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Caroline and Graham celebrated their love at The Poplars at Bearwallow Mountain in Gerton, NC. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this venue offered breathtaking views and an intimate atmosphere. The couple, both avid hikers and outdoor lovers, knew instantly it was the perfect spot. “It was a gut feeling,” Caroline shared.

A Nature Lover’s Dream Venue

Their wedding day embraced the natural beauty of the venue. Their classic decor allowed the vibrant fall foliage to shine. Organic, earthy tones set the stage, with playful pops of color adding a cheerful touch. The result? A cozy yet lively atmosphere that reflected their personalities. A fun fact, Caroline and her friends went hiking the morning of the wedding!

The reception featured a menu from Tupelo Honey, delighting guests with Southern favorites. Shrimp and grits, pork, mac and cheese, and more satisfied every appetite. For dessert, they served a sweet potato cake from Brick Street Cafe in Greenville, Caroline’s all-time favorite treat.

Cocktail hour was equally memorable, offering signature drinks that mirrored the couple’s dynamic. Guests sipped on spicy margaritas, a nod to Caroline, and enjoyed Bud Light, Graham’s go-to. Finger foods kept everyone mingling and energized for the night ahead.

The Poplars’ sweeping views provided the perfect backdrop for heartfelt vows and candid moments. Guests reveled in the mountain air while celebrating Caroline and Graham’s love story. As the sun set, the party continued with a frist dance and cake cutting.

Every detail of this wedding reflected the couple’s adventurous spirit and love for nature. From the scenic venue to the thoughtfully chosen details, it was a day to remember. If you’re looking for a venue in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Poplars at Bearwallow Mountain is a stunning choice. Caroline and Graham’s wedding proved it’s a place where love and nature come together beautifully.

Vendors:

Venue: Poplars at Bearwallow Mountain

Hair/makeup: Styled by Shirleyann

Dress: Made with Love Billie Crepe

Catering: Tupelo Honey

Cake: Brick Street Cafe

Loved Caroline & Jared’s wedding? I think you will enjoy Sabrina & Ben’s too! Are you ready for me to capture your big day like this? Reach out now: Contact.

This fall, I hosted a mini session morning at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve in Greenville, SC, and it was such a joy! I kicked things off with my own kids, capturing some fun, candid moments. Next up were my sister Taylor and brother-in-law Collin—always such a sweet pair to photograph.

Then came the Senn Family: Nicky, Blakely, and Jackson. Their smiles lit up the forest paths, and their playful energy made the session a breeze. I wrapped up the morning with The Stephens Family, who have been in front of my camera for three years now. It’s incredible to see how much their kids have grown! This year, they brought along their newest addition, Bella, an adorable and energetic puppy who stole the show.

The light that morning was golden and warm, filtering beautifully through the trees. It added a dreamy touch to every photo. The nature preserve was alive with fall colors, making it the perfect backdrop for these cherished memories. Watching each family interact with genuine love and laughter reminded me why I love capturing these fleeting moments.

Why Mini Sessions are a Must:

1. Quick and Stress-Free
   Mini sessions are perfect for busy families. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a gallery full of memories.
2. Seasonal Updates
   Whether you need new photos for holiday cards or want to document milestones, minis are affordable and timely.
3. Explore Local Gems
   Locations like Lake Conestee offer stunning backdrops with minimal travel time for Greenville families.

These sessions are fun, relaxed, and perfect for capturing life just as it is. Whether it’s the laughter of your kids or a quiet moment with your partner, mini sessions freeze these fleeting moments.

If you’re ready to book your next mini session sign up for Winter Mommy & Me Sessions here!

Considering a full family session? Check out The Wurst Family!

Charleston’s beauty made this styled bridal session unforgettable. With its historic streets, pastel houses, and breezy waterfronts, it provided the perfect backdrop for a timeless bridal look. We wanted to capture the essence of the city’s charm, letting the natural surroundings enhance the details of the day.

Kate, our model, looked stunning in a gown from NY Bride and Groom Carolinas. The dress was classic yet modern, flowing effortlessly as we strolled through the city’s iconic streets. Her veil, also from NY Bride and Groom Carolinas, added romantic movement every time is was caught by the wind.

One of the most special moments of the day was when Kate tried on her mom’s wedding dress. It was a beautiful lace gown that carried so much sentimental value. Seeing her in that dress brought a wave of nostalgia, connecting past and present as we captured her joyful smile and excitement.

For Kate’s hair, I created a simple yet refined updo, keeping her look fresh and polished. The goal was to highlight her natural beauty while complementing the elegance of her dress. The flowers, thoughtfully arranged by Nichole Lauren Photography, featured soft whites and greens, adding a natural touch that blended beautifully with Charleston’s serene surroundings.

We moved through some of Charleston’s most picturesque spots, from the cobblestone alleys to the waterfront, each location offering its own unique charm. Every shot felt like it belonged in a storybook, thanks to the city’s rich character and stunning scenery.

Charleston is truly a dream destination for brides who want their bridal session to feel intimate and classic. The combination of historic architecture and coastal beauty offers endless possibilities for creating timeless portraits. If you’re looking for a location that feels both elegant and relaxed, Charleston has it all.

