Just like nature, we are always changing. A pine tree might look the same every time you pass it, but if you were to cut through its trunk, you’d see the truth: a series of rings, each one marking a year of its life.
This season. This ring.
This version of you - preserved.
Tree rings are incredible; scientists can tell which years held drought, which ones brought abundance, when storms split branches, or when a season of growth came fast and easy. Every ring - tight, wide, dark, or pale - tells the story of what that tree endured, how it grew, and who it became. Together, those rings form a map of its life.
I believe God made us the same way.
Time is fleeting. The days that feel ordinary now will one day be the ones you ache to remember. The way your partner looked at you on your wedding day. The sound of their laugh. The quiet in-between moments with loved ones that slip by. Those are the rings you’re forming right now - the markers of this season of your life.
My heart in photographing you is to capture this ring, this version of you, as it becomes one more layer of your story.
So that years from now, when memory softens, you’ll have something to return to - something that lets you see how far you’ve come, how deeply you’ve loved, and how beautifully God has been shaping your life all along.
We carry layers - seasons of joy, hardship, growth, healing, and change. And while you can’t always see it from the outside, who you are today is shaped by every moment that came before.
I’ll guide you every step of the way with simple prompts and direction, but I’ll never force you into something that doesn’t feel like you. My goal is to help you relax, be yourselves, and have fun - ’ll be your biggest cheerleader the entire time.
Prepare to get CANDID.
I’m always drawn to the shots where the landscape is big and you’re small in the middle of it. It tells the story of the place just as much as the two of you.
Tiny People. Big Nature.
Embrace the rain, the wind, the fog — all of it. When the weather does its own thing (and it will), don’t stress. Lean in. The wind in your hair, the mist rolling in, the raindrops on your shoulders… that’s the magic that turns a moment into something unforgettable.
Embrace the Elements.
My approach is simple: create photos that feel like you — natural, honest, emotional — with moody, artful details woven in. I’m drawn to movement and atmosphere: hair in the wind, hands brushing tall grass… a blend of beauty and authenticity with a touch of wildness. A little windswept, a little cinematic, always true.
Artful, Honest, and a Little Bit Windswept.
I’m always watching the lines, the balance, the symmetry — the way a landscape frames you without you even realizing it. Those tiny adjustments — shifting you two inches left, tilting your chin toward the light, waiting for the wind to hit — are what turn a good photo into one that feels intentional, artful, beautifully composed.
Composition Nerd at Heart.
My editing style stays true to how the day looked and felt — natural colors, real tones. From there, I add softness and depth: a touch of glow, a hint of dreaminess, nothing overpowering. Just enough to make your photos feel timeless, romantic, and atmospheric — like a warm, gentle memory meant to last.
Natural, Soft, and Dreamy.
Book Now
Starting at $3,500
○ Coverage from 3 hours, 4 hours, to full day
○ Location scouting & suggestions
○ Vendor recommendations
○ Online gallery + high-resolution downloads
○ Wooden keepsake packaging box
○ USB
Intimate, intentional, and centered on what matters most. My elopements are crafted for couples who want a meaningful experience in nature — unrushed, emotional, and rooted in the beauty of the moment. Whether we hike a mountain, chase fog, or wander through a quiet forest, your day becomes a story we build together.
Elopements + Intimate Weddings
Book Now
Starting at $5,800
○ Coverage from 7, 8, or 9 hours
○ Engagement Session
○ A second photographer
○ Online Gallery + high-resolution downloads
○ Wooden keepsake packaging box
○ USB
For the couples who want their full story told — from the quiet getting-ready moments to the wild dance-floor joy. My wedding collections capture every chapter of your day with honesty, emotion, and an editorial, cinematic feel. I document the big moments, the in-betweens, and everything that makes your celebration uniquely yours.
