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I’ve known Maddie since she was little. She cheered with my little sister at Blue Ridge High School. So this wedding at Southern Bleachery was extra special for me! Maddie and Ethan are the epitome of a sweet couple. You can just feel the love they have for each other when you’re around them. Their wedding day was no different. Maddie describes Ethan as “kind, patient, intelligent, hardworking, faithful.” And I have loved getting to know Ethan and see how perfect he is for Maddie.

There were so many favorite parts of this wedding day that I loved watching unfold. Maddie and Ethan’s ceremony was centered around God, and you could tell that their relationship with him will be at the center of their marriage. Maddie and Ethan finished out the night by sharing a private last dance while guests were getting ready outside for the fun sparkler exit. And the best part? It won’t be long before I see this happy couple again! I’ll be photographing Maddie’s sister (Brooke) wedding this Fall. And the sweet connection there is that Brooke and I actually graduated.

Enjoy more of this Maddie and Ethan’s wedding at Southern Bleachery on the blog today!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Southern Bleachery

Hair: Tiffany Kardos (My sister’s half sister)

Makeup: Mattison Tubb

Dress: The Dressing Room South

Flowers: Bobbi Jindra (Pretty Things)

DJ: Chris Bower (Ideal Entertainment)

Catering: The Southern Palate

Cake: Butter Bunny Bakery

Check out this Private Residence Wedding next! Contact me today to chat about your wedding photography vision.

Something about a sweet outdoor wedding just gets me every time. Kayla and Lewis held their outdoor affair at the beautiful Pine Hill Pavilion, and it was just the best day. Keep scrolling for more about this awesome venue and allllll the pretty photos from this Pine Hill Pavilion wedding day.

Venue Highlights

Pinehill Pavilion is a stunning venue located on 160 acres of land. I love the privacy of this venue offers! Woods surround you, making it a quiet and intimate spot! This venue is located in Youngsville, NC (15 minutes north of Raleigh). The Pavilion is quite large at 8,400 square feet and filled with all the amenities! You get access to a prep kitchen, bar, restrooms with handicap access, and breathtaking chandeliers. The covered Pavilion is surrounded by a flawlessly landscaped courtyard in front of a tranquil 2 acre pond.

Pine Hill Pavilion’s standout feature is its picturesque location. The covered Pavilion is surrounded by the lush greenery and manicured courtyard. The property also boasts a peaceful 2-acre pond. Talk about a wedding photographer’s dream!

Pine Hill Pavilion Wedding Day

Kayla and Lewis’s wedding decor effortlessly complemented Pine Hill Pavilion’s aesthetic. The exposed wooden beams, the airy pavilion structure, and the wraparound porch added a touch of Southern elegance to their celebration.

As the sun set over Pine Hill Pavilion, the celebration continued under a starlit sky. The venue’s ambient lighting and open-air charm created a magical atmosphere, turning the evening into a fairytale under the North Carolina stars.

Cheers to Pine Hill Pavilion! And congratulations to this beautiful couple, now husband and wife!! Still looking for your perfect wedding photographer? I would love to connect with you!

Vendor Team

Photographer: Kayla Susie Photography

Venue: Pine Hill Pavilion

Dress: Brides of New York

Check out Katie & Seth’s Wedding: Elegant Wedding at Duncan Estate.

When you think of a Greenville wedding, not everyone remembers we have a gorgeous venue just up the road at Cliffs Glassy Chapel. The views here are breathtaking! And Doogie and Katherine chose this location to celebrate tying the knot. I can’t wait for you to see more of these images on the blog today!

Katherine, a doctor who has conquered Mt. Everest and meditated with monks, is an amazing person! And you could tell the love she shares with Doogie is super special. When I asked about their love story, they said, “We are a great team, and while we don’t always agree we always strive to be better together.” Isn’t that what love and life is all about?

When it came to their wedding day, these two were among the most easy-going of my couples. Their only request? To feel joy on their wedding day, and they got it. You could feel the joy from floor to ceiling in the gorgeous chapel. We were surrounded by the natural splendor of the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop for the couple’s vows. And this self-proclaimed introverted duo totally rocked their portrait time with me!

We then made the trek back down the mountain for fun and dinner at Topsoil restaurant. Right in the heart of Greenville, Topsoil offers a contemporary and intimate space for celebrating. Katherine’s determined spirit was reflected in the personalized touches, from the curated menu to the stylish decor. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the city’s lights created an amazing view for the night.

Join me in congratulating Katherine & Doogie on their start of an amazing life together! Cheers!!

P.S. Contact me to learn more about the wedding photography packages I offer.

Vendor Team

Photographer: Kayla Susie Photography

Ceremony: Cliffs Glassy Chapel

Hair and Make up: Shabby Chic Hair Studio 

Dress: Made with Love Bridal 

Food: Topsoil Restaurant

Ready for more of Glassy Chapel? Check out this Foggy Wedding at Glassy Chapel.

Styled shoots give you a way to showcase your unique vision as a wedding photographer. Here are the essential steps on exactly how to host a styled shoot. But first, let’s begin with why hosting a styled shoot could be a game-changer for your portfolio and your business.

Why You Should Host a Styled Shoot

Portfolio Enhancement: A styled shoot allows you to curate a portfolio that reflects your creativity and expertise. It becomes a visual representation of your unique style and attracts potential clients who resonate with your vision.

