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Sydney and Kendall’s engagement session at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve was such a fun evening. The fall colors were at their peak, and the sunset made everything glow.

They have the sweetest love story. Sydney and Kendall met through church, and God has always been at the center of their relationship. Fun fact: Sydney’s mom and Kendall’s papa set them up. Although, Kendall’s papa died just weeks later, they still believe God truly planned for them to meet.Their story is full of faith, family, and timing that feels perfect.

The Session

At Bald Rock, the views did not disappoint. Rich reds, golds, and oranges covered the mountains.The crisp air made the hike feel fresh and energizing. As the sun started to set, the sky lit up in peach and gold. It gave us the perfect light for photos that really show their personalities.

Throughout the session, their connection was obvious. Sydney’s laughter is contagious and keeps Kendall smiling. Together, they bring out the best in each other. It’s playful, easy, and real—the kind of love that just works.

Engagement sessions like this are a great way to slow down. Basically, engagement session give couples time to enjoy each other before the wedding chaos starts. At Bald Rock, Sydney and Kendall were able to do just that. The location, the colors, and the sunset all added to the moment, but it’s really their love that shines through in every shot.

By the end of the evening, the sun had dipped behind the mountains. We wrapped up with hearts full and cameras happy. Sydney and Kendall, your story reminds me that God’s timing is always perfect. I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding day and see the next chapter of your love.

Want to see more engagement session inspiration? Check out the blog!

Are you ready for me to capture your epic engagement session? 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.

When couples start planning their wedding, the engagement sessions sometimes feels optional. It’s easy to think, “Do we really need these? We’ll get enough photos on the wedding day.” But engagement photos are about more than a pretty save-the-date. They shape your experience, not just your gallery.

Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Most couples aren’t used to being photographed for hours. That’s where an engagement session helps. It gives you time to practice and relax. You’ll learn how to move, pose, and laugh naturally. You’ll see what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. By the time your wedding arrives, you’ll know exactly what to do. No stiff smiles. No awkward hands. Just the two of you, confident and relaxed.

Building a Relationship with Your Photographer

Your photographer isn’t just another vendor. They’ll be with you through almost every moment of your wedding day. That’s why trust matters. An engagement session gives you space to connect. You’ll learn how your photographer directs. They’ll learn what makes you laugh, what feels natural, and what matters most to you. Think of it like a rehearsal. On the wedding day, it won’t feel like a stranger holding the camera. It’ll feel like a friend cheering you on.

Capturing This Season of Life

Your engagement is short but special. It’s full of excitement and anticipation. You’re planning your future and dreaming about what’s ahead. Engagement photos capture this chapter. They’re relaxed, personal, and real. Wedding portraits are beautiful, but they often feel more formal. Engagement photos show who you are in everyday life. Years from now, you’ll look back and remember the joy, the nerves, and the sweetness of this time.

Personalizing Your Story

Engagement sessions are about more than location and outfits. They’re about telling your story. Maybe you take photos at the park where you walk your dog. Perhaps it’s the coffee shop where you had your first date. Maybe it’s the mountain view you both love. These places make your photos unique. They turn your session into a reflection of your life together.

Bonus: Practical Uses for the Photos

And yes, the photos come with perks. They’re perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or guest books. You can even use them as décor at your reception. Parents and grandparents love them too. But the real gift isn’t how you use the photos. It’s the memories you make while taking them.

Engagement sessions aren’t just another box on the wedding checklist. They’re a way to prepare, connect, and celebrate this exciting season. When you look back, you’ll see more than poses. You’ll see your story—one that started long before the wedding day.

Want to see more engagement session: check out these blogs!

Kat and Matt chose Saskatoon’s Lodge for their wedding day, and it was the perfect fit. With only 50 of their closest friends and family present, the day felt intimate and intentional. The size of the celebration allowed them to focus on what mattered most—sharing meaningful moments with the people they love. From start to finish, every detail highlighted their personalities and their love story.

