Bradley Wedding//Florence, SC

OH MY GOODNESS. This wedding. My first one of 2019 & the BEST way to start off a new year in my business. Not only are these two really good friends of mine, but they are also THE most attractive couple on the planet and they made my job SO easy.

Chase & Emily met about 7 years ago, but didn’t start hanging until about 2 years after that. Emily has 7 brothers, and Chase conveniently became friends with them and started hanging around their family more. One night, one of Emily’s brothers was on a first date in Charleston. Jokingly, Emily suggested that they go and crash his date, to which Chase & her other brother were all about! When they got home that night, Emily remembers Chase telling her how much he enjoyed spending time with her. And that was the start of their relationship.

They dated off and on for a few years, but all the while, God was working on their behalf. I love what Emily said about their dating relationship: “Its not the story I hoped for when I imagined how I would meet my prince charming as a girl. But it is a story full of grace, patience, forgiveness, growth and love. I'm glad that no matter how many times I freaked and pushed him away or vice versa he always came back. We always stayed friends.”

I think this is such a raw and real example of marriage, and our relationship with Jesus. Its not always perfect. It doesn’t always look like a romantic fairytale. Its not always rainbows and butterflies. But marriage is forever. Our relationship with Jesus is forever. They are eternal relationships that are full of grace & endurance. Goodness and hardships. Beauty and brokenness. But no matter what, Jesus is there. Our spouses are there. Arms open in love. Oftentimes, closeness comes through hardships. The harder the times, the closer you grow together. What a hopeful thing that is.

Emily & Chase, I couldn’t be more excited for yall and for your future together!! And on a real note, for all the beautiful babies yall will make one day ;) Marriage is amazing, and Im glad yall get to experience it together!!

A few fun facts about their wedding:

-Emily gave Chase a portrait that one of my previous brides PAINTED of them from one of their engagement photos and it was the BEST gift ever!

-Chase’s dad did the ceremony & it was the absolute sweetest, most genuine ceremonies.

-At the reception, Chase surprised Emily by singing and playing ‘You Are The Best Thing’ to her in front of everyone and OMG there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Todd Wedding//Greenville,SC

Some weddings, I just feel really really blessed to be a part of, I feel like God ordained just because He knew id love the couple, and I walk away from with tears in my eyes out of gratitude. THIS was one of those weddings for me.

Darby & Jimmy are some of the most fun, Jesus loving, hard working, smart and genuine people. They both come from really awesome families, are both in the medical field, and both have a heart for medical missions. I remember we were walking through the woods on Darby’s parent’s property during their engagement session as they were telling me all about themselves and I thought, “wow these are some pretty incredible people". That thought was continually confirmed over the next few months leading up to their wedding day.

Darby pulled me aside the morning of their wedding and told me that she and Jimmy met on this day, exactly 1000 days ago! They waited a long time for this day, and it was well worth it.

Watching the love these two have for each other, the Lord, their family and friends was truly beautiful. I remember I was taking photos of Darby by herself after the ceremony, and Jimmy couldn’t stop complimenting her. Their day was all about glorifying God and loving on their friends and family. Photographing their wedding was refreshing to my soul and made me extra thankful that God allowed me to meet these two and be a part of their special day.

The Best of 2018

I got in my car after my last wedding of 2018. I couldn’t have imagined a better end to the year. I pulled out of the parking lot, but the road was blurred in front of me. Tears filled my eyes. Grateful. So very grateful for this year. 

2018 was my second year of full time business. My first year, I got married, moved to a totally new place, and basically started my business all over again. It wasn’t easy. But I worked as hard as I could to make new friends, build a new clientele, and get my work out there. So, heading into 2018, I prayed and asked the Lord to give me at least 10 weddings. I felt like that was a big number. I had no clue if Id reach that goal, but I set it and asked the Lord anyway. 

Little did I know He would blow that number out of the water, giving me more than double what I asked for. Not only did He bless me with more than I asked for, but He also gave me THE best couples to work with. To meet. To get to know. To hang out with. I’ve met some phenomenal people this year. Been a part of some extremely special moments. Got to witness the start of many lives together. And for that, I’m beyond grateful. Totally undeserving. But grateful. 

I got to photograph a couple all the way from North Dakota who got married at Chimney Rock, travel to Montana for an engagement session, shoot some of our best friend’s proposal, got a styled shoot featured, was able to shoot in a few of my dream locations like Craggy Gardens and Lady Luck Flower Farm, and partnered with some wonderfully talented creatives. Never thought all of this would happen this year. But God is way bigger than my little plans. 

To all my 2018 brides and grooms, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, for trusting me with such a significant part of your lives. These images mean the world to me, because they remind me of how greatly you’ve blessed my life this year. God used YOU to show me His faithfulness, His love for me, and His blessing on my business. The highlight of my year was being a part of these moments with you. So much love for you all. 

Here are some of my favorite memories of 2018. It will be hard for 2019 to beat this.

Murrells Inlet//Wedding

Over the past 40 years, generations of Anne’s family has been vacationing at this summer home in Murrells Inlet. Memories mark every turn. The summer days on the inlet, says Anne, “follow the flow of the tides - shrimping at low tide and skiing, swimming, fishing at high tide. I often spend weeks at our vacation home without leaving the house or turning on a television.”

Needless to say, this place holds a special place in her heart. And in the heart of her entire family. Therefore, it was only fitting that she marry the love of her life there. And that’s exactly what they did.

Anne & Peter got married on a perfect, October day, in the yard where all the cousins used to play on summer vacation. The tide was high, the grass was green, and the entire day overlooked the water. Yellow wildflowers and oyster center pieces decorated the tables. Everything was so dreamy, it felt like I was in a movie.

Not long after arriving, I came to realize how much Anne & Peter value family. Together they have lots of siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and oh do they love them dearly. It blessed me so much to watch a couple that is so involved in the lives of their families and who value the importance of family.

Everything about this day was phenomenal. The place, the couple, their families, the food, the scenery, and the reception (which was probably hands down one of my favorites EVER). So much love graced this day. And now, a place that already held so many wonderful memories, holds so many more for the two of them. I am SO glad I got to meet this sweet couple and be a part of their day!

Abbey + David//Wedding

Abbey & David got married on a blazing hot July afternoon, but boy was it a GORGEOUS wedding. These two met in middle school and have been in each other's lives ever since. They are some of the most grateful, laid back, & caring people. I went to school with Abbey's sister - in - law, so I was already familiar with their family before the wedding. But getting to spend time with all of them during the months leading up to the wedding was super special. I love going into wedding days already having a friendship with the couple & their family. Their wedding was so dang FUN and Abbey is hands down the best dancer of any bride I've ever photographed ;) Here are a few of my favorite moments from their wedding day!

Bridal Gown: David's Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Madison Carpenter (makeup) & Erin Williams (hair)

DJ: David Graham

Florist: Brandon Smith

Caterer: Jennifer Jenkins (Aramark)

Baker: Melba Honney

Videographer: Randy Branch Media 

Stationary: Shana Wanco