Networking Opportunities: Collaborating with vendors creates valuable connections within the industry. These relationships can lead to referrals, partnerships, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Showcasing Your Niche: Whether you specialize in destination weddings, elopements, or cultural celebrations, a styled shoot provides a platform to showcase your niche. It establishes you as an expert in your chosen field.

Marketing and Branding: The stunning images and content generated from the shoot become powerful marketing tools. Utilize them across your website, social media, and promotional materials to attract your ideal clientele.

How to Host a Styled Shoot

1. Define Your Vision: Begin by conceptualizing a theme that resonates with your style and the narrative you want to convey. Whether it’s vintage romance, modern elegance, or bohemian chic, a clear vision sets the tone for the entire shoot.
2. Assemble a Dream Team: Collaborate with talented vendors who share your passion. From photographers and florists to makeup artists and models, a cohesive team ensures that every element aligns with the envisioned theme.
3. Choose the Perfect Venue: Select a venue that complements your theme. Whether it’s an urban loft, a historic mansion, or a rustic barn, the venue serves as the backdrop for your artistic expression.
4. Curate Stunning Details: Pay attention to the finer details that will bring your vision to life. This includes table settings, floral arrangements, stationery, and bridal attire. Each detail should contribute to the overall aesthetic.
5. Capture the Magic: Stunning visuals will not only showcase your work but also serve as valuable marketing material for your vendors. And it’s a great way to thank them for their work!

Hosting a wedding styled shoot is a transformative experience that allows you to bring your creative vision to life, elevate your portfolio, and establish yourself within the wedding industry. It’s a collaborative effort that not only benefits your business but also the business of wedding vendors around you!

Vendor Team

Calligraphy: @letteredbysteph 

Balloons: @thegarheredmamas

Hair & Make-up: @natvchair 

Videography: @_jackiexiong_

Cake: @butterbunnygreenville 

Coordinators: @hudsonparkevents 

Charcuterie: @creativebalanceeventplanning

Dress: @katharinemarieweds

Models: Evan & Aspen 

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, two historic gems, the Robert Mills House and Seibels House and Gardens, played host to our wedding styled shoot. I am so excited to announce that my work from this shoot has been featured on Southern Bride! Now that their post has been published, I’m ready to share all the gorgeousness with you.

Robert Mills House, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to classical architecture. Its stately exterior and regal interiors provided the perfect canvas for this shoot. What I love most are the iconic columns and ornate details of this beautiful property.

Adjacent to the Robert Mills House, Seibels House and Gardens offers a stunning outdoor setting. The meticulously manicured gardens are perfect for portraits. We had the styled tablescape outside, showcasing a fun modern flair. Elegant table settings and white floral arrangements brought a touch of simplicity.

The talented team of vendors worked hard to bring this vision to life. And it was so incredible to see the result! Make sure to go give these vendors some love after you scroll through the images!

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Columbia, SC? Contact me to chat about your special day.

Vendor Team

Photography: Kayla Susie Photography

Venue: Robert Mills House & Seibels House and Gardens

Planners: Hudson Park Events 

Historic house tours: Dasha Calhoun with Historic Columbia

Cake: Butter Bunny Bakery

Stationery: Hudson Park Paper Co.

Florals: Lenore Lane

Bridal dress: White Magnolia Bridal & Fabulous Frocks Bridal 

Hair and makeup: Southern Couture Salon & Bridal Bar

Videography: Jackie Just Films

Groom tux: Generation Tux

Tux accessories:  A Polished Man

Models: Carly and David Douglas

Want to see more Columbia, SC Weddings? Check out Sahar & Morteza’s wedding!

Engagement portraits in Greenville, SC, can be as unique as your relationship. There are so many locations to choose from! So today, I’m going to share the best Greenville engagement session locations to make your choice a little easier. From the urban charm of Downtown to the serene landscapes of Furman University, you’ll find something for every vibe in this post. Let’s go!

Falls Park and The Streets of Downtown

Falls Park stands as a hidden gem in the heart of Downtown Greenville. With the iconic Liberty Bridge and Reedy River as your backdrop, you truly can’t go wrong. Stroll along the charming streets of Downtown. Stop in for a coffee or ice cream. And definitely make plans for a fancy dinner date after your session while you’re all dressed up!

Wyche Pavilion

For a touch of sophistication, head to the Wyche Pavilion. Perched on the banks of the Reedy River, thiso open-air venue is gorgeous! The combination of cityscape and natural beauty creates a unique backdrop that adds an rustic flair to your photos.

Cancer Survivors Park

The little known spot, Cancer Survivors Park, is a haven of tranquility within the city. Its lush greenery, serene walking paths, and symbolic artwork provide a reflective ambiance. If you’re looking for a less populated area that is still close to Downtown, this is it!

Downtown Greer

Venture to Downtown Greer for a different flavor of charm. Think historic architecture, charming parks, and a quaint atmosphere that exudes southern hospitality. Downtown Greer is like Greenville’s little cozy sister. You’ll love it!

Bald Rock

For an escape, Bald Rock offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This spot is a little drive up the mountains, but worth it! And no hiking involved. The vastness of the landscape creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos.

Furman University

Nestled on the shores of a serene lake, Furman University provides a peaceful setting. The university’s architecture, sprawling lawns, and charming bridges offer a great variety of photo spots. I especially love coming here during the leaves changing during fall or the spring blooms!

When it comes to choosing the best Greenville engagement session locations, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you prefer the urban vibes of Downtown or the natural beauty of scenic spots, there is truly something for everyone. Ready to capture your love story in one of these beautiful spots? Connect with me to learn more about my engagement photography experience!