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An Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms fit Valerie and Santiago in every meaningful way. From the beginning, their story carried depth, resilience, and quiet joy. Last year, a hurricane shifted their original wedding plans entirely. However, it never shifted their commitment to one another. Instead of giving up, they leaned into flexibility and faith. They focused on what truly mattered: marriage, presence, and the people they love most.

Long before wedding planning began, their relationship held symbolism and intention. One afternoon, they searched for four-leaf clovers together and made a promise. If they both found one, they would marry each other someday. Against all odds, they succeeded. That small, hopeful moment defined their relationship beautifully. It reflected trust in timing and belief in something greater. Because of that, choosing an Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms felt like a natural continuation of their story.

Intimate Wedding at Aurora Farms: A Misty, Meaningful Celebration

The wedding day arrived misty, quiet, and softly overcast. Even so, the atmosphere felt peaceful and deeply romantic. Low clouds settled gently over the property, encouraging everyone to slow down. The setting created space for stillness, connection, and meaningful moments. A wedding at Aurora Farms allows couples to experience their day fully, rather than rushing through it.

With fewer than 40 guests, every interaction felt intentional and personal. Valerie and Santiago spent time with each guest without feeling pulled away. Their timeline stayed relaxed, leaving room for laughter, prayer, and quiet reflection. Because the day remained unhurried, portraits felt natural and unforced. No one competed for attention or time.

The misty weather softened the entire celebration beautifully. The overcast sky created calm light and gentle tones. Photos focused on emotion rather than perfection. An Intimate wedding at Aurora Farms removes pressure and replaces it with presence. It allows couples to choose meaning over excess. Valerie and Santiago promised forever surrounded by their closest people, proving that intimacy creates depth, not limitation.

Want to see more of Aurora Farms? Check out this blogs: Tori & Nick.

Venue: Aurora Farms

Photography: Kayla Susie Photography

DJ: Kalu Records & Entertainment

Piney Grove Ranch is a wedding venue that blends Southern charm with effortless elegance. From the moment guests arrive, the property feels peaceful and thoughtfully designed. Because of that, couples immediately feel confident hosting their celebration here. Tucked among open fields and mature trees, The venue offers a quiet escape while remaining easy for guests to reach. This balance makes it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger wedding days.

Piney Grove Ranch: Thoughtful Spaces with Natural Beauty

Piney Grove Ranch features open ceremony spaces filled with soft, natural light. The landscape feels clean and uncluttered, which allows ceremony design to shine without distraction. As a result, florals, seating, and arches stand out beautifully. Additionally, the ceremony space flows seamlessly into the reception area. Guests move through the day with ease, never feeling rushed or confused. Instead, the layout encourages conversation, connection, and a relaxed pace.

The reception barn serves as a true focal point of the venue. Its neutral palette and simple architecture photograph beautifully in every season. Because of this, couples can personalize the space without competing with heavy design elements. Large doors bring in natural light and frame views of the property. When opened, they create an inviting indoor-outdoor feel that guests love, especially during cocktail hour and sunset.

Piney Grove Ranch: Designed for a Smooth Wedding Day

Beyond its beauty, Piney Grove Ranch truly excels in functionality. The venue offers spacious getting-ready areas that support a calm, organized morning. This thoughtful setup allows couples to slow down and enjoy the start of their day. Vendors also appreciate the easy access and intuitive layout. Because of that, timelines stay on track and transitions feel seamless.

The venue also provides flexibility for a wide range of wedding styles. Whether couples envision refined elegance or relaxed Southern charm, the space adapts beautifully. As the sun sets, golden light fills the property, creating romantic portraits with little effort. In the end, this venue delivers both beauty and peace of mind. For couples seeking a welcoming venue with intentional design, Piney Grove Ranch stands out.

Stop and smell the peonies is an invitation to slow down and stay present on a day that moves faster than you ever expect.

There’s a timeline to follow, people to greet, photos to take, and a hundred tiny moments happening all at once. The day moves fast, sometimes faster than anyone expects. That’s why my favorite reminder, and the heart behind my work, is simple: Stop and smell the peonies.

