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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 […]
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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.
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.
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!
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Katie & Seth’s wedding weekend began with an intimate and joyful rehearsal at the beautiful Duncan Estate. Nestled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this historic venue set the perfect scene for their closest family and friends to gather before the big day. Having a photographer at your rehearsal dinner is a game-changer, and here’s why!
Since the rehearsal took place at Duncan Estate, I had extra time to scout the venue. This allowed me to check the lighting, find the best portrait spots, and plan ideal angles for the ceremony. On the wedding day, everything ran smoothly because I already knew the perfect places for key moments!
Rehearsal dinners bring out some of the most genuine emotions. The night was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and happy tears as Katie & Seth’s loved ones shared stories and well-wishes. These relaxed, unscripted moments are just as meaningful as wedding day portraits, adding warmth and personality to their gallery.
Your wedding weekend is more than just one day! The rehearsal dinner is part of the full celebration, and capturing it helps tell a richer story. From the elegant dinner setup at Duncan Estate to the intimate conversations shared under twinkling lights, these moments create a beautiful prelude to the main event.
The rehearsal dinner is filled with the people who mean the most to you. By being there, I learned who Katie & Seth’s closest family and friends were, making it easier to capture their interactions on the wedding day. Recognizing these VIPs allowed me to document special connections with even more intention.
Katie looked stunning in her carefully chosen rehearsal dinner outfit, and Seth looked equally sharp. Since they were already dressed up, we took advantage of Duncan Estate’s charming gardens for a few extra portraits. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture another side of a couple’s love story in a different setting.
Photographing the rehearsal dinner at Duncan Estate made Katie & Seth’s wedding story even more complete. If you’re considering having your photographer at your rehearsal, do it! You’ll get relaxed, meaningful moments that add depth to your wedding album and bring your full celebration to life.Why You Should Have Your Photographer at Your Rehearsal: Katie & Seth’s Duncan Estate Celebration
Loved this? Then you will also love Katie & Seth’s engagement session!
Your wedding weekend deserves to be fully documented! Let’s make sure every heartfelt toast, joyful laugh, and special moment is captured beautifully. If you want a seamless, stress-free experience with stunning memories from start to finish, let’s chat about adding rehearsal dinner coverage to your wedding photography package! Get in touch today!
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Planning a wedding in Greenville, SC, is so exciting but escaping the summer heat can be a real challenge! This area has some fantastic indoor wedding venues. If you’re dreaming of an all-in-one spot for your ceremony and reception, you’re in luck. Here are five indoor wedding venues in Greenville that we absolutely love. 1. […]
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If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling through Pinterest, Instagram, or wedding blogs, saving tons of photos—but maybe you’re not sure how it all comes together. That’s totally normal! In a recent podcast interview, I chatted with Renee Burroughs of Renee Burroughs Design, an incredible wedding florist, and she shared a simple but genius tip:
“Save any photo that makes you pause!“
Even if you don’t know exactly why you like it, save it anyway. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in your choices, and those little details will help shape your wedding vision. So, how do you do this without feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t stress about making everything match right away. Just start saving images that speak to you—whether it’s a dreamy ceremony setup, a stunning bouquet, or even a beautiful tablescape. The key is to go with your gut.
Your wedding style isn’t just about wedding images. If you love the cozy feel of a candlelit dinner or the sleek aesthetic of a modern hotel, save those too. These details can inspire your venue, decor, and even your photography style.
After a while, take a step back and look at everything you’ve saved. Do you see a trend? Maybe you’re drawn to soft, romantic florals, or perhaps dramatic, moody lighting. These patterns are your style shining through.
Once you’ve gathered enough inspiration, go through and remove anything that doesn’t truly excite you. This helps you get a clearer picture of what you actually love.
A well-curated inspiration board helps your planner, florist, and photographer understand your vision so they can bring it to life.
So go ahead—start saving, dreaming, and let the magic unfold.
Recent wedding with Renee Burroughs Designs at Judson Mill.
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Your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It’s a chance to celebrate your love while capturing beautiful photos you’ll cherish forever. To make sure your session goes smoothly and feels fun, here are six easy tips to help you prepare for your engagement session!
Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Start with a color palette that complements your skin tone and the location of your session. Avoid overly busy patterns and logos—simple and timeless looks are best. Bring a second outfit for variety, like one dressy and one casual option. Most importantly, wear something you can move in comfortably!
Golden hour, the hour before sunset, provides the most flattering light. Work with your photographer to schedule your session during this magical time. If morning light suits you better, sunrise is another great option. Trust us—the light makes a huge difference in creating dreamy photos.
Take the day to relax and get camera-ready. Schedule a manicure, get your hair styled, or have your makeup professionally done. These little details make a big impact on your photos. For grooms, a fresh haircut and clean-shaven or well-groomed beard can enhance your look.
Think about items that tell your story as a couple. A cozy blanket, your favorite books, or even your dog can add a personal touch. Props help tell your love story and create fun, candid moments.
Your engagement ring is a star of the session, so make sure it shines! Clean it beforehand to remove any dirt or smudges. A sparkling ring adds an extra touch of elegance to your photos.
Share your vision with your photographer ahead of time. Discuss any must-have shots or unique ideas you have. Let them know about your comfort level in front of the camera so they can guide you. Open communication helps your session feel relaxed and authentic.
