Toni + John // a Humpback Rocks engagement session

I’ve had couples ask about engagement sessions at Humpback Rocks over the years, and my response has always been that it’s a tough spot. Although Humpback is a short hike, it’s incredibly steep, and also one of the busiest trails in the area - there’s no such thing as a beautiful weekend day on these rocks without dozens of other people around.

Not a great combo for getting snuggly, ya know?

Toni + John are experienced hikers and were up for the tough climb, and it just so happens that a Thursday evening in March two days before the world shuts down due to an impending global pandemic is one surefire way to get a Humpback Rocks all to yourself. Silver linings to everything, right?

So we set out from the parking lot, took the hike slowly and stopped for photos along the way up, and finally found this beautiful view without a soul around. It was almost spooky, given the circumstances, but we took full advantage and wandered all over these iconic rocks in the fading light.

I loved getting to know Toni + John in this sort of surreal whirlwind of an evening, because two days later we met back up for their incredibly fun wedding at Old Metropolitan Hall in downtown Charlottesville. It was the very last wedding I was able to photograph for months and I’m so glad I got to spend so much of these 48 hours with such amazing people!