When I first met Alex and Brad, I realized they were my dream clients. They told me they were a big adventure couple who loved kayaking, camping, and finding the best spots in North Carolina to explore together (literal music to my ears!). So when we planned their engagement photos, it made perfect sense to take them somewhere that matched their love story and their desire for adventure. We landed on a McGalliard Falls engagement session, and honestly, it could not have been a more perfect spot!
McGalliard Falls is right in Valdese, NC, and it’s one of the most convenient outdoor engagement locations you could ask for. A lot of times, waterfall engagement sessions require a hike, tricky parking, or even a backup plan in case of bad weather. But here, there’s a huge parking lot, bathrooms on site, and no hiking at all! Even though hiking is awesome, not having to hike to your location is a huge plus when it comes to taking photos. Your makeup stays put, you don’t have to change in and out of hiking clothes, and you can freshen up in the bathroom after the session is over. It’s one of the best spots on the east coast if you’re looking for a beautiful waterfall (without the climb)! The area also has so much variety for photos as well. You get the rushing waterfall, the historic old mill, stone structures, and even a big open field that makes a perfect backdrop!
Alex and Brad were up for anything, which made this session so much fun! We started with classic engagement photos around the stone walls and grassy field, then headed to the waterfall for their adventurous side. They splashed around in the pool at the bottom, laughed their way through the spray, and even went under the water for some of the most romantic photos I’ve ever captured. Their gallery honestly looks like a scene straight out of The Notebook (Read: A photographers dream session!)
This session took place in the summer, so everything was beautiful, lush, and green. If you’re planning your own waterfall engagement session, summer is the best time for warm weather, bold greenery, and it’s warm enough outside to play in the water underneath the falls for some awesome shots! But I’ve also photographed McGalliard Falls in the fall, and the fall colors are absolutely breathtaking. The oranges and reds against the stone and water create such a dreamy scene. No matter the season, McGalliard Falls is one of those locations that feels like a hidden gem!
When it comes to waterfall locations in North Carolina, everyone has heard of Looking Glass Falls or Linville Falls, but McGalliard Falls deserves a spot on your list too. It may not be right off the Appalachian Trail, but the accessibility and beauty make it an amazing choice for couples who want engagement photos with a natural, adventurous feel. Alex and Brad’s session was their first time at McGalliard Falls, and now it’s a place that will always be tied to their wedding day memories. That’s one of my favorite things about engagement sessions—tying a special place to a love story!
So if you’re dreaming of waterfall engagement photos North Carolina, I can’t recommend a McGalliard Falls engagement session enough! It’s an outdoor engagement location that offers a beautiful waterfall, easy access, and a perfect backdrop for romantic, adventurous couples. Whether it’s summer green or fall colors, you can’t go wrong with this spot in Valdese NC.
Now, please enjoy some of my favorites from Alex and Brad’s waterfall engagement session!
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