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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!

Sahar and Morteza’s love story is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance. With Sahar in Iran and Morteza in the USA, their relationship thrived despite the distance, and it was so sweet when they finally had the chance to say “I do” in a ceremony that was as warm as their love for each other—literally! The day was unseasonably warm for January, with a beautiful 73 degrees. I am so excited to share more of this wedding in Columbia, SC with you on the blog today.

Top Columbia, SC Wedding Venues

Columbia, SC, is an ideal destination for your wedding, blending Southern charm with vibrant city life. The capital city offers a rich history, scenic outdoor spaces, and a variety of unique venues that cater to different wedding styles.

Here are four top wedding venues in Columbia, SC to check out:

1. 701 Whaley
   This historic venue is a popular choice for couples looking for a blend of urban charm and vintage elegance. With its exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and versatile spaces, 701 Whaley can be customized to fit various wedding styles.
2. The Lace House
   Located in the Governor’s Mansion Complex, The Lace House is a stunning venue with Southern charm. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this historic home offers elegant indoor spaces and picturesque outdoor areas, perfect for a romantic wedding.
3. The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens
   This venue is ideal for couples seeking a lush, garden setting. The Jasmine House, with its classic Southern architecture, and the surrounding gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions.
4. The Hall at Senate’s End
   This venue offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Located near the Congaree River, The Hall at Senate’s End has beautiful indoor spaces with exposed brick and large windows, as well as outdoor gardens, making it a versatile choice for weddings of any size.

With its warm hospitality and endless charm, Columbia, SC, is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Hair & Makeup: Southern Couture

If you enjoyed this post, you will also love Andrew & Lauren’s Wedding at Larkins Sawmill.

Ready to book me as your wedding photographer? Say no more!

Andrew and Lauren’s wedding at Larkins Sawmill was nothing short of magical! This charming venue in the heart of Greenville is one of my favorites. Larkins Sawmill provided the perfect backdrop for Lauren and Andrew’s winter-themed celebration. I love the exposed brick walls and beautiful wooden beams in the reception space. The features of this venue create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that matched their vision perfectly.

The day began with an emotional first look between Lauren and her father. We were all a bit teary eyed as we watched the moment unfold. Before walking down the aisle, Lauren’s father prayed over the couple at the altar. Lauren and Andrew really prioritized the deep spiritual significance of their ceremony. You could just feel the excitement between these two as they said “I do.”

At the reception, Andrew and Lauren surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance that was simple and beautiful. The highlight of the evening was the “We Are Family” song, where both sides of their families danced together. They truly understood the meaning of “two becoming one.”

As the night continued, guests enjoyed an amazing buffet dinner. Lauren and Andrew also wanted to do a photo dance and generation dance. I love capturing little traditions like this that make a reception that much more special!

From the heartfelt prayers to the choreographed dances, every moment was of Lauren and Andrew’s wedding day was perfect! I’m so excited to share more with you on the blog today.

Vendor Team

Venue: St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and Larkins Sawmill

Hair and Makeup: Cotton Rouge

Dress: House of the Bride, Augusta GA

Flowers: Sandra Bagwell

DJ: Ron Barredo

Loved this wedding at Larkins Sawmill? You’ll also enjoy scrolling through Emily & Stocks Wedding at Southern Bleachery.

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Devyn was a vision in her lovely bridal portraits at the gorgeous Hotel Hartness. Tucked away in the quiet and beautiful Hartness community, this venue is a real hidden gem. I loved capturing Devyn’s natural beauty and classy style in this space. Enjoy more of her Hotel Hartness bridal portraits today!

From the moment we stepped into Hotel Hartness, we were was greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The soft sunlight streaming through the windows added a touch of magic. What makes Hotel Hartness truly special is its cozy charm and attention to detail. Every corner is thoughtfully designed and filled with character. Not to mention, the lush greenery surrounding the venue gives a lot of versatility!

For the brides who might not be familiar with this typically southern tradition, bridal portraits are a highly recommended part of the wedding process! Let me explain exactly what bridal portraits are and why they can be so helpful!

What are Bridal Portraits?

Bridal portraits are professional photos of the bride in her wedding attire before the wedding day. They capture her beauty and provide a trial run for hair and makeup. It’s a great way to get to know your photographer more before the big day and get out all the pre-wedding nerves in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s also just a fun time to play dress up! Here are some reasons why you should consider a bridal portrait session:

1. Trial Run for Hair and Makeup: Bridal portraits offer the perfect opportunity for a trial run of your hair and makeup. You can work with your hairstylist and makeup artist to perfect your desired wedding day look. This helps you feel confident and beautiful on your big day. Plus, you’ll know exactly how your hair and makeup will turn out in photos!
2. More Moments for The Dress: Your wedding dress is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of your wedding day, and bridal portraits allow you to showcase it more than once. Having dedicated time to capture stunning photos of you in your dress gives you more chances to show it off!
3. Location Variety: Bridal portraits offer a chance to take photos in a different location. We can opt for a relaxed and intimate setting you may not get on your actual wedding day. Without the hustle and bustle, you can focus on the fun and excitement you feel in this season!

Looking for more bridal session inspiration? Check out Emily’s Biltmore Bridal Portraits.

Ready to schedule your bridal portrait session with me? Contact me today!

At the heart of George and Rachel’s relationship is a beautiful friendship. They truly are each other’s best friends and strongest supporters. While they enjoy shared activities, they also like their individual hobbies. Their bond of almost five years is filled with laughter and mutual respect, and they are eager to start a family of their own and begin their lives together. It was so sweet to capture this precious season with Rachel and George as fiances with Greenville engagement photos!

About Rachel & George

One of their favorite pastimes is watching TV together. Early on in their relationship, they created a long list of TV shows and movies to watch. They are still working through that list today! Their weekday ritual includes watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy during dinner. They also love outdoor activities, particularly long bike rides on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Over the years, they’ve embraced “at-home” date nights and love trying out new recipes together. Traveling is another passion of theirs, even though Rachel admits she’s not the biggest fan of flying.

How They Met

Rachel and George’s journey began back in middle and high school, where they shared mutual friends. But the funny thing is, these two really didn’t hang out back then. It wasn’t until they both moved back to Greenville after college that they reconnected at George’s annual birthday bonfire in 2018. Since then, they’ve navigated the highs and lows of life together. From job layoffs and the loss of George’s grandparents to buying a house and witnessing the birth of George’s identical twin nephews, their experiences have only strengthened their connection as a couple.

George’s love for outer space adds a unique touch to their story. Every year, on the anniversary of his brother’s passing, they visit the planetarium at Roper Mountain Science Center. This tradition honors his brother’s memory and brings George joy on a difficult day.

Despite their differing personalities—George being an introvert and Rachel more outgoing—they find a fun balance in their relationship. They’re homebodies who cherish social interactions but also value their alone time to recharge. I loved getting to know them and their personalities better at this session!

George and Rachel’s Greenville engagement photos capture the essence of their love story. It’s a story of friendship, resilience, and unwavering support. Keep scrolling for all the fun photos from their session!

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