the blog

Jessica and Ben’s wedding at Zen in Greenville was nothing short of magical! Zen’s sleek, modern vibe created the perfect setting for their celebration, blending traditions from their Chinese Tea Ceremony and an indoor American ceremony. The space was beautifully dressed with white drapes, while soft pink tablecloths added a romantic touch that flowed effortlessly throughout the day. The Chinese Tea Ceremony was such a heartfelt part of their wedding.

Three Facts About Chinese Tea Ceremonies

• Respect and Gratitude: The couple serves tea to their elders to show deep respect and appreciation. Jessica and Ben knelt before their parents and close family members, symbolizing the uniting of their families.
• Meaningful Ingredients: The tea often includes red dates and lotus seeds. Red dates symbolize good fortune, while lotus seeds represent fertility, wishing the couple happiness and a prosperous future.
• Blessings and Gifts: After serving the tea, the couple typically receives gifts or red envelopes from their elders. These tokens represent blessings and well-wishes for a long, happy marriage.

After the tea ceremony, Jessica and Ben’s American ceremony took place inside Zen’s tranquil space. With minimal decor and soft pink accents, the atmosphere felt cozy and personal. As they exchanged vows, surrounded by their closest loved ones, the love between them was palpable.

Zen’s modern elegance paired with the delicate color palette made this wedding unforgettable. Watching Jessica and Ben blend their families and cultures so seamlessly was something truly special!

Vendors:

Venue | Zen
Food | White Wine and Butter
Planner | Bluebird Events
DJ | Rose Weddings & Events
Rental | Professional Party Rentals
Ceiling Drapes | Optrics
Hair | Mimi Kuang Bridal Artistry

Did you love Jessica & Ben’s Wedding at Zen? You’ll love Jessica & Andrew’s Wedding. Contact me today for more information on wedding photography packages and pricing.

Taylor and Collin’s wedding at Tin Roof Farms was full of details that I think every couple should consider adding to their wedding day.

Taylor was super intentional when planning the details of the day

Here are the details you’ll want to have ready on your wedding day for beautiful photos:

1. Flat lays: Include your invitation suite, rings, shoes, jewelry, and any special heirlooms.
2. Something borrowed: A sentimental item like a veil, jewelry, or family heirloom.
3. Sentimental touches: Personal mementos like handwritten notes or including people not in the wedding.

Check out how Taylor did this on her wedding!

1. Love Story

The first flat lay was a “Love Story” collection. It featured sentimental keepsakes from their dating days. The items included confetti from a Taylor Swift concert in Atlanta and a golf ball with a four-leaf clover. This was a nod to the day they met. It also had the birth certificate of their Build-A-Bear named “Lucky.” Taylor save and dried flowers Collin had given Taylor were also included. Taylor and Collin had a date night were the made cake plates for cutting the cake. Each piece held a memory, adding extra meaning to their wedding day.

For the wedding day flat lay, Taylor selected items that highlighted the day’s special details. This flat lay included custom stationery from Hudson Park Paper Co. It also featured a custom perfume Taylor made in Savannah after her bachelorette weekend. These small, thoughtful touches made everything feel so personal.

2. Something Borrowed

Taylor also embraced the “something borrowed” tradition with three meaningful items. She borrowed a blue sapphire ring that I received from my husband when we were dating. She also borrowed the veil Virginia, a bridesmaid, wore on her wedding day. Additionally, she wore pearls from Collin’s mom. These pieces connected her wedding day to the love stories that came before.

3. Sweet Touches

One of the sweetest touches was how Taylor included her nieces, Elle and Millie. She let them borrow necklaces that Uncle Collin had given her. Instead of traditional table numbers at the reception, each table was named after one of Taylor’s 1st-grade students. The students described love with phrases like “Love is caring for another” and “Love is holding hands.”

Taylor and Collin’s wedding shows how brides can get creative. Incorporating sentimental elements can make a wedding day truly reflect a unique love story.

Loved these details? You’ll also enjoy scrolling through Jessica & Paul’s Wedding at Pretty Place Chapel!

Looking for your wedding photographer? I’m here!

Taylor & Collin’s Vibrant Celebration at Tin Roof Farms

My sister Taylor, married Collin at Tin Roof Farms. It was a day filled with joy, color, and deep meaning. Tin Roof Farms proved to be the perfect setting for their special day, combining the rustic charm of a countryside venue with modern elegance. The spacious grounds and beautifully chapel made it a dream location for their celebration.

Taylor had a clear vision for her wedding: a vibrant mix of colors in the flowers, set against a crisp black-and-white theme for everything else. The venue’s natural beauty enhanced the lively floral arrangements, creating a striking contrast with the black-and-white checkered dance floor. The white bridesmaids’ dresses added to the fresh, clean aesthetic, perfectly complementing the colorful blooms.

One of the unique features of Tin Roof Farms is its versatility. From the spacious indoor areas to the picturesque outdoor settings, every corner of this 75 acres offered a perfect backdrop for the day. The tall trees and lush greenery provided shade and a sense of intimacy, while the open fields allowed for stunning wide-angle shots.

Faith played a central role in Taylor and Collin’s day, beginning with an early morning Bible study that set a reflective and heartfelt tone for the entire day. This meaningful start reminded everyone why we were there, celebrating not just the union of two people but also their shared faith.

Though I had the honor of being Taylor’s maid of honor and couldn’t photograph the wedding myself, I entrusted my talented friend Megan Byrne with capturing the day. It was a joy to edit the images, reliving each moment of my sister’s beautiful wedding at Tin Roof Farms.

