Asheville and Blue Ridge Mountains photographer for couples who dream of a timeless, emotive, romantic, and nature inspired love story
My philosophy
Ethereal- (adjective) Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
Documenting the joyful and loving emotions and organic connections between you and your loved ones is what draws me to timeless and candid photography.
Meet the Artist
Wioletta (Viola) McKinney
an artist, a quiet observer, and the person behind your photographs
I am a Burnsville, North Carolina wedding photographer, a Polish-born artist, wife of the love of my life, a mother of three, and someone who is always paying attention to light, emotion, and the small things people might otherwise miss. I photograph love with equal parts passion and intention, creating images that feel romantic, timeless, honest, and unmistakably personal.
A real plan behind the romance:
The flowers will wilt. The music will end. The details you spent months choosing will eventually become little fragments of memory. What remains is the way your people looked at you, the way you felt when you finally found a moment alone together, and the feeling of being surrounded by everyone you love.
Of course I will document the ceremony, portraits, details, and dancing. I am also watching for the smaller things: a parent taking in the sight of you, a child’s hand in yours, your best friend fixing your veil, the glance you share across the room, and the messiness and sweetness of a full dance floor.
Your gallery should feel like a return to the entire day, not only a record of its biggest events.
Selected works
Beautiful images are made with equal parts artistry, attention, and passion.
Gorgeous photographs do not happen by accident. I help you think through light, locations, portrait time, family photos, and the natural rhythm of the day so you can stay present while I take care of the photography details.
With a background in visual art, I notice the things that shape a photograph before the shutter ever clicks: the fall of light, the color around you, the lines of a room, a beautiful landscape, and the quiet details that make your wedding feel like yours.
I photograph weddings with that in mind: not as a collection of poses to rush through, but as a story to be present for. My work is romantic and artful, but always rooted in what is real.
Love notes
Cassidy & Sarah
Before anything else is said, just trust us and know that Violet is the right choice. We could tell that she could not only capture a couple's spirit and energy but that of their friends and family as well. Immediately upon meeting her we knew she would be a great match for us. We scheduled an engagement session (highly recommend) and she took some incredible pictures. It was a great opportunity for us to get to know one another before the wedding. Violet is professional, personable, funny, badass and above all else, a true artist. I could go on and on but just look at her work and it will speak for itself better than I ever could.
Cara & Evan
Your search for the perfect photographer ends here! Ethereal Moments Art was amazing to work with from start to finish and worth every penny. The theme of our May wedding was romantic, storybook/fairytale with lots of mauves, olive and sage colors and we wanted a photographer with an ethereal, intimate, candid style to match. We found Ethereal Moments Art by searching on the Knot. The first "difference-maker" is that the Ethereal Moments Art's website is upfront and transparent about pricing, day-of-timeline and process, which many photographers don't discuss in such detail right away. We were able to clearly envision working together. Plus, we could immediately make a decision to engage based on one of our highest priorities in vendor selection--budget. After an initial call and agreement, we had an engagement shoot. Wioletta suggested a time and place near us that captured our desire for a candid shoot in nature. We had not had a formal photoshoot done before, and Wioletta was professional, patient when we ran into traffic, gave helpful direction, made us feel comfortable, and took charge to capture us while the sun was going down and we were super sweaty! You can't tell at all in the final photos, either - it was a great way to get to know Wioletta and establish trust before the big day. Wioletta helped ease our minds and prepare us for the wedding day by asking for a list of photos that we wanted to have such as locations during first look, family portraits, etc. She and her shooting partner were on time and started working immediately. Even while the bride needed extra time due to a nervous stomach Wioletta was patient and adapted quickly, used that time to collect more photos of family and the venue. Wioletta did a fantastic job capturing all of the key moments, the beauty of the venue, family group portraits, and the candid moments shared amongst everyone having a great time. She provided a preview shortly after the wedding day, and then the whole album within her promised timeframe. Our album consists of thousands of photos(!) and we are very happy with them. Ethereal Moments Art's online platform made it easy to order prints, an heirloom photo album with USB containing all files, and a large framed version of our favorite image - the one of us sitting in the red chairs. It's hanging in our living room today. I cannot recommend Wioletta enough for your wedding and/or engagement. Overall, a pleasure to work with, responds promptly, and is a master of her craft. If you are on the fence, don't hesitate to book. Thanks again, Ethereal Moments Art! Our family will treasure your art for our entire lives.
Anna & Connor
Viola was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. She really gave it her all to help bring our vision to life. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for artistic & beautiful photography services that go above and beyond!
Let’s Connect
If you are looking for a photographer
who will see the beauty in the full story, gently guide you through the parts that feel unfamiliar, and care deeply about the images you live with afterward, I would love to hear what you are planning.