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Jessica and Drew started dating in high school and have been together ever since. We sure do love a good sweetheart story around here! We celebrated their wedding at Cross Creek Plantation, and I’m excited to share more about these middle school sweethearts today!

Here is a little more about this sweet couple. Drew is a realtor and pilot. He likes to golf and fish around the Charleston area. Jessica works at Boeing and likes to exercise, walk, and be outside. Together they love to go out to eat, travel, hike, love on their cat, and relax.

Their love story begins in the chatrooms of AIM as middle schoolers. Their relationship turned into something more in early high school. Staying together through those formative years was not always easy. Jessica and Drew attended different colleges with Drew at the University of Alabama and Jessica at Clemson University.

While their long distance relationship proved difficult at times, true love carried them through. Jessica completed her masters degree at UofA during Drew’s last year of college. That year was their first real experience fully together. Then, after college they moved to Charleston and made it their home.

Something unique about Jessica and Drew’s wedding day was the fact that there wasn’t a wedding party. This made for a very intimate and romantic ceremony, surrounded by family and friends.

Vendor Team

Ceremony: Trinity Baptist

Reception: Cross Creek Plantation

Hair: Audrey Hernandez

Makeup: Audrey Hernandez

Dress: Poinsett Bride / Justin Brand

Flowers: Glinda’s Florist

Band: Emerald Empire Band

Did you enjoy this wedding at Cross Creek Plantation? Then you’ll love to see Maddie & Ethan’s Southern Bleachery wedding.

Ready to find a wedding photographer for your special day. I’m right here!

Sheridan and Parker tied the knot at a private residence that is very meaningful to their family. It was the most gorgeous blush pink wedding in Taylors, SC. I cannot wait to share more from this wedding with you on the blog today!

Choosing to celebrate their special day in this intimate setting allowed highlighted their love for family and tradition. Sheridan’s vision for her wedding day was “effortlessly put together, romantic, and simple with antique/thrifted decor.” She definitely accomplished this vision! The prettiest hues of blush and light pink were all around, and I was obsessed with the setup!

Kind Words from the Couple

Here is what Sheridan and Parker had to say about their experience with me as their wedding photographer:

“You were confident. The photos didn’t feel awkward or too posed. You gave great direction when needed but also stepped back to capture the perfect candids and emotion shots. You were so very kind and created a space that felt comforting and safe on a day that could be stressful. Also, the photographs turned out beautifully and true to life on that day.“

I’m not crying, you’re crying! Getting sweet feedback like this from my couples is just the best! I don’t ever take it lightly that my job is to preserve lasting legacies for my couples. And it’s just a cherry on top when they have such kind things to say about the experience.

Keep scrolling for all the pretty images from their blush pink wedding in Taylors, SC. And a big congratulations, Sheridan and Parker!

Vendor Team

Flowers: Petals and Company
Cake and Food: Publix Catering

Ready for more wedding inspiration? Check out Kayla and Lewis’s Pine Hill Pavilion wedding next.

Contact me about your wedding today!

I’ve known Maddie since she was little. She cheered with my little sister at Blue Ridge High School. So this wedding at Southern Bleachery was extra special for me! Maddie and Ethan are the epitome of a sweet couple. You can just feel the love they have for each other when you’re around them. Their wedding day was no different. Maddie describes Ethan as “kind, patient, intelligent, hardworking, faithful.” And I have loved getting to know Ethan and see how perfect he is for Maddie.

There were so many favorite parts of this wedding day that I loved watching unfold. Maddie and Ethan’s ceremony was centered around God, and you could tell that their relationship with him will be at the center of their marriage. Maddie and Ethan finished out the night by sharing a private last dance while guests were getting ready outside for the fun sparkler exit. And the best part? It won’t be long before I see this happy couple again! I’ll be photographing Maddie’s sister (Brooke) wedding this Fall. And the sweet connection there is that Brooke and I actually graduated.

Enjoy more of this Maddie and Ethan’s wedding at Southern Bleachery on the blog today!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Southern Bleachery

Hair: Tiffany Kardos (My sister’s half sister)

Makeup: Mattison Tubb

Dress: The Dressing Room South

Flowers: Bobbi Jindra (Pretty Things)

DJ: Chris Bower (Ideal Entertainment)

Catering: The Southern Palate

Cake: Butter Bunny Bakery

Check out this Private Residence Wedding next! Contact me today to chat about your wedding photography vision.

Something about a sweet outdoor wedding just gets me every time. Kayla and Lewis held their outdoor affair at the beautiful Pine Hill Pavilion, and it was just the best day. Keep scrolling for more about this awesome venue and allllll the pretty photos from this Pine Hill Pavilion wedding day.

Venue Highlights

Pinehill Pavilion is a stunning venue located on 160 acres of land. I love the privacy of this venue offers! Woods surround you, making it a quiet and intimate spot! This venue is located in Youngsville, NC (15 minutes north of Raleigh). The Pavilion is quite large at 8,400 square feet and filled with all the amenities! You get access to a prep kitchen, bar, restrooms with handicap access, and breathtaking chandeliers. The covered Pavilion is surrounded by a flawlessly landscaped courtyard in front of a tranquil 2 acre pond.

