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This fall, I hosted a mini session morning at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve in Greenville, SC, and it was such a joy! I kicked things off with my own kids, capturing some fun, candid moments. Next up were my sister Taylor and brother-in-law Collin—always such a sweet pair to photograph.

Then came the Senn Family: Nicky, Blakely, and Jackson. Their smiles lit up the forest paths, and their playful energy made the session a breeze. I wrapped up the morning with The Stephens Family, who have been in front of my camera for three years now. It’s incredible to see how much their kids have grown! This year, they brought along their newest addition, Bella, an adorable and energetic puppy who stole the show.

The light that morning was golden and warm, filtering beautifully through the trees. It added a dreamy touch to every photo. The nature preserve was alive with fall colors, making it the perfect backdrop for these cherished memories. Watching each family interact with genuine love and laughter reminded me why I love capturing these fleeting moments.

Why Mini Sessions are a Must:

1. Quick and Stress-Free
   Mini sessions are perfect for busy families. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a gallery full of memories.
2. Seasonal Updates
   Whether you need new photos for holiday cards or want to document milestones, minis are affordable and timely.
3. Explore Local Gems
   Locations like Lake Conestee offer stunning backdrops with minimal travel time for Greenville families.

These sessions are fun, relaxed, and perfect for capturing life just as it is. Whether it’s the laughter of your kids or a quiet moment with your partner, mini sessions freeze these fleeting moments.

If you’re ready to book your next mini session sign up for Winter Mommy & Me Sessions here!

Considering a full family session? Check out The Wurst Family!

Katie and Seth’s Dreamy Lake Jocassee Engagement Session

Lake Jocassee was not the original plan Katie and Seth’s engagement session. They are getting married next year at Duncan Estate but they wanted to get their engagement photos done as soon as possible. I was so excited for our planed session at.. Jumping off Rock. Turns out we could not find the access road and decided to pivot to Lake Jocassee. This is your sign to always have a backup plan.

As a couple who describe themselves as introverted, it was heartwarming to see how they truly lit up when they were together. Their connection was evident in every glance and smile, making the session incredibly special.

We kicked things off on the serene beach of Lake Jocassee, where the calm waters and stunning backdrop set a perfect stage. The South Carolina summer weather, however, had other plans. We started the session with some overcast skies and finished in the pouring rain!

Despite the weather’s unpredictability and a little adventure involving getting lost, we managed to capture some beautiful shots. We ended the session on the dock, where the skies decided to open up. The last five minutes were a dramatic downpour, but Katie and Seth embraced it with such grace and joy. Their ability to find beauty in the rain was nothing short of magical.

After delivering the photos, Katie sent me a touching message: “I’m so grateful for you and your art. You took terrible weather and made it the most beautiful, dreamy day.” It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. Katie and Seth’s engagement session at Lake Jocassee was a perfect example of how love can shine through even the most unexpected circumstances.

Want to see more lake session? Check out Pietro & Abby’s Proposal at Lake Hartwell.

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!

Ready to schedule your engagement photos with me? Head here to get in my inbox!

If you’ve seen this couple on the blog before, you know they have a special place in my heart! Taylor is my baby sister, and I also got to photographer their Sailboat Proposal. Today, I have the honor of sharing their Downtown Greenville engagement photos, photographed by my good friend, Megan Byrne. Edited by me, of course! 🙂

We started out the session in Falls Park up by the gorgeous blooms! I love this spot in the springtime. Then, we walked over to the new Carmella’s Dessert Bar for one of their famous cakes. Taylor and Collin split the peanut butter cup cake, and it was to die for! You have to try this place the next time you are downtown!

We finished up the session further up main street and also on the Grace Church Downtown steps- one of my favorite spots for a brighter backdrop and gorgeous columns and steps. I love that Greenville has such an amazing variety of photo locations right in the heart of downtown. And multiple vantage points to catch the sunset like we were able to.

Scroll for more of Taylor and Collin’s Downtown Greenville engagement photos on the blog today! Contact me to schedule your engagement portrait session.

I have the most incredible sailboat proposal for you! This one is extra special, because a very special person was involved- my sister, Taylor. On October 22, I was packing up my camera gear getting ready to leave Hannah & Hunter’s wedding when my phone buzzed. It was Collin (my sister’s boyfriend), and I knew from that very moment why he was calling me. You see, I had told him if he was going to propose that I’d better know about it. And I’m certainly glad he listened! 🙂

Fast forward almost a month later, on November 18, and it was finally the day that we would remember forever! My family was staying at the amazing Villa in Folly Beach. What my sister, Taylor, didn’t know was that we were keeping a little secret. Funny enough, we kept the secret from my mom until the day before too!

Collin chartered a boat, and my husband, Bryce, and I both got to photograph the proposal, hiding just below deck. Y’all! When I tell you, no lie, my heart was racing at 120 beats per minute while we awaited the signal- the captain tapping on the door. Just call us undercover spies I guess!

It was unseasonably warm for November. And in true fairytale-like fashion, there was a pod of dolphins swimming around the boat. Talk about a perfect moment! After we captured Taylor’s enthusiastic “YES!” we told her we had to leave quickly to go pick up our kids from my in-laws house. However, we we were back up to the shenanigans again! In reality, we were racing back to the house to prepare for the surprise celebration to come.

Collin told Taylor they were stopping by a family friend’s (Keri) house in Folly to tell her the news. When they arrived there were 50 of their closest friends and family ready to celebrate! Collin’s mom had arranged for an amazing bbq dinner, and we laughed and talked the night away. It was the best day celebrating my baby sister who is so special to me!

We will remember this night forever, and I’m so excited to relive it with you on the blog today!

Boat: Water Music Charters

Catering: Lewis BBQ

When I asked Rachel and Jackson to describe their relationship, they told me, “We are best friends and our truest selves around each other.” And if that statement doesn’t also perfectly describe their Max Patch engagement session, I don’t know what does! We ventured to the gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains for an evening of flirty touches, sweet kisses, and a celebration of the love these two share!

One thing about my style as a photographer: I’m fully invested in your love story and what makes it unique. When my couples put a fun, new twist on a classic engagement session, it makes my photogrpaher heart so happy! After all, I’m in the business of capturing you just as you are, in this moment together. And in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, it can be easy to get caught up in the planning and forget to stop and soak in the moments. That’s why engagement sessions are so important to me. They give my couples a chance to take a breather and connect. And even get away to a fun location like Max Patch.

A Unique Love Story

The unique little details for Rachel and Jackson’s photos included a sweet little picnic, complete with charcuterie. And as the sun started to dip in the sky, Rachel and Jackson began to write love notes to each other that they would later read on their wedding day. I’m not crying; you’re crying!! You see, letters are extra special for this couple. After they first met, Rachel and Jackson were separated just four weeks later. Jackson was headed for a 6-month Army training, and their only communication was through pen and paper.

Here’s what the couple said about “going back in time” with their first communications as a couple. “It was very challenging to have so much distance and so little communication after only knowing each other for a matter of weeks. But we knew that this was something special and neither of us ever questioned the other’s commitment.” As soon as Jackson returned, their connection picked up right where it had left off. And they attribute that success to trusting God’s plan and turning to him together, for ultimate peace.

From heartfelt picnics to panoramic views, every element of their session spoke volumes about their deep bond. I was so honored to capture such a special and fun-filled connection. Enjoy more from Rachael and Jackson’s Max Patch engagement session on the blog today!

Looking for a wedding or engagement photographer? You found me! Contact me today to learn more and book your session.

Ready for more engagement session inspiration? Check out Lauren and Michael’s downtown engagement session next!