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Jessica and Paul’s sunrise wedding is the start to a beautiful day at Pretty Place Chapel. Tucked perfectly between Greenville and Asheville, Pretty Place Chapel is an incredible. This open-air chapel that feels like you’re on top of the world. The views are just unreal, with mountains stretching as far as you can see—honestly, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect spot to tie the knot.

Jessica and Paul have been together for like, ever. They started out as high school sweethearts, and over the years, their bond has only grown stronger. Paul describes their relationship as “best friends, life partners, me and you against the world,” while Jess says they’re “stronger together.” Their wedding date, August 1st, made it even more special since it marked their 11th anniversary. Getting married on the day they started dating was just the perfect way to celebrate everything they’ve been through together.

The ceremony was simple but so full of meaning. Pretty Place Chapel is in my humble opinion, most beautiful at sunrise! It will bring tears to your eyes watching the sun come up over the jaw-dropping mountain views, it was peaceful atmosphere that really let their love shine. As they said their vows, the sun began to dip behind the mountains, bathing the chapel in this soft, golden light—it was pure magic.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s all about natural beauty and good vibes, Pretty Place Chapel is where it’s at. Jessica and Paul’s day was everything a wedding should be: relaxed, heartfelt, and full of love. It’s proof that sometimes the best moments happen when you’re surrounded by nature and the people you love most.

From Mountains to Waterfalls

Waterfalls have been a meaningful part of Jessica and Paul’s love story. After high school, Paul gave Jess a promise ring at Multnomah Falls in Oregon—a moment they’ll always cherish. Four years later, he proposed at Lover’s Leap waterfall in Georgia. These special moments by waterfalls have symbolized their journey, making a stop at Looking Glass Falls, the perfect ending to the morning.

Vendors:

Venue: Pretty Place Chapel

Harpest: Lynden Pedder

Want to see more small ceremonies check out Sahar & Morteza’s wedding in Columbia, SC. Are you ready for me to capture your special day? Reach out!

Sahar and Morteza’s love story is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance. With Sahar in Iran and Morteza in the USA, their relationship thrived despite the distance, and it was so sweet when they finally had the chance to say “I do” in a ceremony that was as warm as their love for each other—literally! The day was unseasonably warm for January, with a beautiful 73 degrees. I am so excited to share more of this wedding in Columbia, SC with you on the blog today.

Top Columbia, SC Wedding Venues

Columbia, SC, is an ideal destination for your wedding, blending Southern charm with vibrant city life. The capital city offers a rich history, scenic outdoor spaces, and a variety of unique venues that cater to different wedding styles.

Here are four top wedding venues in Columbia, SC to check out:

1. 701 Whaley
   This historic venue is a popular choice for couples looking for a blend of urban charm and vintage elegance. With its exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and versatile spaces, 701 Whaley can be customized to fit various wedding styles.
2. The Lace House
   Located in the Governor’s Mansion Complex, The Lace House is a stunning venue with Southern charm. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this historic home offers elegant indoor spaces and picturesque outdoor areas, perfect for a romantic wedding.
3. The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens
   This venue is ideal for couples seeking a lush, garden setting. The Jasmine House, with its classic Southern architecture, and the surrounding gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions.
4. The Hall at Senate’s End
   This venue offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Located near the Congaree River, The Hall at Senate’s End has beautiful indoor spaces with exposed brick and large windows, as well as outdoor gardens, making it a versatile choice for weddings of any size.

With its warm hospitality and endless charm, Columbia, SC, is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Hair & Makeup: Southern Couture

If you enjoyed this post, you will also love Andrew & Lauren’s Wedding at Larkins Sawmill.

Ready to book me as your wedding photographer? Say no more!

Caroline and Jared’s Greenville engagement photos were full of fun and laughter! Before every session I send my couples a questionnaire to get to know them and their story better. When I was reading through Caroline and Jared’s answers I couldn’t help but smile. Here are a few highlights of what I learned about this sweet and spunky couple!

First, let’s talk about their dynamic. Caroline says Jared is like a golden retriever – fun-loving and light-hearted, always ready for the next adventure. Caroline, on the other hand, is the structured, thoughtful “Type A” personality who keeps things grounded. Together, I must say they balance each other out beautifully.

Caroline and Jared have been best friends for years. And you can tell with every photo. When they were just friends, they were each other’s go-to “relationship counselor.” How cute is that? They know each other like the back of their hand, share core values, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It’s no wonder Jared’s parents call them the “love-sick lovebirds.”

Their Love Story

Now, let’s dive into their love story. After Caroline broke up with her boyfriend of two years, she naturally called Jared. They hadn’t spoken for two years because Jared realized he had a “conflict of interest” – he had feelings for her! That phone call rekindled their connection, leading to regular FaceTimes and texts. Jared finally asked Caroline on a date, but there was a catch: she lived in Greenville, SC, and he was in Nashville, TN. They decided to meet halfway in Boone, NC, for a charming mountain weekend. The rest, as they say, is history!

Caroline and Jared love staying active and being outdoors. Whether it’s playing tennis, hiking, traveling, or exploring new places, they do it all together. They even spent a year as digital nomads before moving to LA – talk about adventurous!

Their engagement session was more than just photos – it was a celebration of their unique journey together. They laughed, teased each other, and shared sweet moments that showed their deep connection. As they gear up for their wedding, Caroline and Jared can’t wait to bring their friends and family together, who are spread across the country, to celebrate their love story.