Pine Hill Pavilion’s standout feature is its picturesque location. The covered Pavilion is surrounded by the lush greenery and manicured courtyard. The property also boasts a peaceful 2-acre pond. Talk about a wedding photographer’s dream!

Pine Hill Pavilion Wedding Day

Kayla and Lewis’s wedding decor effortlessly complemented Pine Hill Pavilion’s aesthetic. The exposed wooden beams, the airy pavilion structure, and the wraparound porch added a touch of Southern elegance to their celebration.

As the sun set over Pine Hill Pavilion, the celebration continued under a starlit sky. The venue’s ambient lighting and open-air charm created a magical atmosphere, turning the evening into a fairytale under the North Carolina stars.

Cheers to Pine Hill Pavilion! And congratulations to this beautiful couple, now husband and wife!! Still looking for your perfect wedding photographer? I would love to connect with you!

Vendor Team

Photographer: Kayla Susie Photography

Venue: Pine Hill Pavilion

Dress: Brides of New York

When you think of a Greenville wedding, not everyone remembers we have a gorgeous venue just up the road at Cliffs Glassy Chapel. The views here are breathtaking! And Doogie and Katherine chose this location to celebrate tying the knot. I can’t wait for you to see more of these images on the blog today!

Katherine, a doctor who has conquered Mt. Everest and meditated with monks, is an amazing person! And you could tell the love she shares with Doogie is super special. When I asked about their love story, they said, “We are a great team, and while we don’t always agree we always strive to be better together.” Isn’t that what love and life is all about?

When it came to their wedding day, these two were among the most easy-going of my couples. Their only request? To feel joy on their wedding day, and they got it. You could feel the joy from floor to ceiling in the gorgeous chapel. We were surrounded by the natural splendor of the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop for the couple’s vows. And this self-proclaimed introverted duo totally rocked their portrait time with me!

We then made the trek back down the mountain for fun and dinner at Topsoil restaurant. Right in the heart of Greenville, Topsoil offers a contemporary and intimate space for celebrating. Katherine’s determined spirit was reflected in the personalized touches, from the curated menu to the stylish decor. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the city’s lights created an amazing view for the night.

Join me in congratulating Katherine & Doogie on their start of an amazing life together! Cheers!!

P.S. Contact me to learn more about the wedding photography packages I offer.

Vendor Team

Photographer: Kayla Susie Photography

Ceremony: Cliffs Glassy Chapel

Hair and Make up: Shabby Chic Hair Studio 

Dress: Made with Love Bridal 

Food: Topsoil Restaurant

Styled shoots give you a way to showcase your unique vision as a wedding photographer. Here are the essential steps on exactly how to host a styled shoot. But first, let’s begin with why hosting a styled shoot could be a game-changer for your portfolio and your business.

Why You Should Host a Styled Shoot

Portfolio Enhancement: A styled shoot allows you to curate a portfolio that reflects your creativity and expertise. It becomes a visual representation of your unique style and attracts potential clients who resonate with your vision.

Networking Opportunities: Collaborating with vendors creates valuable connections within the industry. These relationships can lead to referrals, partnerships, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Showcasing Your Niche: Whether you specialize in destination weddings, elopements, or cultural celebrations, a styled shoot provides a platform to showcase your niche. It establishes you as an expert in your chosen field.

Marketing and Branding: The stunning images and content generated from the shoot become powerful marketing tools. Utilize them across your website, social media, and promotional materials to attract your ideal clientele.

How to Host a Styled Shoot

1. Define Your Vision: Begin by conceptualizing a theme that resonates with your style and the narrative you want to convey. Whether it’s vintage romance, modern elegance, or bohemian chic, a clear vision sets the tone for the entire shoot.
2. Assemble a Dream Team: Collaborate with talented vendors who share your passion. From photographers and florists to makeup artists and models, a cohesive team ensures that every element aligns with the envisioned theme.
3. Choose the Perfect Venue: Select a venue that complements your theme. Whether it’s an urban loft, a historic mansion, or a rustic barn, the venue serves as the backdrop for your artistic expression.
4. Curate Stunning Details: Pay attention to the finer details that will bring your vision to life. This includes table settings, floral arrangements, stationery, and bridal attire. Each detail should contribute to the overall aesthetic.
5. Capture the Magic: Stunning visuals will not only showcase your work but also serve as valuable marketing material for your vendors. And it’s a great way to thank them for their work!

Hosting a wedding styled shoot is a transformative experience that allows you to bring your creative vision to life, elevate your portfolio, and establish yourself within the wedding industry. It’s a collaborative effort that not only benefits your business but also the business of wedding vendors around you!

Vendor Team

Calligraphy: @letteredbysteph 

Balloons: @thegarheredmamas

Hair & Make-up: @natvchair 

Videography: @_jackiexiong_

Cake: @butterbunnygreenville 

Coordinators: @hudsonparkevents 

Charcuterie: @creativebalanceeventplanning

Dress: @katharinemarieweds

Models: Evan & Aspen