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An Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms fit Valerie and Santiago in every meaningful way. From the beginning, their story carried depth, resilience, and quiet joy. Last year, a hurricane shifted their original wedding plans entirely. However, it never shifted their commitment to one another. Instead of giving up, they leaned into flexibility and faith. They focused on what truly mattered: marriage, presence, and the people they love most.

Long before wedding planning began, their relationship held symbolism and intention. One afternoon, they searched for four-leaf clovers together and made a promise. If they both found one, they would marry each other someday. Against all odds, they succeeded. That small, hopeful moment defined their relationship beautifully. It reflected trust in timing and belief in something greater. Because of that, choosing an Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms felt like a natural continuation of their story.

Intimate Wedding at Aurora Farms: A Misty, Meaningful Celebration

The wedding day arrived misty, quiet, and softly overcast. Even so, the atmosphere felt peaceful and deeply romantic. Low clouds settled gently over the property, encouraging everyone to slow down. The setting created space for stillness, connection, and meaningful moments. A wedding at Aurora Farms allows couples to experience their day fully, rather than rushing through it.

With fewer than 40 guests, every interaction felt intentional and personal. Valerie and Santiago spent time with each guest without feeling pulled away. Their timeline stayed relaxed, leaving room for laughter, prayer, and quiet reflection. Because the day remained unhurried, portraits felt natural and unforced. No one competed for attention or time.

The misty weather softened the entire celebration beautifully. The overcast sky created calm light and gentle tones. Photos focused on emotion rather than perfection. An Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms removes pressure and replaces it with presence. It allows couples to choose meaning over excess. Valerie and Santiago promised forever surrounded by their closest people, proving that intimacy creates depth, not limitation.

Want to see more of Aurora Farms? Check out this blogs: Tori & Nick.

Venue: Aurora Farms

Photography: Kayla Susie Photography

DJ: Kalu Records & Entertainment

Piney Grove Ranch is a wedding venue that blends Southern charm with effortless elegance. From the moment guests arrive, the property feels peaceful and thoughtfully designed. Because of that, couples immediately feel confident hosting their celebration here. Tucked among open fields and mature trees, The venue offers a quiet escape while remaining easy for guests to reach. This balance makes it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger wedding days.

Piney Grove Ranch: Thoughtful Spaces with Natural Beauty

Piney Grove Ranch features open ceremony spaces filled with soft, natural light. The landscape feels clean and uncluttered, which allows ceremony design to shine without distraction. As a result, florals, seating, and arches stand out beautifully. Additionally, the ceremony space flows seamlessly into the reception area. Guests move through the day with ease, never feeling rushed or confused. Instead, the layout encourages conversation, connection, and a relaxed pace.

The reception barn serves as a true focal point of the venue. Its neutral palette and simple architecture photograph beautifully in every season. Because of this, couples can personalize the space without competing with heavy design elements. Large doors bring in natural light and frame views of the property. When opened, they create an inviting indoor-outdoor feel that guests love, especially during cocktail hour and sunset.

Piney Grove Ranch: Designed for a Smooth Wedding Day

Beyond its beauty, Piney Grove Ranch truly excels in functionality. The venue offers spacious getting-ready areas that support a calm, organized morning. This thoughtful setup allows couples to slow down and enjoy the start of their day. Vendors also appreciate the easy access and intuitive layout. Because of that, timelines stay on track and transitions feel seamless.

The venue also provides flexibility for a wide range of wedding styles. Whether couples envision refined elegance or relaxed Southern charm, the space adapts beautifully. As the sun sets, golden light fills the property, creating romantic portraits with little effort. In the end, this venue delivers both beauty and peace of mind. For couples seeking a welcoming venue with intentional design, Piney Grove Ranch stands out.

Rachel and Davey are the kind of couple whose laughter fills every room. They don’t take life too seriously and love finding humor in everyday moments. Whether they’re joking with each other or just enjoying a quiet evening on the couch, their joy is contagious. The best part of their relationship is how much fun they have together, making even ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Capturing their energy during their Furman engagement session was an absolute delight.

From the start, Rachel and Davey’s playful personalities made the session effortless. They ran through sunlit paths, shared giggles in the gardens, and naturally brought out each other’s best smiles. Their laughter wasn’t just a reaction, it was the heart of the session. Watching them interact felt like witnessing a real-life rom-com, full of spontaneity and genuine connection. Every glance, every playful nudge, reflected their deep friendship and love.

The Furman engagement session itself offered the perfect backdrop for their personalities. The campus’s historic architecture and tree-lined walkways added charm, while the golden afternoon light highlighted their playful energy. We explored every corner, finding candid moments of joy that truly represent who Rachel and Davey are. Each image tells a story of two people who genuinely love spending time together, no matter what they’re doing.

By the end of their Furman engagement session, it was clear why Rachel and Davey’s connection feels so effortless. Their love isn’t just about big gestures; it’s about laughter, fun, and the little moments that make life special. Capturing their genuine happiness reminded me why engagement sessions are about more than just pictures—they’re about celebrating who couples truly are. If you’re looking for a session full of laughter and authentic connection, taking inspiration from Rachel and Davey’s Furman engagement session is a perfect example.