Vendors:

Photographer: Kayla Susie Photography

Model: Kate Elkins

Planner & Florals: Nichole Lauren Photography

Dress & Veil: NY Bride and Groom Carolinas

Jewelry: Diamonds Direct Mount Pleasant

Ready to schedule your Charleston bridal portrait session? Reach out today!

Rachael and George’s wedding day was a true example of making the best out of an unexpected situation. Hurricane Helene threw them a huge curveball, forcing them to shift their plans just 48 hours before their wedding. Their venue, Southern Bleachery, couldn’t host the event, so they quickly pivoted to George’s childhood home on Lake Cunningham in Taylors, SC. And honestly? The spot was perfect for their intimate ceremony.

Turning a Hurricane Into a Intimate Ceremony

The ceremony happened right on the dock, with their closest family standing beside them, while the rest of their guests gathered at the house to watch. There was something really special about it—a laid-back gathering with the peaceful lake in the background, making the day feel more intimate and relaxed. What could have been a stressful disaster turned into a beautiful, personal moment for them and their families.

Their whole family pulled it off together, and almost everyone invited came, showing just how much their friends and family love them.

As the sun started to set, we took some dreamy photos by the lake, capturing that perfect golden hour glow. And one of the best parts? We got photos with every single guest. It’s rare to be able to do that at most weddings, but with a smaller group, it felt just right.

Even though Rachael and George’s wedding didn’t go as originally planned, the day was filled with love, family, and some unforgettable moments that made it all their own. And the silver lining, they get to celebrate next year when they have an anniversary ceremony at Southern Bleachery.

Vendors:

Alternate Wedding Dress: Dillards

Catering: Mutts BBQ

Hair & Makeup: The Hair Company

Want to see more intimate ceremonies? Check out this Jessica & Paul’s Wedding at Pretty Place!

Ready for me to capture your elopement or small ceremony? Reach out now!

Sabrina and Ben’s had an intimate wedding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve. It was a heartfelt celebration of love and nature, that focused on simplicity and family. Held in a serene meadow surrounded by towering trees, their ceremony felt intimate and personal, perfectly reflecting their love for the outdoors. With just a touch of decor in soft blues and greens, the natural beauty of the park served as the primary backdrop, bringing their vision of a laid-back, nature-filled wedding to life.

For Sabrina and Ben, Contestee Nature Preserve wasn’t just a pretty location—it was a sentimental spot. Ben works at the park, and the couple has spent countless hours walking its trails with their beloved dog, Milo. Choosing this spot for their wedding felt like an extension of their everyday lives together. The ceremony took place under the shade of a giant oak tree, which made the setting feel grand. It was the perfect spot for two nature lovers to exchange vows and begin the next chapter of their lives.

Everything about their day was locally sourced, supporting the city they’ve made their home together. Dinner was held at Soby’s, a Greenville favorite, and dessert featured their all-time favorite sweet potato cake from Brick Street Cafe. The small, meaningful details kept the day relaxed and personal, just the way they wanted.

However, the most memorable part of the day came as we finished the ceremony and wrapped up family photos. Suddenly, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour hit. Thankfully, we had already captured all the important moments, but it added a spontaneous, fun twist to the day. Everyone sprinted for cover, and we headed downtown for a few more portraits. It was the perfect ending to a beautifully day!

Want more inspiration? Check out my wedding at The Rock Quarry Garden.

Ready for me to capture your intimate wedding? Reach out here: Contact.

When Bryce and I decided to get married, we didn’t want anything big or formal. We chose something simple, relaxed, and totally us. The Rock Quarry Garden in Greenville was the perfect place for our small, surprise ceremony on January 15, 2017. The weather was a warm and unexpected 76 degrees—pretty amazing for January!

I wore a red off-the-shoulder cocktail dress, a fun and different choice that felt just right. My bouquet was a gift from a friend, which made it even more special. We decided to keep things super low-key by surprising our family and friends the day before and asking everyone to wear black and white. No fuss, no stress—just show up and celebrate with us!

The Rock Quarry Garden turned out to be one of the best small wedding ceremony we could have chosen. The natural beauty of the waterfall, stone paths, and greenery made the perfect backdrop without needing any extra decorations. The setting was cozy and intimate, ideal for a small group, and we found so many great spots for photos.

Tips for Small Wedding Ceremonies

1. Keep it simple. The park’s natural beauty does all the work for you.
2. Have fun with the details. Our black-and-white dress code was easy and looked great.
3. Surprise your guests! We told our family last-minute, which made it even more exciting.
4. Wear what feels right. My red dress wasn’t traditional, but it was perfect for me.
5. Go for an off-season date. January turned out to be warm and sunny, which made the day even better.

In the end, our wedding was laid-back, personal, and everything we wanted—a perfect, no-stress day with the people we love most.

Photographed by: Markie Walden

Want to see more small wedding ceremonies check out Nate & Amber’s mountain wedding here. Ready for me to capture your small ceremony? Head over here to inquire today!