Weddings
Book Now
Starting at $900
○ Up to two hours of coverage
○ Location guidance and scouting
○ Up to two outfit changes
○ A minimum of 150 edited photos
○ Online gallery + high-resolution downloads
A relaxed, meaningful session focused on the two of you just being yourselves. Whether we head to the mountains, a cozy overlook, or somewhere that feels like home, engagement sessions are all about connection, ease, and creating art that reflects your story before the wedding day.
Portraits + Couples
Ashton & Joey
Shelby is a breath of fresh air, a calming presence and one of the most intentional people I’ve ever known. Booking with her is more than just photos, it is your love, perfectly frozen in time by someone who truly loves nothing more than to be there to capture it.
from some of our folks
Your wedding gallery arrives within 6–8 weeks in an online gallery. You’ll also get a wooden keepsake USB box mailed to your home with a handful of fine-art prints.
Delivery
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This is where your story comes alive. You get to be fully present. I’ll guide, cheer, and document everything - the big moments, the quiet ones, and all the magic in between.
Your Day
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We’ll hop on Zoom, plan the details, and capture your engagement session. This is where we get comfortable and make a plan that feels like you. My goal is to make everything feel clear, guided, and fun!
Meet & Plan
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Send an inquiry and share what you’re dreaming up. I’ll check availability, walk you through collections, and make everything easy, simple, and stress-free from the start.
Get In Touch
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The Thistle & Wood Experience
Where memory becomes art.
It’s my way of giving you something tangible and lasting; a little piece of what I love, wrapped around the memories you love most.
That’s why all my wedding packages come with a wooden keepsake box mailed to your home with your USB inside. It’s more than packaging, it’s something meant to be held, displayed, and kept. And honestly, I’ve always seen a bit of marriage reflected in wood itself:
STRENGTH & DURABILITY- something that can take on wear, scratches, and life, yet still hold together beautifully.
UNIQUE GRAIN - no two pieces ever the same, just like no two stories or marriages. Each one is completely its own.
I’m a little obsessed with all things wood - the texture, the grain, the feel of something natural and lasting. So when I created my wedding collections, I knew I wanted to include a piece of that love in every delivery.
Your Wooden Keepsake Box
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located and do you shoot internationally?
I’m based in Dahlonega, Georgia, but I’m constantly on the road photographing weddings and elopements in places like Chattanooga, Asheville, and all across Western North Carolina. And yes - I absolutely travel internationally! I’ve photographed in Ireland, Canada, and the Faroe Islands, and have traveled to 18 U.S. states for weddings (Washington has my whole heart). I even got married in the Scottish Highlands myself. In short: I’m travel-sized and always ready for an adventure.
What if there is bad weather for the elopement?
Honestly? Some of the most magical moments happen when the weather does its own thing. Fog, wind, rain, snow — they can add atmosphere, intimacy, and storytelling that you simply can’t recreate on a sunny day. That said, your comfort and safety matter most. I keep a close eye on mountain forecasts leading up to your day, and we always have backup plans or flexible timing if we need to shift locations or adjust the schedule.
How many images will we receive to download?
I guarantee a minimum of 75 fully edited images per hour of coverage. In reality, I usually deliver even more. I never hold back on meaningful moments, beautiful details, or anything that adds to the story of your day.
Do you offer video?
I don’t offer videography myself, but I work closely with some incredible filmmakers whose style aligns beautifully with my own. I’m always happy to share personalized recommendations so you can find the perfect videographer for your day.
How do your travel expenses work?
For most weddings and elopements within North Georgia, Chattanooga, Asheville, and Western NC, I don’t charge a travel fee. For destinations beyond that, I keep things simple: I only charge for the actual travel costs needed to get me to you — things like flights, gas, lodging, or a rental car if required. I always aim to keep expenses as minimal and transparent as possible, and you'll know the estimated cost upfront before booking.
How do we get started?!
It’s super simple; just fill out my contact form and tell me all about your vision, your location, and what you’re dreaming up. From there, I’ll reach out so we can chat details, go over availability, and choose the perfect collection for your day. Once you’re ready, a signed contract + a retainer officially secures your date. Then the fun begins — planning, dreaming, location scouting, and bringing your story to life!