What It Really Means

It’s not about literal flowers, though I do love to remind my brides to actually stop and smell their bouquets. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice what matters.

It means pausing in the middle of the chaos to take a breath. It means holding hands a second longer. It means laughing when something doesn’t go perfectly.

It’s choosing presence over perfection.

On a Wedding Day

On a wedding day, “stop and smell the peonies” looks like:

• Taking a quiet moment together before the ceremony • Letting your veil blow in the wind instead of fixing it • Laughing through happy tears during your vows • Sneaking away for sunset portraits instead of rushing to the next thing  • Taking a few minutes to stop and journal how you’re feeling

Those are the moments that last.

Perfectly posed photos are beautiful, but the images that mean the most are the ones that feel like something. The ones where you can almost hear the laughter or feel the squeeze of a hand.

Why It Matters to Me

My job isn’t just to document what your wedding looked like. It’s to preserve what it felt like.

Years from now, when you look back at your photos, I want you to remember:

• How nervous you felt walking toward your person • How hard your cheeks hurt from smiling • How safe it felt to finally be married

Because those feelings fade faster than the details.

A Gentle Reminder

Your wedding day doesn’t have to be rushed, rigid, or perfect to be meaningful.

Let it be joyful. Let it be real. Let it be full of moments you actually remember.

So slow down. Take it in. Hold each other close.

And don’t forget to stop and smell the peonies.

Want to learn more about the Kayla Susie Photography Experience? Check it out here: Experience.

Kat and Matt chose Saskatoon’s Lodge for their wedding day, and it was the perfect fit. With only 50 of their closest friends and family present, the day felt intimate and intentional. The size of the celebration allowed them to focus on what mattered most—sharing meaningful moments with the people they love. From start to finish, every detail highlighted their personalities and their love story.

The Benefits of Saskatoon’s Lodge

Saskatoon’s Lodge is a hidden gem for couples looking for a wedding venue that blends convenience with natural beauty. Trees and greenery surround the grounds and create a private setting for the ceremony. On-site airstreams prThe venue provided separate spaces for Kat and Matt to get ready, adding a unique and fun touch to the morning. Having everything in one location kept the day relaxed and stress-free, which is one of the biggest perks of hosting a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge.

The tented ceremony space gave them peace of mind, no matter the weather. Then their reception featured a plated dinner that guests are still raving about. The food at Saskatoon’s Lodge is one of the biggest highlights and played a huge role in the experience for everyone. The location itself is another benefit! It’s close to Greenville but feels tucked away from the busyness of town, making a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge feel intimate and secluded.

For photography, Saskatoon’s Lodge offers endless opportunities. The ceremony space is filled with natural light, the grounds are perfect for portraits, and the reception area is cozy and welcoming. Every corner of the venue gives couples the chance to capture images that feel timeless and true, which is one of the reasons so many couples love planning a wedding at Saskatoon Lodge.

Special Details That Made Their Wedding at Saskatoon Lodge Unforgettable

Kat and Matt wanted their guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience. They hired a live painter to create an artistic memory of their ceremony. Additionally, they also brought in caricature artists, which was a fun surprise for guests and gave everyone something personal to take home.

Heartfelt toasts filled the reception and brought both laughter and tears. Guests shared stories about Kat and Matt that spoke to their character and the deep love they share. Every part of the day reflected their personalities, from the entertainment to the quiet moments between them.

Why Photos Matter Most at a Wedding at Saskatoon Lodge

The beauty of Saskatoon’s Lodge is undeniable, but what makes it even more valuable is how it supports photography. Every detail of Kat and Matt’s wedding at Saskatoon Lodge stood out against a backdrop that enhanced instead of distracting.From the intimacy of their vows to the joy of the reception, the setting gave us natural light, warm tones, and a feeling of closeness that shines through in their photos.

Kat and Matt’s wedding is a reminder of why choosing the right venue matters. Saskatoon’s Lodge gave them a space that was beautiful, private, and welcoming. Most importantly, it gave them a setting where their love could be celebrated and photographed in the best possible way.

