Kelsey + Jake have such a romantic story!  Kelsey went to visit the UK on vacation several years ago, and happened to meet Jake while she was there.  Jake was smitten from the moment he first saw her, but they only had time for one date before she had to fly back to the States!  But one date was enough to make history for these two, and they’ve been doing the long distance (literally, across the ocean!) thing ever since.  I’m already so excited for the day their long-distance status will end, and I’m so honored that I’ll get to share in all of the joy and excitement of this sweet season with them!

Kelsey + Jake knew they wanted an upscale, elegant feel to their engagement session – and Hotel Roanoke 100% delivered.  Oh my GOSH, y’all.  I’ve been wanting to shoot at Hotel Roanoke for quite some time now and these two made it an absolute dream!  They were willing to trust the process and be in the moment together, and also … they were dressed to kill.  I mean, did you see Kelsey’s full-length evening dress and Jake’s classic suit?!

I. can’t. EVEN.

So I’m going to leave y’all here to enjoy my faves from Kelsey + Jake’s classy Hotel Roanoke engagement!  GAH!

This next photo happened within the first 5 minutes of our session … and I knew then that we were going to end up with SO many faves!

Love how romantic this next shot is in black + white…

I love all the joy in this next photo!  (and also, let’s be honest. Kelsey’s got the cutest smile when she laughs!)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can do a whole 90-minute photo session without leaving the grounds at Hotel Roanoke and NOT run out of gorgeous places to shoot … the answer is yes.  You absolutely can.  Kelsey + Jake changed into their second set of outfits for the evening and although I had thought we may circle back around to some of our spots from the first part of their session, we never needed to!

(p.s. just wait until you see our twirling shots in this courtyard!  ohh my goodness!)

Here comes a twirl!  (Kelsey’s long chiffon gown was PERFECT for twirling!)

Also, I’m a little bit obsessed with this courtyard… I mean, those arches and lanterns?!  all. the. heart eyes!

Did I tell you yet that Kelsey’s dress was perfect for twirling?  😉

(for real, though, this next image is a new career fave for me!  and it was 100% meant to live in black + white.)

Love this next shot of Kelsey … so gorgeous!

And in case you needed more proof that Kelsey’s dress was perfect for twirling … I saved the best twirl for last!  this next frame on the left?!  oh my goshhhh!

I have to end with another fave black + white … I just love the pure joy in this moment.  <3

 

Kelsey, Jake, I’m so glad our calendars worked out so that I could be part of this precious season of life with y’all!  I loved spending the evening with at Hotel Roanoke with you and I already cannot wait to do this again on your wedding day!