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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!

Tell Us About Yourself. How Did You Get Started?

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.

What Do You Do?

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.

Who Do You Serve?

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.

Why Do You Love Weddings?

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!

One Piece of Advice for Engaged Couples

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!

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!

1. Hotel Domestique – 16 miles, approximately 30 Minutes from Pretty Place Chapel

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.

2. The Rutherford – 31 miles, approximately 50 minutes from Pretty Place Chapel

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.

3. The Schoolhouse Venue 25 miles, approximately 50 minutes from Pretty Place

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.

4. The Westin Poinsett 35 miles, approximately 1 hour from Pretty Place

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.

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure! Yazmine and Luke discovered during their unforgettable celebration in Cancun, Mexico, on December 9, 2024. With 75 of their closest friends and family by their side. They created a magical experience that combined the beauty of the tropics with the warmth of their loved ones. Here are some essential tips for couples planning their own destination wedding:

1. Choose the Right Location
   Selecting the perfect destination is the cornerstone of your wedding planning. Yazmine and Luke fell in love with Cancun’s stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Consider factors such as climate, accessibility, and local attractions. This will help ensure it’s a place that resonates with both you and your guests.
2. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
   Navigating wedding logistics from afar can be challenging. A local wedding planner knows the area, vendors, and any legal requirements for marriage in that location. Yazmine and Luke’s planner in Cancun helped streamline the process, from securing the venue to coordinating with local florists and caterers.
3. Send Save-the-Dates Early
   Because destination weddings require more planning from guests. Yazmine and Luke sent out their save-the-dates a year in advance to give their guests ample time to make travel arrangements and request time off work.
4. Plan Group Activities
   To make the most of your time with loved ones, plan group activities. Yazmine and Luke organized a welcome dinner and a day trip to nearby Mayan ruins, which allowed their guests to bond and enjoy the local culture.
5. Consider a Wedding Weekend
   Since guests are traveling from afar, stretching the celebration over a weekend makes the journey worthwhile. Yazmine and Luke’s wedding weekend included a beach rehearsal dinner and a farewell brunch, creating a full itinerary of joy and connection

By following these tips, couples can turn their dream destination wedding into a seamless and memorable event, just like Yazmine and Luke did with their beautiful Cancun celebration.

Vendors:

Venue: Playa Mujeres Dreams

Your wedding week is finally here—how exciting! As the big day approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by last-minute tasks. That’s why I’ve put together this simple wedding checklist to help you stay organized, stress-free, and fully present during one of the most special times of your life.

1. Enjoy Every Moment

Let’s start with the most important reminder: enjoy this week! Take time to celebrate, soak in the love around you, and savor the excitement of being so close to saying “I do.” You’ve worked so hard to plan this day, so allow yourself to fully embrace every moment.

2. Assign Helpers

You don’t have to do it all alone. Ask your bridesmaids or a trusted friend to help with last-minute errands or tasks so you can relax. Assign someone to be the point person for your vendor team and another to bring your details box to the getting-ready space. Delegating will free you up to enjoy your wedding week.

3. Prepare Your “Details Box”

To capture all the beautiful details of your wedding day, prepare a box with these items before I arrive:

• Rings: Engagement ring and both wedding bands
• Jewelry: Earrings, bracelets, necklaces
• Invitation suite: Include extra copies if possible
• Veil: Make sure it’s steamed
• Shoes: Ceremony and Reception shoes if you’re changing.
• Groom’s accessories: Cufflinks, tie, pocket square
• Family heirlooms or sentimental items
• Perfume bottle

Having these items ready will save time and ensure nothing gets missed!

4. Tidy the Getting-Ready Space

A clean and organized getting-ready space makes a huge difference in your photos. Ask your bridesmaids to tidy up the room before I arrive by clearing away clutter, keeping bags in one area, and tossing any trash. A little prep goes a long way in creating gorgeous images!

5. Complete Final Wedding Week Tasks

Here are a few final to-do’s to check off your list before the big day:

• Steam your dress and veil to ensure they’re wrinkle-free.
• Confirm arrival times and details with your vendor team.
• Pack an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, double-sided tape, tissues, Band-Aids, and a sewing kit.
• Write a love note to your partner (optional but highly recommended for all the feels!).
• Stay hydrated and prioritize rest—this will help you feel your best.

6. The Night Before Your Wedding

Set yourself up for a smooth and calm morning with these simple steps:

• Lay out your wedding-day outfit and accessories.
• Double-check your details box to make sure everything is packed.
• Set your alarm to allow plenty of time to get ready without feeling rushed.
• Go to bed early—you’ll want to be well-rested for your amazing day ahead!

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day is about more than timelines and tasks—it’s about celebrating your love story surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. By following this checklist and preparing ahead of time, you’ll create space to truly enjoy every moment.

If you have questions or need help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you every step of the way. I can’t wait to be by your side and capture all the magic of your day!