Vendor Team

Venue: Tin Roof Farms

Photographed By: Megan Byrne Photo

Images Edited by: Kayla Susie Photography

Hair and Makeup: Hair By Natalie

Florals: Bee Designs

Wedding Dress: Ava Laurene Bride

Party Dress: Off The Market Dress

Suits: Men’s Warehouse

Stationary: Hudson Park Paper Co.

Cake: Publix Bakery

DJ: Chris Hart Music Services

Bridesmaids Dresses: Garden Midi Dress

Want to her even more about Taylor and Collin’s wedding? Check out how this blog, Telling Your Love Story

Looking for your wedding photographer, reach out now!

Fall is perfect for capturing cozy, colorful family moments. Choosing outfits, though, can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with relaxed, stylish color combos that will make your photos pop, right here with your Greenville Family Photographer!

1. Classic Autumn Colors:
   Think deep oranges, rich browns, and warm yellows. These colors echo fall foliage, bringing a traditional vibe. Pair a burnt orange sweater with brown boots for a classic autumn look. Add a mustard yellow scarf to a cozy plaid shirt for the quintessential fall style.
2. Jewel Tones:
   For a vibrant look, consider jewel tones like deep teal, sapphire blue, and maroon. These colors add elegance and drama while still feeling warm. Imagine your family in sapphire and ruby shades, contrasting beautifully against a fall backdrop.
3. Earth Tones:
   If you prefer a grounded look, earth tones are perfect. Soft browns, sage green, and muted burgundy blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Pair a cream sweater with olive green pants or a tan jacket with brown boots for a chic, simple option.
4. Muted Autumn Colors:
   For a softer palette, choose muted colors like dusty rose, gray-green, and soft gold accents. These colors offer a delicate, vintage vibe that’s charming and timeless. Think of a mauve dress with taupe boots or a sage cardigan with light denim.

Things to Avoid:

• Matching everyone in the same color; it can look too uniform.
• Neon or bright colors that clash with natural surroundings.
• Large logos or busy patterns that distract from the overall look.
• Wearing too many layers that may cause discomfort during the session.

Remember, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. Happy fall!

Families Clothing Inspiration

Ready to capture those special family moments? Reach out to me, your Greenville Family Photographer today and let’s plan a session you’ll treasure for years to come.

Featuring the Soler Family at The Cancer Survivor Park

What is the Difference

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a mini session or a regular family session?” you’re not alone. The difference often comes down to time, variety, and the depth of memories captured. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the Soler Family at The Cancer Survivor Park in Greenville, SC. Josh, Laura Beth, and their adorable son Theo made the session truly special. Their session perfectly illustrated the benefits of opting for a full session over a mini one.

A mini session typically lasts about 20 minutes, and while it’s great for capturing a few quick, beautiful images, a full session offers so much more. With the Solers, we had the luxury of time to explore different areas of the park, allowing for a variety of backdrops and moods in their photos. From the warm, golden light filtering through the trees to the playful moments by the water, each shot captured a unique facet of their family dynamic.

Some of the Perks

Theo, like most toddlers, needed time to warm up to the camera. In a mini session, that could be challenging, but during our full session, we had plenty of time to let him play, explore, and just be himself. This resulted in beautiful candid moments that really tell the story of who the Soler Family is at this stage in their lives.

Another perk of a full family session? It gives parents a chance to capture a few moments together without the kids. During the Soler session, we took time to photograph Josh and Laura Beth alone. This allowed them to reconnect and create images that focus solely on their relationship.

So, if you’re debating between a mini or full session, consider the benefits of a full experience. The extra time not only allows for more creativity and comfort but also ensures that the final gallery truly reflects your family’s personality and connection. Just like with the Solers, it’s always worth the investment.

Want to find more tips for your fall family session? Check out Coordinating Colors for Your Fall Family Session

Recently, I had the joy of photographing the Wurst family—Stacy, Collin, and their adorable son, Augie—during their family photography with toddlers session at North Myrtle Beach. The expansive shoreline and golden light make North Myrtle Beach one of my favorite spots for family photography with toddlers. This beautiful setting provided the perfect backdrop for the Wurst family’s love and connection to shine through in every shot.

Tips for Family Photography with Toddlers:

• Embrace Candid Moments: Let your toddler explore and play naturally. The best photos often come from spontaneous, unposed moments, capturing the true essence of your child’s personality.
• Bring Snacks and Water: Keep your toddler happy and refreshed with quick snack breaks. A little treat can go a long way in keeping those smiles genuine!
• What to Wear for Beach Photoshoot: Opt for light, breathable clothing. Comfort is key, especially on a breezy beach, so you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than adjusting outfits.
• Best Time for Beach Photos: Early mornings or late afternoons offer soft, flattering light and tend to be when toddlers are at their best. This “golden hour” lighting adds a magical touch to your family photos.

The Wurst family’s session was full of joy and laughter, with Augie leading the way. Stacy and Collin’s relaxed approach made for beautiful, natural photos, perfectly capturing their family’s connection.

Bonus Tips for Mom & Dad:

• Take a Moment for Just the Two of You: Capture a few shots of just mom and dad. After all, your love story is the foundation of your family, and those moments deserve to be cherished.
• Bring an Extra Set of Hands: It can be helpful to have someone along to help watch the kids, allowing you to relax and enjoy the session.

I’ve had the honor of photographing the Wurst family for three years now, watching them grow from newlyweds to proud parents. North Myrtle Beach was the perfect place to capture this beautiful chapter in their journey!

Check out Collin and Stacy’s Couples Session from 2022!