Missing that turn made my 7 miles in and out hike closer to 10 miles round trip but the river views, beautiful streams, rocks, and trees kept me exploring even though I knew I should turn around.  No regrets, even with the last 1.5 miles going straight up the mountain to get out – so thankful I was prepared and started early in the day.

To get to this former homestead covered in bright yellow narcissus, you have to descend into the Linville Gorge and there is no easy way to do that.  The shortest access is via the Pinch In Trail – 1.5 miles with around 1500 feet in elevation change.  You basically climb straight down the mountain over rock faces, roots, around ancient trees, and then follow the flow of the river 2 miles to access this magical spot. After miles of walking through the muted colors of the late winter landscape, seeing the bright yellow field of flowers was such a wonderful view to behold.  The hardest part of the adventure awaits after you leave the flats, I trekked in with both digital and film gear, so even after all it took to make it there, I had to quickly capture the flower covered scene before starting the ascent to get out of the gorge.  I spent a little time photographing the plethora of blooms, staying mindful that I had to make myself start heading back asap. After 20 minutes taking in this unique place, it was time to go.  

The gentle trail by the river was such a lovely walk, but knowing what was ahead kept me from lingering.  With the big photo backpack loaded with water, snacks, and all the photo gear I could justify bringing, there was an extra challenge to the climb.  One step at a time, straight up the side of the gorge, climbing a mountain that was starting to seem familiar by now, I made it back up.  It was hard for me to focus on pacing it, stopping lots to take breaks on the way, and drinking lots of water.  After this epic journey, I am so thankful that I am able to make it to these places and I’m ecstatic to share some of my favorite photos from the trek. 

If you decide to try this one, please do lots of research and preparation as Linville Gorge is a wilderness area, so trails are a little hard to find, and if anything happens, cell service is non-existent.  In the event that you needed to be rescued, texting 911 may help, but unless you know exactly where you are, the volunteers in that area can only do so much to help.  Be mindful and stay safe!

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Daffodil Flats on the Pinch In Trail

Nathalie and Mark chose to elope in downtown Asheville for their destination wedding. They found a gorgeous rental close to town with the most spectacular views and invited a few of their favorite people to come celebrate with them.  All the perfect details, the most genuinely sweet and stunningly beautiful people, the best locations, the most lovely day, and a couple so obviously overjoyed to be getting married, I was in photographer heaven!  I am so lucky that they chose me to photograph all this love and gorgeousness!!  
From the rental to the courthouse, the modern architecture of the rental to art deco magic in the historic buildings downtown, Asheville is an awesome backdrop for wedding photos!  Inside the courthouse is gorgeous and any opportunity to photograph there is such an honor - especially with a couple as beautiful as these two are!  I always swoon over the sweet moments after a couple is just married!  This is exponentially true when they marry at the courthouse and are so excited to make it official that they walk directly to the Register of Deeds office as these lovebirds chose to do.  We took some time for romantic portraits of the newlyweds and photos as we walked through downtown before rejoining their party to celebrate with a toast at Sovereign Remedies just blocks away.  This restaurant’s speak-easy inspired vibe fit this couple’s timeless style perfectly. 

I am still reeling in how spectacular this destination elopement truly was!  It is such an honor to work with my couples to make *their* wedding vision come to life, helping to plan as needed, and capturing it all so they can relive it for years to come.  It is my goal that they go back to the feeling of that moment every time they look at the photos .  I love getting to photograph such special moments and hope you will get in touch if you or someone you love needs big (or small) moments captured!

Photography by Camilla Calnan Photography

Ceremony at the Buncombe County Courthouse

Reception at Sovereign Remedies