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Katie & Seth’s wedding weekend began with an intimate and joyful rehearsal at the beautiful Duncan Estate. Nestled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this historic venue set the perfect scene for their closest family and friends to gather before the big day. Having a photographer at your rehearsal dinner is a game-changer, and here’s why!

5 Reasons You Should Have Your Photographer at Your Rehearsal

1. Bonus Location Scouting

Since the rehearsal took place at Duncan Estate, I had extra time to scout the venue. This allowed me to check the lighting, find the best portrait spots, and plan ideal angles for the ceremony. On the wedding day, everything ran smoothly because I already knew the perfect places for key moments!

2. Candid, Unscripted Moments

Rehearsal dinners bring out some of the most genuine emotions. The night was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and happy tears as Katie & Seth’s loved ones shared stories and well-wishes. These relaxed, unscripted moments are just as meaningful as wedding day portraits, adding warmth and personality to their gallery.

3. A More Complete Wedding Story

Your wedding weekend is more than just one day! The rehearsal dinner is part of the full celebration, and capturing it helps tell a richer story. From the elegant dinner setup at Duncan Estate to the intimate conversations shared under twinkling lights, these moments create a beautiful prelude to the main event.

4. I Get to Know Your VIPs

The rehearsal dinner is filled with the people who mean the most to you. By being there, I learned who Katie & Seth’s closest family and friends were, making it easier to capture their interactions on the wedding day. Recognizing these VIPs allowed me to document special connections with even more intention.

5. You’re Already Dressed Up – Why Not?

Katie looked stunning in her carefully chosen rehearsal dinner outfit, and Seth looked equally sharp. Since they were already dressed up, we took advantage of Duncan Estate’s charming gardens for a few extra portraits. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture another side of a couple’s love story in a different setting.

Photographing the rehearsal dinner at Duncan Estate made Katie & Seth’s wedding story even more complete. If you’re considering having your photographer at your rehearsal, do it! You’ll get relaxed, meaningful moments that add depth to your wedding album and bring your full celebration to life.Why You Should Have Your Photographer at Your Rehearsal: Katie & Seth’s Duncan Estate Celebration

Loved this? Then you will also love Katie & Seth’s engagement session!

Ready to Capture Every Moment?

Your wedding weekend deserves to be fully documented! Let’s make sure every heartfelt toast, joyful laugh, and special moment is captured beautifully. If you want a seamless, stress-free experience with stunning memories from start to finish, let’s chat about adding rehearsal dinner coverage to your wedding photography package! Get in touch today!

Planning a wedding in Greenville, SC, is so exciting but escaping the summer heat can be a real challenge! This area has some fantastic indoor wedding venues. If you’re dreaming of an all-in-one spot for your ceremony and reception, you’re in luck. Here are five indoor wedding venues in Greenville that we absolutely love.

1. Judson Mill

Judson Mill is a perfect blend of industrial charm and modern elegance. This venue offers lots of space and gorgeous natural light. The exposed brick and high ceilings make a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. After saying “I do,” you can celebrate with your guests in the same beautiful setting. Judson Mill has enough room to host both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Plus, the staff is super helpful, which makes planning a breeze.

2. Southern Bleachery

Southern Bleachery is another Greenville gem, especially if you love a historic vibe. This venue is located in Taylors Mill and has so much character. Picture a ceremony surrounded by white brick walls and large windows. The natural light here is a photographer’s dream! For your reception, the open layout gives you endless design possibilities. Whether you want a modern look or something more rustic, Southern Bleachery can pull it off. Bonus: it’s right in the heart of Taylors, close to local breweries and shops.

3. Zen

Zen is a beautiful venue that combines style and versatility. Located in downtown Greenville, it’s perfect for couples wanting a sophisticated space. The venue features modern decor, sleek lines, and customizable layouts. You can hold your ceremony in their indoor garden room, which has a serene ambiance. Afterward, the reception space transforms into a lively area for dining and dancing. Zen’s team is known for their attention to detail, making sure your day runs smoothly.

No matter the season, these Greenville indoor wedding venues provide the perfect setting for a beautiful and stress-free celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant ballroom or a cozy, intimate space, these venues ensure your day is picture-perfect—rain or shine! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture every moment, I’d love to chat. Contact me here to start planning your dream wedding photography!

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!

Nate and Amber’s wedding day at Nantahala Weddings & Events in Topton, NC, was truly magical. With its serene mountain setting and breathtaking views, this venue perfectly suited their intimate celebration. Surrounded by 40 of their closest friends and family, the couple created a day that felt warm, personal, and joyful.