The Benefits of Saskatoon’s Lodge

Saskatoon’s Lodge is a hidden gem for couples looking for a wedding venue that blends convenience with natural beauty. Trees and greenery surround the grounds and create a private setting for the ceremony. On-site airstreams prThe venue provided separate spaces for Kat and Matt to get ready, adding a unique and fun touch to the morning. Having everything in one location kept the day relaxed and stress-free, which is one of the biggest perks of hosting a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge.

The tented ceremony space gave them peace of mind, no matter the weather. Then their reception featured a plated dinner that guests are still raving about. The food at Saskatoon’s Lodge is one of the biggest highlights and played a huge role in the experience for everyone. The location itself is another benefit! It’s close to Greenville but feels tucked away from the busyness of town, making a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge feel intimate and secluded.

For photography, Saskatoon’s Lodge offers endless opportunities. The ceremony space is filled with natural light, the grounds are perfect for portraits, and the reception area is cozy and welcoming. Every corner of the venue gives couples the chance to capture images that feel timeless and true, which is one of the reasons so many couples love planning a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge.

Special Details That Made Their Wedding at Saskatoon Lodge Unforgettable

Kat and Matt wanted their guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience. They hired a live painter to create an artistic memory of their ceremony. Additionally, they also brought in caricature artists, which was a fun surprise for guests and gave everyone something personal to take home.

Heartfelt toasts filled the reception and brought both laughter and tears. Guests shared stories about Kat and Matt that spoke to their character and the deep love they share. Every part of the day reflected their personalities, from the entertainment to the quiet moments between them.

Why Photos Matter Most at a Wedding at Saskatoon Lodge

The beauty of Saskatoon’s Lodge is undeniable, but what makes it even more valuable is how it supports photography. Every detail of Kat and Matt’s wedding at Saskatoon Lodge stood out against a backdrop that enhanced instead of distracting.From the intimacy of their vows to the joy of the reception, the setting gave us natural light, warm tones, and a feeling of closeness that shines through in their photos.

Kat and Matt’s wedding is a reminder of why choosing the right venue matters. Saskatoon’s Lodge gave them a space that was beautiful, private, and welcoming. Most importantly, it gave them a setting where their love could be celebrated and photographed in the best possible way.

Vendors:

Venue & Catering | Saskatoon Lodge

Photography | Kayla Susie Photography

Live Painter

Caricature Artist

Content Creation | Bella Luna BTS

Feeling inspired by Kat and Matt’s wedding? Explore the blog to see how I think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelcy will make their day uniquely theirs, and get ideas to make your wedding completely your own.

Taylor Swift’s engagement made the internet collectively gasp. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or a casual observer, there’s no denying that her wedding will ripple far beyond the couple themselves. Much like the way Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding in the ‘80s shaped bridal fashion for a generation, or how Justin and Hailey Bieber set off a wave of pared-down, modern bridal looks, Taylor’s choices will influence countless weddings to come. The sheer scale of her fanbase means the wedding industry is about to see a seismic shift.

But here’s the thing: trends are fun, inspiring, and exciting—but your wedding should still feel like you. Let’s look at a few areas where we’ll likely see Swift’s influence, and how you can make them your own.

1. Photography: Finding Your Style

Taylor leans toward a moodier, cinematic aesthetic in the photos she shares. If her wedding images reflect this style, expect couples everywhere to ask for dark, romantic tones. Here’s my gentle reminder: you don’t need to copy her to have beautiful images. Photography is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make, and your photos should reflect your story—not just the latest trend. If you love timeless, true-to-color images that never feel dated, that’s where my style shines. Trends will come and go, but your wedding photos are forever. Reach out to me for that true-to-color vibe.

2. Flowers: Big, Bold, and Possibly Unexpected

If there’s one place Taylor might surprise us, it’s florals. She’s known for her storytelling, so I imagine her flowers will carry hidden meanings—think Shakespearean references, nods to her songs, or blooms connected to love stories in history. Suddenly, we may see couples requesting florals inspired by lyrics or symbolism (lavender haze bouquets, anyone?). This is where it gets fun: while Taylor’s flowers will set a tone, you can use her creativity as inspiration without losing yourself in it. Want flowers that speak your love story? Choose blooms tied to your own memories—maybe the wildflowers you picked on your first date, or the peonies your grandmother grew.