Your engagement session is all about celebrating your relationship. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stress-free session filled with laughter and love. We can’t wait to capture these memories for you!
Looking for more engagement session tips? Elizabeth & Mikes Winter Engagement Session
Ready for me to capture your special moments? Reach out now: Contact
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Who is Bella Luna? Bella Luna BTS is a husband-and-wife team that captures the magic happening behind the scenes on wedding days. They aren’t photographers or videographers. Instead, they focus on the raw, in-between moments that often go unnoticed. From the excited nerves before walking down the aisle to the behind-the-scenes dance party with the […]
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As a Greenville, SC wedding photographer, I get to witness and capture some of life’s most beautiful moments. Recently, I sat down for a self-interview on my podcast, First Look, to share more about my journey, my passion for weddings, and advice for engaged couples. Here’s a little peek into my conversation with myself!
I started out as a “mom with a camera” in 2019 and started taking photos for friends. My journey into wedding photography started with a deep love for fairytale moments and a genuine love for capturing heartfelt moments. Over the years, I’ve learned that weddings are about more than just photos—they’re about emotions, connection, and memories that last a lifetime.
I photograph weddings, but really, I do so much more on a wedding day. From the moment you get your hair done to slipping into your dress and having your first look—I’m there. I bring a sense of calm and help keep the day flowing smoothly. I joke that I’m a professional dress fluffier, but I’m also the person you can vent to and the one who clears the room when you need a moment. My goal is to be a steady presence, making sure you feel relaxed and fully present on your big day.
I serve couples in Greenville, Charleston, and beyond. My couples are joyful, deeply in love, and excited to celebrate their story in a way that reflects who they are. Some dream of an intimate ceremonies, while others plan a grand celebration surrounded by all their family and friends. No matter the scale, they all value timeless photography that captures both the big moments and the little in-between ones. I love working with couples who cherish candid moments, meaningful details, and the people who have shaped their journey.
Oh, everything! Wedding days have a magic that no other event does. I love the excitement, the happy jitters, and the pure joy of two people committing their lives to each other. Seeing couples excited to marry their best friend never gets old. It’s an honor to capture those moments.
I also love getting to see people, see themselves from my perspective! Flipping the camera around so they can see why I’m squealing “AHHH you look beautiful!” couple make my heart explode!
Spend as much time together as possible on your wedding day! If you’re having a first look, plan to stay together until the ceremony. If not, carve out time for a private dinner or a quiet moment alone. During the reception, don’t wander off too much—soak in every second together. The day flies by, and these moments will be the ones you cherish forever.
I hope this gives you a little insight into who I am and why I love what I do. If you’re planning a wedding in Greenville, SC, or beyond, I’d love to hear your love story and help capture every unforgettable moment! Contact me today to chat about your wedding photography needs! Contact
Are you looking for a Greenville, SC wedding photographer? I’d love to hear your love story and help capture every unforgettable moment! Contact me today to chat about your wedding photography needs!
Want to take a First Look at more amazing vendors? Check out the Podcast!
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Pretty Place Chapel, has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is a dream ceremony location. The number one quesiton I get from coupes is, “What wedding venues are near Pretty Place Chapel?” Here are a few options in Greenville within an hour’s drive!
Located in Travelers Rest, SC, Hotel Domestique blends European elegance with mountain views. This boutique hotel is ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. Guests can enjoy luxury accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine, and picturesque grounds. It’s a short drive from Pretty Place, making it a convenient and chic option for your reception.
Nestled in the heart of Greenville, The Rutherford blends industrial charm with modern sophistication. With customizable indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s perfect for couples seeking a contemporary yet timeless setting. Its proximity to Pretty Place and downtown Greenville ensures convenience for you and your guests.
Located in Taylors, SC, The Schoolhouse Venue is a charming and historic venue. It blends vintage elegance with modern amenities, offering beautifully restored interiors and spacious outdoor areas. This venue is ideal for couples wanting a timeless and sophisticated setting. Its proximity to Pretty Place makes it a convenient option for your celebration.
Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, The Westin Poinsett offers historic charm and luxurious ballrooms. It’s a wonderful choice for couples wanting a classic and elegant setting. Your guests can also explore Greenville’s vibrant downtown, filled with restaurants and attractions, making their experience unforgettable.
These venues provide a variety of styles and amenities to suit your wedding vision. Whether you’re drawn to mountain views, modern aesthetics, or serene settings, you’ll find the perfect location. With these options, your day will be as unforgettable as the view from the altar!
Want to see more of these Wedding Venues Near Pretty Place? Check out:
Hotel Domestique, The Rutherford, The School House Venue, The Westin
Want some more sound wedding advice? Check out my podcast: First Look.
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I have some exciting news to share! I’m launching a podcast called First Look, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. This project has been a dream of mine for a while now, and it’s finally happening! First Look is all about taking a metaphorical “first look” at Greenville wedding vendors! Specifically focusing on […]
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I have some exciting news to share! I’m launching a podcast called First Look, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. This project has been a dream of mine for a while now, and it’s finally happening! First Look is all about taking a metaphorical “first look” at Greenville wedding vendors! Specifically focusing on […]