What’s next?
For more wedding tips, inspiration, and resources, check out the Blog or reach out directly. Let’s make your day unforgettable!

As the year draws to a close, I’m looking back on what an incredible year 2024 has been for Kayla Susie Photography. 2024 wasn’t just about capturing beautiful weddings or family moments, though there were plenty of those. It was about the connections, the stories, and the emotions that made each moment special. It was a year of growth, joy, and gratitude, and I’m so thankful for those who allowed me to be part of their most important days.

Looking Back: A Year of Growth and Reflection

2024 was a year of growth in both my personal and professional life. As a photographer, I’ve always sought to capture timeless moments and the emotions that make life beautiful. This year, I focused more on how light, love, and connection come together in every frame. Whether it was a grand celebration or a quiet moment, I learned that each picture tells a unique story. Every person I’ve worked with has left a lasting impact on my heart.

2024 also marks my first destination wedding! I was able to travel to Mexico to capture Yazmine & Luke’s wedding in December! I absolutely loved the experience and would love to capture more destination weddings and elopements for years to come!

This year felt like a journey of rediscovery. I found beauty in small moments—the laughter shared between friends, the way couples look at each other with love, and the warmth of a family’s embrace. The small moments in between the big ones made 2024 unforgettable for me.

Looking Back on Personal Milestones & Renewed Faith

2024 was also full of personal milestones. One of the most meaningful was helping my sister Taylor on her wedding day. Megan Byrne beautifully captured their celebration, and I had the honor of editing those images. It gave me a chance to relive the magic of that day and reflect on the bond we share as sisters. It reminded me why I do what I do: to preserve the moments that matter most.

Another highlight of 2024 was my gluten-free food Instagram. I was looking for a hobby outside of work. As someone who loves great food and seeks the best gluten-free dining experiences, this project has been fun, fulfilling and currently on the back burner (pun intended). Exploring Greenville’s food scene has been a joy, and I’m excited to continue discovering hidden gems in 2025.

This year also brought challenges with Emmett’s health. Last December, a series of events led us to a new doctor and a Vagus Nerve Stimulator. The device sends electrical currents to help prevent seizures. In January, while reading Matthew 4, I just how desperate I was for Emmett’s healing. Later in the chapter, it says Jesus heals “those having seizures” (Matthew 4:24), and I knew God was speaking to me about my lack of faith. Epilepsy complicates every aspect of his life, but looking back on 2024 we can see all the progress he made and we are praying for better health and seizure freedom in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

I have big news for 2025! I’m launching my podcast First Look: A Guide For Greenville Brides in February! First Look is a positive place for couples to take a metaphorical first look at wedding vendors who love sharing their expertise and joy for the wedding industry. I will be interviewing vendors of all kind to hear: who they are, what they do and why they love serving couples on their wedding day!

As I close out this year, I’m excited for what’s to come. Looking back on 2024 has been a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day—love, family, and nature. I’m grateful to have been part of so many incredible stories, and I’m eager to continue capturing the moments that matter in 2025.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, trusted me, and allowed me to tell their stories through my photography. Here’s to more love, laughter, and unforgettable moments in the year ahead.

With gratitude,
Kayla Susie

Are you getting married in 2025-2026? Yes? Ready for me to capture the most signifcant day in your life? Reach out: Contact

Caroline and Jared’s wedding was the perfect blend of elegance and ease, right in the heart of downtown Greenville. Their big day centered around The Westin Poinsett, a historic hotel known for its timeless charm and prime location. The hotel’s art-deco-inspired design provides a stunning backdrop for getting ready.

The day started at The Poinsett Hotel, where Caroline and her bridesmaids prepared for the day ahead. The spacious room was right down the hall from their reception space, perfect for capturing those heartfelt moments with bridal party. While the girls were upstairs getting ready, Jared and his groomsmen got ready just down stairs. This helped with logistics, making it a breeze for everyone involved. One of the biggest perks? With everyone staying at the hotel, there was no stress about traffic or delays—it was all conveniently under one roof!

Their ceremony was held at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, just a short walk from the hotel. The church’s traditional architecture and grand interior provided a sacred and meaningful space for Caroline and Jared to exchange their vows. After the ceremony, guests took a short walk back to The Poinsett Hotel to celebrate.

The ballroom was transformed into a dreamy scene with light blue, white, and gold decor. From the soft glow of candlelight to the elegant floral arrangements, every detail felt like an extension of Caroline and Jared’s classic style. The hotel staff went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, and guests raved about the seamless flow of the evening.

Caroline and Jared’s wedding day was a beautiful celebration of their love. It was the perfect spot for an elegant, stress-free celebration!

Vendors

Venue: The Westin Poinsett

Planner: Sage Event Co.

Florals: Gregg Foster

Band: Brooks Dixon Band

Cake: @thelunchboxsc

HMUP: Cotton Rouge

Rentals: Professional Party Rentals

Bus: Eastside Transportation

Dress: The Poinsett Bride