Charlotte and Jeff Swannanoa Styled Shoot

We stood in the back of Swannanoa. The colonnade loomed on the hill above us. Grass pierced through cracks in the stone marble steps. The intricate white structure, scarred. The grounds had been neglected over a couple different periods of time since its construction 107 years ago. What stood before us now whispered a love story the world has never known. I could hear Kyle and Charlotte conversing. They danced around the typical first questions we ask all our couples as we’re getting to know them, one such question being, “How long have you been married?” As Charlotte answered, Kyle was caught off guard by how beautiful her response was.

Charlotte’s reply was, “We’ve been married almost 4 years, and I still get butterflies when I see him.” Kyle felt immediate happiness and gratitude for Charlotte and Jeff. The love they have for one another reminds us of how great the gift of marriage is. Swannanoa exists because of the love a husband had for his wife. James H. Dooley had the mansion build in 1912 as a gift for Sallie May, his wife. So there we were. Capturing the love between Charlotte and Jeff in the same place James and Sallie lived out the love of their marriage. Marriage is truly such a gift, and to see a couple receiving and enjoying that gift makes us beyond elated.

Charlotte and Jeff, we are so grateful that we were able to spend time with you, capturing the love you have for one another. May your love continue to grow stronger and stronger until you look back on these photos with a smile, and think, “Wow! And we thought we had butterflies back then!” When time transforms you, like it has Swannanoa, the beauty of your love will always remain.

The Team:

Venue: Swannanoa on Afton Mountain

Floral Design: Hidden Acres Design

Props: Another Chance Events

Photography: Amy Lee Ambrose