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Let’s talk about styled shoots. You might be asking: what is a styled shoot? But I promise, you’ve definitely seen them.

A stunning couple in designer outfits. A jaw-dropping bouquet. A reception table that looks like it belongs in a magazine. And maybe you’ve thought: “That’s can’t be a real wedding.”

You’re absolutely right. It’s not. Anyway, here’s the thing—styled shoots aren’t pretending to be real weddings.

They’re here to inspire you. And as a wedding photographer, I’m here to say: styled shoots are actually a gift to couples.Here’s why.

Think of Styled Shoots as a Wedding Mood Board—But Better

When you’re scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest then saving all those swoon-worthy images, chances are a lot of them come from styled shoots. And that’s not a bad thing! These styled sessions give you a chance to see how ideas come together in real life.

• You can see what a burnt orange color palette looks like at golden hour.
• You can see how velvet napkins photograph.
• You can even figure out if you love (or hate) the look of a dramatic cathedral veil.

Styled shoots give you the freedom to dream without the pressure of logistics. No need to worry about what fits your guest count or your venue restrictions just yet—you’re simply gathering inspiration.

It’s like flipping through a wedding magazine, but the ideas feel more current, more creative, and more possible. Styled Shoots Across America, for example, brings together incredible vendor teams to create these inspirational setups specifically to spark ideas for couples like you.

They’re Not Fake—They’re Focused

One of the biggest misunderstandings about styled shoots is that they’re “fake.” But let’s reframe that.

Styled shoots are intentionally curated. That means there’s time to fluff the dress, perfect the table, and wait for the light to hit just right.

It’s not meant to reflect the pace of a real wedding day—it’s meant to highlight possibilities.

They show what’s possible when the details are thoughtfully planned and the timeline allows space for creativity. And while your wedding may be more fast-paced and joyfully chaotic, seeing these types of images helps you decide what matters to you.

Love the flat lay of vintage stamps and hand-torn paper? Awesome—now you know to ask your stationer for that.
Drawn to the soft, romantic light in a specific photo? That’s a clue you might want golden hour portraits in your timeline.

Styled shoots give you tools to translate your vision into real wedding-day decisions.

Final Thoughts: Use Styled Shoots to Clarify, Not Compare

Here’s the truth: your real wedding doesn’t need to look like a styled shoot to be beautiful.

Styled sessions are here to inspire you, not overwhelm you. They’re creative playgrounds where vendors explore new trends, show off their work, and spark ideas for couples planning weddings of their own.

So next time you’re scrolling and saving, don’t stress about whether it’s a styled shoot or a real wedding. Ask yourself: What do I love about this? How can I bring this feeling into our day—our way?

Use styled shoots to clarify what you want—not to compare your wedding to someone else’s.

Because trust me, your love story, your people, your joy? That’s the real magic. And no styled shoot can top that.

P.S. If you ever wonder whether something in my portfolio was part of a styled shoot or a real wedding—just ask! I’m always happy to share and help you use inspiration in a way that feels like you. 💛

When you’re scrolling through a wedding gallery, you’re probably not thinking, “Ah yes, that’s a beautifully posed image” or “Wow, what an authentic candid!” But as a photographer, I’m thinking about that all the time—because candid, posed, and prompted photography each play a different role in telling your story.

If you’re planning your wedding and wondering what kind of photos to expect (or what you actually want), let’s break it down:

Posed Photography

These are your classic, timeless shots. Everyone’s looking at the camera, standing in the right spot, smiling at the right time. This includes wedding party portraits, family formals, and that iconic couple shot with your veil perfectly placed.

Yes, they might feel a little more structured—but here’s the thing:
These are the photos your grandma wants for her mantle.
And honestly? You’ll be glad you have them, too.

They’re the ones you frame, the ones you send to your parents, and the ones that get passed down over the years. Posed photos aren’t the most “fun” part of the day, but they matter. I make it as painless (and quick!) as possible so you can get back to the celebration.

Candid Photography

Candid photos are the ones that just happen. A tear sliding down your cheek during vows. The best man cracking a joke that actually lands. Your flower girl dancing in the middle of the aisle because she forgot her job and just felt the music.

These moments are unposed, unplanned, and 100% real. I don’t step in or direct anything—I just watch for the moments that matter and quietly document them while you live them.