Enjoy more from Caroline and Jared’s perfect engagement photos on the blog today from all around downtown Greenville!

Reach out to me to book your engagement session ASAP.

Devyn was a vision in her lovely bridal portraits at the gorgeous Hotel Hartness. Tucked away in the quiet and beautiful Hartness community, this venue is a real hidden gem. I loved capturing Devyn’s natural beauty and classy style in this space. Enjoy more of her Hotel Hartness bridal portraits today!

From the moment we stepped into Hotel Hartness, we were was greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The soft sunlight streaming through the windows added a touch of magic. What makes Hotel Hartness truly special is its cozy charm and attention to detail. Every corner is thoughtfully designed and filled with character. Not to mention, the lush greenery surrounding the venue gives a lot of versatility!

For the brides who might not be familiar with this typically southern tradition, bridal portraits are a highly recommended part of the wedding process! Let me explain exactly what bridal portraits are and why they can be so helpful!

What are Bridal Portraits?

Bridal portraits are professional photos of the bride in her wedding attire before the wedding day. They capture her beauty and provide a trial run for hair and makeup. It’s a great way to get to know your photographer more before the big day and get out all the pre-wedding nerves in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s also just a fun time to play dress up! Here are some reasons why you should consider a bridal portrait session:

1. Trial Run for Hair and Makeup: Bridal portraits offer the perfect opportunity for a trial run of your hair and makeup. You can work with your hairstylist and makeup artist to perfect your desired wedding day look. This helps you feel confident and beautiful on your big day. Plus, you’ll know exactly how your hair and makeup will turn out in photos!
2. More Moments for The Dress: Your wedding dress is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of your wedding day, and bridal portraits allow you to showcase it more than once. Having dedicated time to capture stunning photos of you in your dress gives you more chances to show it off!
3. Location Variety: Bridal portraits offer a chance to take photos in a different location. We can opt for a relaxed and intimate setting you may not get on your actual wedding day. Without the hustle and bustle, you can focus on the fun and excitement you feel in this season!

Looking for more bridal session inspiration? Check out Emily’s Biltmore Bridal Portraits.

Ready to schedule your bridal portrait session with me? Contact me today!

Emily and Stocks love exploring new distilleries and breweries, so it made perfect sense to have their wedding at Southern Bleachery. This venue is right next to their favorite brewery, 13 Stripes. More on this later. Emily and Stock’s wedding day was full of laidback fun, and I’m so excited to share it with you on the blog!

The Ceremony

Emily and Stocks opted out of a first look because they wanted the first time seeing each other to be when Emily walked down the aisle. But Emily did share a super sweet first look with her dad that had us all in tears! Stocks and Emily met as camp counselors, and the alter backdrop displayed a verse from the camp song which is called “Carolina Gave Me You.” Plus, we made sure to get the newlyweds a private moment after the ceremony, as they shared a little walk across the street to 13 Stripes Brewery to grab a beer together.

The Reception

When I asked what Emily was looking forward to most about her wedding day, she described, “Dancing with Stocks. Celebrating with our friends. We don’t normally dress very formally, so I’m excited for the excuse to dress up and dance to be honest.” And Emily looked stunning in her gown! Just wait to see.

Emily and Stocks’ thoughtfulness was evident throughout every single detail and decoration piece. They chose Southern Bleachery for it’s rustic and industrial feel. But they also liked that they could add their own touch with decor to personalize this space. Their love for breweries showed up in the centerpieces being repurposed whiskey and scotch bottles! Aside from the open bar, the couple created a custom cocktail, “Bourbon Peaches” too!

Stocks is very close to his fraternity brothers, so the reception was full of dancing and fun with this lively bunch! To add to the fun twists of the day, Emily and Stocks planned a “breakfast for dinner” theme with a dessert table, no cake. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, they surprised their guests with donuts! And not just any donuts. Krispy Kreme were delivered as a late night snack, and everyone was happy about that (including me!).

Vendor Team

Wedding Planner: Bluebird Events
Venue: Southern Bleachery
Hair: Nomadic Beauty
Makeup: Reagan Michele MUA
Flowers: DIY by the bride!
Band: 1st Generation Band
Catering: Chef 360

Did you love Emily and Stock’s wedding at Southern Bleachery? You’ll also enjoy Jessica & Drew’s Wedding at Cross Creek Plantation.

Ready to book me as your wedding photographer? Yess! Let’s do this.

If you’ve seen this couple on the blog before, you know they have a special place in my heart! Taylor is my baby sister, and I also got to photographer their Sailboat Proposal. Today, I have the honor of sharing their Downtown Greenville engagement photos, photographed by my good friend, Megan Byrne. Edited by me, of course! 🙂

We started out the session in Falls Park up by the gorgeous blooms! I love this spot in the springtime. Then, we walked over to the new Carmella’s Dessert Bar for one of their famous cakes. Taylor and Collin split the peanut butter cup cake, and it was to die for! You have to try this place the next time you are downtown!

We finished up the session further up main street and also on the Grace Church Downtown steps- one of my favorite spots for a brighter backdrop and gorgeous columns and steps. I love that Greenville has such an amazing variety of photo locations right in the heart of downtown. And multiple vantage points to catch the sunset like we were able to.

Scroll for more of Taylor and Collin’s Downtown Greenville engagement photos on the blog today! Contact me to schedule your engagement portrait session.