Vendors:

Venue & Catering | Saskatoon Lodge

Photography | Kayla Susie Photography

Live Painter

Caricature Artist

Content Creation | Bella Luna BTS

Feeling inspired by Kat and Matt’s wedding? Explore the blog to see how I think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelcy will make their day uniquely theirs, and get ideas to make your wedding completely your own.

Anna & Tyler’s Elopement at the Furman Asian Garden

In May, Anna and Tyler chose a quiet, meaningful way to say their vows. They exchanged promises in the peaceful beauty of the Furman Asian Garden, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle reflections on the water. Their close friend officiated, while his wife joined as their only guest, making the moment feel deeply personal.

Their sweet pup came along for a few portraits, adding even more joy to the day. The garden’s winding paths and serene bridge made the perfect backdrop for their first photos as a married couple. Without the rush of a traditional timeline, Anna and Tyler could simply enjoy being present together, soaking in the beauty and significance of the moment. It was an elopement filled with love, laughter, and the kind of quiet magic that only comes from simplicity.

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Reception Celebration at The Gaines Lodge

Two months later, Anna and Tyler gathered their family and friends for a joyful celebration. The Gaines Lodge at Table Rock State Park was the perfect summer venue, offering cozy charm paired with sweeping mountain views. Guests were welcomed with refreshing lavender lemonade, its delicate floral notes setting the tone for a relaxed and happy evening.

Table 301 catered the event, creating an unforgettable spread of fresh, vibrant flavors. Their overflowing charcuterie boards were almost too beautiful to eat, featuring artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and other thoughtful pairings. The highlight for many guests, however, was the gluten-free cake — rich, moist, and absolutely delicious. It was the kind of dessert people talked about long after the last bite.

Katelyn Pinner Studio brought the lodge to life with elegant floral arrangements, weaving soft blooms and greenery throughout the space. During the evening, one of their friends sang “Give Yourself to Love,” a moment that brought happy tears to many eyes. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the room filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the warm glow of celebration.

Anna and Tyler’s reception was more than just a party — it was a reflection of their love story. From the intimate elopement in May to the joyful summer gathering in July, every choice they made felt true to who they are, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Planning an intimate elopement or mountain lodge reception? Let’s capture it beautifully — reach out today for custom wedding photography packages: Contact.

The wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day. It’s a time filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how a little preparation makes all the difference. The right items can keep you calm, organized, and fully present. Here are my top five essentials you should have for a for stress-free getting-ready Photos!

The 5 Tips For Stress-Free Getting Ready Photos

1. A Thoughtful Getting-Ready Space

Your wedding morning photos start with your surroundings. Choose a space with good natural light and minimal clutter. A clean, bright room helps your wedding photographer capture timeless images. Think about the backdrop—neutral tones and tidy details make your portraits shine. Bonus: you’ll feel more relaxed in a beautiful environment.

2. All Your Wedding Details in One Place

Gather your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, perfume, and any heirlooms in advance. Place them in a small box or bag for easy access. Having everything together saves stress and ensures your photographer can style them beautifully. These detail shots tell part of your story and add depth to your gallery.

3. Comfortable Getting-Ready Attire

You’ll want to look good before slipping into your dress. Choose a robe, matching pajama set, or something cozy. Avoid tight necklines so you don’t mess up your hair and makeup later. Comfortable outfits also create fun, cohesive photos of you and your bridal party during prep.

4. A Timeline That Builds in Buffer Time

The morning often runs behind schedule without a little extra padding. Share a timeline with your hair stylist, makeup artist, and photographer. Add at least 20 minutes of buffer time before your ceremony. This keeps the morning calm and allows space for unexpected delays. A relaxed couple photographs much better than a rushed one.

5. Snacks and Hydration

With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget food and water. Keep snacks, fruit, and water bottles nearby. A balanced snack can keep your energy steady before the ceremony. No one wants a growling stomach during vows—or fainting mid-portrait session. Your wedding photographer will thank you for staying hydrated and energized.

Ready for some more advice on how to have a stress-free getting-ready photos? Check out this interview with Katie Cotton from Cotton Rouge & Co.