These are the images that bring it all rushing back in the best way. They’re emotional, often a little imperfect, and they tell the story you didn’t even know you were writing.

Prompted Photography

Prompted photos live in that sweet spot between posed and candid. I’ll give you a bit of direction—not to control the moment, but to guide it. Instead of “stand here and smile,” I might say:

• “Hold hands and walk like you had a bit too much wine.”
• “Whisper your Chipotle order to each other using your sexxy voice.”
• “Pull them in like you’re proud you tricked them into marrying you.”
• “Show me the rings!”

What I won’t say: “Look deeply into each other’s eyes and imagine your 10-year anniversary.”
That’s just not the vibe.

Prompted photos are natural with a little help. They feel like you, but they also benefit from good light, great backgrounds, and a photographer who knows how to read the moment without over-directing.

The Sweet Spot Is the Mix

A full wedding gallery should include all three: candid, posed, and prompted photography.
The posed. The real. The guided.

Together, they tell the full story. You get the mantle photo, the messy-happy moment, and the ones that make you laugh because they feel just like you two.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear about your day.
Reach out here to start the conversation.

Kate and Harry’s Orthodox wedding in Greenville SC was a beautiful reminder of what truly meaningful celebrations look like. Originally, they were planning a large wedding with all the bells and whistles. As the plans unfolded, Kate and Harry realized a smaller ceremony with their closest family and friends felt right. And honestly? I LOVE that. It’s something I deeply resonate with—my own wedding story took a similar turn. I know firsthand how special it is to step away from expectations and create a day that feels completely your own.

Kate & Harry celebrated their Orthodox ceremony at St. John of the Ladder Orthodox Church in Greenville, South Carolina. The church sits tucked away in a peaceful corner of town and provides the perfect backdrop for sacred vows. If you’ve never experienced an Orthodox wedding, you will find it’s rich with tradition. Every movement and prayer carries deep spiritual significance. Watching Kate and Harry take part in the crowning ceremony, walk around the altar hand-in-hand, and listen to ancient blessings echo through the sanctuary—it was moving in every way.

Faith, family, and quiet joy filled their entire day as everyone remained fully present. Their loved ones gathered in support, sharing hugs, tears, and stories. After the ceremony, they celebrated with a simple and sweet gathering with a charcuterie.

An Orthodox Weddings in Greenville, SC: Meaningful and True to You

Photographing their day invited me into something sacred. It was a reminder that weddings in Greenville, SC don’t have to be extravagant to be extraordinary. Whether you’re planning an Orthodox wedding in Greenville SC or exchanging vows at a local park, downtown venue, or even a small church like St. John of the Ladder, your day should truly feel like you.

In the end, Kate and Harry’s story shows that there’s incredible beauty in returning to the heart of it all—choosing love, presence, and what truly matters.

When planning a wedding in Greenville, consider whether a smaller celebration truly feels right for you. Let Kate and Harry’s day be your permission slip to do what feels right for you. Your wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. It just needs to tell your story.

Want to see more of Kate & Harry’s story? Check out their Rainy Engagement Session in Falls Park!
Ready for me to capture your day like this? Reach out today: Contact.

As a Greenville Engagement Photographer, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected—especially when it comes to South Carolina weather. For Kate & Harry’s engagement session at Falls Park in downtown Greenville, we had to pivot last minute due to an approaching storm. But what started as a typical overcast session quickly turned into something magical.

We began under a cloudy sky, warming up with some casual walking photos through the park’s winding trails. The flowers were all bloomed, the lighting was dreamy, and Kate & Harry were naturals. We captured candids as they laughed, chatted, and took in the beauty of Falls Park together. Then, just as we reached one of my favorite scenic spots overlooking the falls, the sky opened up.

At first, we dashed for cover under one of the bridges—thankful for the architecture that makes Falls Park so unique. I looked at them and said, “We can wait it out… or we can embrace it.” Without hesitation, Kate & Harry chose to embrace it. And I’m so glad they did.

Cue: full-on Notebook moment. These two ran, danced, kissed, and held each other close in the pouring rain. Their clothes were soaked, their hair dripping—but their joy? That was the real star of the show. The romance, the spontaneity, the willingness to lean into the moment—it was everything an engagement session should be.