The crisp autumn air and vibrant fall foliage provided an incredible backdrop for their celebration. Before the ceremony began, Nate and Amber shared private vows on the dock, a quiet moment just for the two of them. Afterward, they gathered their closest friends for a few heartfelt group photos, setting the tone for the day ahead.

When it was time for the ceremony, guests were drawn into the beauty of the moment. The setup was simple yet heartfelt, letting the stunning mountain scenery take center stage. As Nate and Amber exchanged vows, emotions filled the air, and not a single eye stayed dry. The intimacy of the event made every guest feel deeply connected to their love story.

After the ceremony, Nate and Amber hosted an intimate reception where everyone could relax and enjoy each other’s company. The space buzzed with laughter, stories, and the aroma of delicious food. Every detail reflected their laid-back yet elegant style, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding them.

Throughout the day, the mountain views added a breathtaking backdrop for portraits, ensuring every moment was beautifully captured. Their love, paired with the serene atmosphere of the venue, made the day unforgettable.

Nantahala Weddings & Events is truly a dream location for couples wanting a peaceful and meaningful mountain wedding. Its stunning scenery and tranquil vibe create the perfect setting for lifelong memories.

Congratulations, Nate and Amber! Your day was a perfect reflection of your love. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and adventures ahead!

Tori and Nick’s wedding began at the iconic Glassy Chapel, a venue renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, and concluded with an unforgettable reception at Aurora Farms. Despite the unexpected rain and thick fog that cloaked the mountains, Tori and Nick embraced the moody ambiance, trusting me to capture the magic in every moment.

Tori and Nick’s love story spans continents. Tori, living in England, and Nick, from North Carolina, met in the most modern of ways—playing video games online. What started as playful banter blossomed into a deep connection that ultimately led to their wedding day on November 5, 2024. Their journey is a testament to the idea that love knows no boundaries.

Honoring Their Fathers

Family was central to Tori and Nick’s day. Both had experienced the profound loss of their fathers, and their absence was deeply felt. The couple found meaningful ways to honor their memory, from heartfelt speeches to small mementos woven into their details. These touches reminded everyone present of the importance of family and legacy in Tori and Nick’s love story.

The Ceremony at Glassy Chapel: A Serene Foggy Backdrop

The ceremony at Glassy Chapel was like a scene from a dream. While the expansive mountain views were hidden behind layers of mist, the fog created a quiet, ethereal atmosphere. Tori and Nick exchanged vows surrounded by their loved ones, their words resonating beautifully in the intimate setting. The weather may have taken away the views, but it gave us something equally magical—a soft, diffused light that enhanced the intimacy of the moment.

Embracing Creativity with Rain and Fog

As a photographer, I’ve learned that the unexpected often brings opportunities for creativity. When the rain persisted and the fog refused to lift, we made the most of it. At the chapel, I captured a few portraits outdoors, playing with the muted tones and misty textures to create romantic, timeless images.

When we arrived at the reception venue, I knew we needed something special to compensate for the lack of natural light. Typically, I rely on natural light for my images, but I always keep my off-camera flash skills polished for moments like this. I set up my flashes in the gazebo, crafting a scene that felt like a fairytale—soft, glowing light illuminating the couple as the rain drizzled around them. The result? A series of portraits that felt magical, as though Tori and Nick were in their own enchanted world.

The Show-Stopping Reception at Aurora Farms

One of the day’s standout moments was Tori’s reaction to the reception space. Hannah Owenby’s table designs and Heirloom Events’ stunning draping transformed the venue into a work of art. The warm, inviting glow of candles and twinkling lights reflected off delicate details, creating a setting that was both elegant and cozy. Tori’s awe and gratitude were written all over her face as she stepped into the room. Her reaction was pure joy and made all the hard work worth it.

A Love That Shines Through the Fog

Despite the weather, Tori and Nick’s wedding day was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and love. The rain and fog may have altered the scenery, but it didn’t dampen the joy or beauty of their union. Their day was a reminder that even in life’s unexpected moments, love has a way of shining through.

Tori and Nick, thank you for trusting me to document your incredible day. Your love story is proof that the most unexpected connections can turn into the most beautiful journeys. May your future together be just as magical as the day you said “I do.”

Rockstar Vendor Team:

• Ceremony Venue: Glassy Mountain Wedding Chapel
• Reception Venue: Aurora Farms Event Venue
• Planner: Hannah Owenby
• Content Creation: Cooks Bridal
• Catering & Bar: Chef 360
• Draping & Lighting: Herloom Events
• Florals: Pretty Things Wedding Flowers
• Hair: Flawless Artistry
• Makeup: Nikki Cole

Are you looking for a reception venues near Glassy Mountain Chapel? Aurora Farms is it!
Ready for me to capture your day like this? Reach out now: Contact!