The Sinks & Gatlinburg Engagement - Emily + James

Together for 8 years, these two lovebirds, Emily and James, started as high school sweethearts. Although they were long distance in college, they reunited in Knoxville where he just finished his masters and she landed a job as a sports reporter. Emily and James wanted a location similar to the setting of their proposal for their engagement session, so the obvious choice was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its mountain backdrop.

Emily and James saved every penny for five years, even rolling their own coins, to travel to Europe together after college. Little did Emily know that James had hidden an engagement ring in his favorite pair of socks within his backpack. One their first day in a picturesque town in Switzerland, the two hiked up a mountain where James popped the question, much to Emily's surprise as she cried a self-proclaimed ugly cry (and we love that she shared that detail with us; so genuine).

This couple climbed, danced, and practiced their ability to balance throughout this session, and we could tell that they were adventurous and down for anything. The location in these images, found along the bypass, was perfect to incorporate the flowing waters, wooded forest, and pretty rock formations characteristic of the park. Seriously, they are the most adorable couple, and we are thrilled to be part of their celebration of love at The Standard next spring. Congratulations to Emily and James!