Harry looked at the back of my camera and smiled, saying, “These feel like us.” And that’s exactly what you want from an engagement session: photos that don’t just look good but feel honest. Real. Like you.

Being a Greenville Photographer means capturing more than just pretty pictures—it’s about preserving the energy of your story in a place as special as Falls Park. Whether the sun is shining or the skies are opening up, there’s something about this park that makes every session feel iconic.

Kate & Harry’s rainy-day session was one for the books. It reminded me that sometimes, the most unexpected moments turn into the most meaningful ones.

If you’re planning your own engagement session and looking for a Greenville Photographer who’s down for whatever the forecast throws our way—I’m your girl. Let’s make some magic together, rain or shine

Ready to turn your love story into something unforgettable—rain or shine? Let’s plan a session that feels just like you. Reach out today and let’s make some magic in Greenville! Contact

Want more rainly sessions turned dreamy? Check out Kate & Seth’s Engagement Session

Your wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day, and no one knows that better than Katie Cotton, the founder of Cotton Rouge. With a team of over 40 hair and makeup artists serving hundreds of brides every year, Katie has perfected the art of creating a smooth, stress-free start to the big day. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her for a recent podcast episode, where we discussed timelines, teamwork, and the secrets to making wedding mornings feel effortless.

Why a Solid Timeline is Everything

One of the biggest mistakes brides make? Not building in enough time for hair and makeup! Katie stressed the importance of buffer time—unexpected delays happen, and having extra minutes built into your schedule can be the difference between a calm morning and a rushed one. She also recommends that brides go first or last in the beauty lineup, depending on their personality. If you’re anxious, getting ready first lets you relax and enjoy the rest of the morning. If you want your makeup to be as fresh as possible, going last might be your best bet.

The Power of a Great Team

Weddings are a production, and every vendor plays a crucial role in making the day seamless. Katie emphasized that when hair and makeup artists work hand-in-hand with planners, photographers, and other vendors, it elevates the entire experience. A well-organized team ensures that the bride and bridal party feel pampered instead of pressured.

Want More Insider Tips?

If you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding vendor looking to streamline your process, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear all of Katie’s expert advice on making wedding mornings stress-free and enjoyable.

🎧 Listen now!

Want to hear more expert advice? Check out the podcast: First Look

Katie and Seth’s wedding at Duncan Estate was a picture of elegance and romance. From the vintage gold accents to the graceful details, every moment reflected their love story.

Duncan Estate provided the perfect setting for their celebration. The historic home and lush gardens added charm to their romantic theme. Katie envisioned a wedding filled with grace, class, and timeless beauty. Every detail, from the soft floral arrangements to the golden decor, brought her vision to life.

A Heartfelt Ceremony & Romantic Reception

The ceremony was heartfelt and intimate. As Katie walked down the aisle, Seth’s eyes filled with emotion. Their vows reflected their deep love and commitment. After exchanging rings, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The moment was pure magic.

The reception continued the romantic theme. Soft candlelight and golden accents created an inviting atmosphere. Katie and Seth’s first dance was a highlight, a moment filled with love and joy. Family and friends cheered as they swayed to their chosen song. Laughter and heartfelt speeches filled the evening. Loved ones shared stories about the couple’s journey, making the night even more meaningful.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal featuring steak, greens, and potatoes. A fresh side salad and warm rolls completed the dinner. For the toast, a stunning champagne wall added a touch of sophistication. While no other alcohol was served, the celebration remained joyful and full of love.

A Perfect Ending to a Beautiful Day

Duncan Estate was the perfect venue for their dream wedding. Its timeless charm complemented their vintage theme beautifully. Katie and Seth’s love story unfolded in a setting that felt both magical and intimate.

As the night ended, the couple left hand in hand, ready to begin their new chapter. Their wedding at Duncan Estate was not just a celebration but a reflection of their love—full of elegance, grace, and endless joy.

Venue: Duncan Estate

Coordinator: AudioGrafs

Florals: Duncan Estate

Catering: Duncan Estate

Hair & Makeup: Gracey Dorn

Dress: Dressing Room South

DJ: AudioGrafs

Want to see more of Katie & Seth? Check out their engagement session!

Ready for me to capture your day like this? Contact me today!