Eli and Ellie (made for each other so much so that their names go together) are a quiet couple, full of life, a future bursting with life and joy. They hold exploration and travel, especially travel to National Parks and Wilderness Areas in high regard.

I don’t necessarily recommend sessions within the legal bounds of National Parks- I have a whole blog up about why I DON’T recommend National Parks and all the perks that come with opting for a National Forest or BLM land instead!

This paragon of Tennessee Wilderness is located just about 30-minutes outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the North East section of the state. I don’t give out exact locations or pins to locations unless we’re working together just so I can uphold some Leave No Trace standards in protecting our natural areas. This Southern National Forest is home to hundreds of natural arches, twisting rivers, camping locations, natural look-outs and bluffs, meadows, and stunning rock formations. When I say I’ve road tripped and hiked all over the USA and this is STILL my favorite Tennessee National Forest, I say it with authority. I might be biased towards Tennessee, but this place is paradise. It’s also home to Appalachian black bears, birds, whitetail deer, bobcats, and plenty of salamander species.

FUN FACT: The South East USA boasts a biodiversity that rivals the tropics. From trees, plants, salamanders, mammals and reptiles. The South East US and Southern Appalachia are a haven for rich, natural wildlife.

Ellie is a classically trained ballerina while Eli is an incredibly talented tradesman focusing on mechanic work and construction- he ALSO plays guitar for Ellie to dance too. I wanted to shoot this down by the river, a symbol for life and rebirth and fresh starts. Ellie danced over the rocks, laughed quietly, and revealed in the moment. Eli was the support, the stability, though he let his guard down long enough to dance with Ellie, to laugh with her, and to rest in her embrace.

If you’re up for a National Forest session or Elopement, holler at me! I travel all over the US, not just to Tennessee.