You would probably never guess that Ally and Peter’s magical foggy engagement session in Nashville, Tennessee actually took place at sunrise. Despite the 4:00am wake up call, and the session not exactly going as planned, it’s safe to say that the end product was even more beautiful than we could’ve hoped for! As soon as I saw Ally and Peter through my lens, I knew that these photos would be heavenly.

Nashville, Tennessee Engagement Session

I actually met Ally and Peter years ago when we all worked at a summer job. Flash forward to now, I had the chance to travel to Nashville and document this special chapter in their lives.  

We initially planned on waking up super early in hopes of catching the sunrise as it peaked over the horizon. At 4:00am, my alarm went off. We were on the road by 4:30am, and began our hike up the mountain to beat the sunrise. On our entire drive to the destination, the fog was hanging low. I’d like to consider myself an optimist, so I really didn’t think that it would hang around for very long. As we began our trek up the bluff (mind you, in the dark), we quickly realized that the fog definitely wasn’t going to let up. 

After we traipsed up the stairs, and through the forest, Peter took all the cobwebs to the face (bless his heart) so that we didn’t have to. Before we knew it, we arrived to a steep rock face… poor Ally was in her dress and tennis shoes, we were already out of breath, and the humid fog was making it even more difficult. 

Adventurous Engagement Session

As we continued to hike and eventually made it to the top, I found myself feeling a little discouraged and bummed that we did all of this work to only be greeted by fog. At this point, I couldn’t tell how Ally and Peter were feeling. I knew that they were also really hoping for a sunrise session. But we had already made it this far, so we put on some Ed Sheeran and started taking some photos. 

It wasn’t until I took a few shots that I realized just how romantic the fog looked; I was instantly stoked. We spent our time laughing and floating in the clouds, just the three of us. The chemistry and love between Ally and Peter was so evident. To say that it was a dream to capture their beautiful relationship would be an understatement.

I left Ally and Peter’s magical foggy engagement session full of gratitude. Not only for the time spent with this sweet couple, but for the perspective shift that happened. Often times, couples (and photographers) are bummed when a photoshoot doesn’t go to plan. Whether the location is busier than expected, your fiancé forgets his dress socks, or the shoot is a complete washout, it’s not for nothing. 

Alyssa Ashley Photography | Traveling Wedding + Elopement Photographer

At the end of the day, you are making memories. My piece of advice for my couples is: go through this chapter with grace and patience. If your photoshoot doesn’t go to plan, please know that you are still getting a one-of-a-kind experience alongside your fiancé. 

Be open to the beauty that is right in front of us. Before you know it, you’ll have been married for 20 years and look back at your photos. I guarantee you won’t feel stress or disappointment looking back, you’ll feel the joy of the memories you made all those years ago.

Be sure to stay tuned to THE BLOG for Part 2 of Ally and Peter’s Nashville engagement session. Follow along on Instagram (@alyssaashley_photography) to keep up with my latest adventures + beautiful couples, families, and more.