3. Dresses: All the Outfit Changes

If there’s one thing we can predict, it’s that Taylor will not stop at one dress. She has always leaned into transformation, so we could see a ceremony gown, a reception gown, and maybe even a surprise after-party look. Designers will rush to release multi-look bridal collections, and suddenly, everyone will want more than one outfit. My take? Have fun with this idea, but also keep your budget and personality in mind. One thoughtfully chosen gown that makes you feel like yourself will always outshine three dresses that don’t.

4. Music & Entertainment: Experiences Over Playlists

It feels safe to assume that Taylor’s wedding will have unforgettable music moments—whether it’s a surprise guest, live orchestral arrangements, or carefully crafted playlists. This could usher in a wave of couples placing greater emphasis on entertainment: think immersive performances, string quartets playing modern hits, or personalized first dance songs. Music has always been central to weddings, but Taylor might push couples to dream bigger about how entertainment can set the tone of their day.

What Taylor Swift’s Engagement Means for Your Wedding

Taylor Swift’s engagement will undoubtedly influence trends, but your wedding isn’t a stadium tour—it’s your story. Whether you lean into her style or chart your own path, the most lasting wedding trend will always be authenticity. My clients are the kind of people who want timeless images that tell their story, not someone else’s. And that’s something no trend can replace.

As the buzz around Taylor Swift’s engagement continues to grow, it’s exciting to imagine the inspiration her wedding will spark. Just remember: inspiration is wonderful, but your wedding should be a reflection of you.

✨ Inspired by the buzz around Taylor Swift’s engagement but want photos that feel timeless and true to you? ✨
 Let’s chat about capturing your wedding day in a way that’s uniquely yours. Say Hi Here to start the conversation—I’d love to hear your story.

Anna & Tyler’s Elopement at the Furman Asian Garden

In May, Anna and Tyler chose a quiet, meaningful way to say their vows. They exchanged promises in the peaceful beauty of the Furman Asian Garden, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle reflections on the water. Their close friend officiated, while his wife joined as their only guest, making the moment feel deeply personal.

Their sweet pup came along for a few portraits, adding even more joy to the day. The garden’s winding paths and serene bridge made the perfect backdrop for their first photos as a married couple. Without the rush of a traditional timeline, Anna and Tyler could simply enjoy being present together, soaking in the beauty and significance of the moment. It was an elopement filled with love, laughter, and the kind of quiet magic that only comes from simplicity.

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Reception Celebration at The Gaines Lodge

Two months later, Anna and Tyler gathered their family and friends for a joyful celebration. The Gaines Lodge at Table Rock State Park was the perfect summer venue, offering cozy charm paired with sweeping mountain views. Guests were welcomed with refreshing lavender lemonade, its delicate floral notes setting the tone for a relaxed and happy evening.

Table 301 catered the event, creating an unforgettable spread of fresh, vibrant flavors. Their overflowing charcuterie boards were almost too beautiful to eat, featuring artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and other thoughtful pairings. The highlight for many guests, however, was the gluten-free cake — rich, moist, and absolutely delicious. It was the kind of dessert people talked about long after the last bite.

Katelyn Pinner Studio brought the lodge to life with elegant floral arrangements, weaving soft blooms and greenery throughout the space. During the evening, one of their friends sang “Give Yourself to Love,” a moment that brought happy tears to many eyes. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the room filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the warm glow of celebration.

Anna and Tyler’s reception was more than just a party — it was a reflection of their love story. From the intimate elopement in May to the joyful summer gathering in July, every choice they made felt true to who they are, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Planning an intimate elopement or mountain lodge reception? Let’s capture it beautifully — reach out today for custom wedding photography packages: Contact.