Ready for me to capture your love story? Reach out now: Contact

Alex and Zack’s downtown Greenville engagement session felt effortless. They laughed and played through downtown Greenville, their sweet pup trotting happily alongside. The energy was joyful, light, and full of connection — exactly the kind of session I live for.

We started in Falls Park, which glowed softly in the late afternoon. The trees shimmered in golden light, and the river added a perfect soundtrack. Alex and Zack were ready to have fun, and their dog quickly became the star of the session. He sat proudly between them, tilted his head like a little model, and added playful moments to every frame. The candid interactions — the belly laughs, gentle touches, and shared smiles — created images that felt completely natural.

The Rooftop

After enjoying the park’s charm, we moved to a rooftop downtown for a fresh perspective. The sun dipped lower, and city lights flickered on, casting a soft glow. The skyline created a cinematic backdrop that made every moment feel like a scene from a movie. Alex and Zack leaned into each other, laughing, whispering, and enjoying the view. Their dog even made a rooftop cameo, and it was perfect — nothing forced, nothing stiff, just genuine connection in every shot.

From playful puppy antics to tender glances, the session captured their love and friendship perfectly.

Alex and Zack, you two are pure joy. Your laughter is contagious, your connection is inspiring, and your pup is the cutest little sidekick. I cannot wait for your wedding day. If it’s anything like this session, it will be full of laughter, love, and perhaps a few more cameo moments from your furry best friend.

Want to see more Downtown Greenville Engagement Session? Check out Kate & Harry’s rainy day session!

Ready for me to capture your love story? Reach out today!

Stop and smell the peonies is an invitation to slow down and stay present on a day that moves faster than you ever expect.

There’s a timeline to follow, people to greet, photos to take, and a hundred tiny moments happening all at once. The day moves fast, sometimes faster than anyone expects. That’s why my favorite reminder, and the heart behind my work, is simple: Stop and smell the peonies.

What It Really Means

It’s not about literal flowers, though I do love to remind my brides to actually stop and smell their bouquets. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice what matters.

It means pausing in the middle of the chaos to take a breath. It means holding hands a second longer. It means laughing when something doesn’t go perfectly.

It’s choosing presence over perfection.

On a Wedding Day

On a wedding day, “stop and smell the peonies” looks like:

• Taking a quiet moment together before the ceremony • Letting your veil blow in the wind instead of fixing it • Laughing through happy tears during your vows • Sneaking away for sunset portraits instead of rushing to the next thing  • Taking a few minutes to stop and journal how you’re feeling

Those are the moments that last.

Perfectly posed photos are beautiful, but the images that mean the most are the ones that feel like something. The ones where you can almost hear the laughter or feel the squeeze of a hand.

Why It Matters to Me

My job isn’t just to document what your wedding looked like. It’s to preserve what it felt like.

Years from now, when you look back at your photos, I want you to remember:

• How nervous you felt walking toward your person • How hard your cheeks hurt from smiling • How safe it felt to finally be married

Because those feelings fade faster than the details.

A Gentle Reminder

Your wedding day doesn’t have to be rushed, rigid, or perfect to be meaningful.

Let it be joyful. Let it be real. Let it be full of moments you actually remember.

So slow down. Take it in. Hold each other close.

And don’t forget to stop and smell the peonies.

Want to learn more about the Kayla Susie Photography Experience? Check it out here: Experience.

Ashley and Garrett’s engagement session at Chattooga Belle Farm had a relaxed, easy feel from the start. From the beginning, the wide mountain views, bold greens, and clear blue sky created a beautiful backdrop for the two of them. Overall, everything about the afternoon felt natural and true to who they are together.

Ashley shared something that shaped the heart of the session:
“We want these photos to capture how much we love each other and how happy we make each other. Then, when we look back, we want it to be evident and a precious reminder that through thick and thin, our bond is unbreakable. Finally, we hope our love continues to grow through each chapter of our lives.”

From the very first click of the shutter, that intention came to life. The light that day was bright and clear. It also highlighted every shade of green rolling across the landscape and each rich blue in the sky. Instead of the hazy warmth of golden hour, we had crisp clarity, with colors that popped naturally. The scenery seemed made for them. As a result, the images feel timeless, true-to-life, and full of joyful energy.

As we walked through the property, Ashley and Garrett fell into their own rhythm. Garrett pulled her close, and Ashley relaxed into him—minimal prompting needed. Meanwhile, their smiles came naturally, and their interaction made it easy for me to step back. They needed little direction—just time together in a place that suited them.

In the vineyard, the rows of green surrounded them, creating a simple, natural backdrop. Later, moving to the open fields, the mountains and clear blue sky gave a wider, fresh view. The colors didn’t just look pretty, they echoed the tone of their relationship: bright, steady, and hopeful.Throughout the session, they stayed relaxed and connected, whether walking to a new spot or preparing for a photo. These natural, unplanned moments showed their love just as clearly as any posed shot.

Chattooga Belle Farm highlights what’s already there, and for Ashley and Garrett, that meant a secure, joyful love. Additionally, their photos reflect the beauty of the farm and the clarity of the bond they’ve built together. Ashley and Garrett, thank you for trusting me with this part of your story. Hopefully, these images become the reminder you hope for—of your happiness and strong connection—I am truly honored. Here’s to continuing every chapter ahead.

Want photos that feel like you? Let’s chat — inquire now.