As a Greenville, SC wedding photographer, I’ve learned that the best advice for planning a wedding is to approach your day with intention, trust, and space to breathe. When you plan with purpose and surround yourself with a team you trust, you create the freedom to actually enjoy the moments as they unfold.

Sarah and Emory’s wedding at Daniel Chapel at Furman University was the perfect example of that. From the calm morning at their downtown Airbnb to their Christ-centered ceremony and joyful reception at The L by Larkins, every part of their day reflected thoughtful planning and genuine love.

Getting Ready in Greenville, SC AirBnB

The morning of a wedding really does set the tone for the entire day. Sarah spent hers in the perfect spot: a cozy Greenville Airbnb filled with space and laughter. It had plenty of room for everyone to spread out and feel comfortable. Having separate spaces made her first look with her bridesmaids so private and emotional. Plus it gave me those clean, clutter-free backgrounds that make detail shots and candid moments feel timeless.

If you’re planning your own day, I definitely recommend choosing a calm, light-filled space that feels like you. It makes such a difference for your photos and for how relaxed the morning feels. What takes five minutes on a normal day can easily take thirty on a wedding day, so giving yourself room to move, breathe, and enjoy your people helps everything flow so much more smoothly.

I also swear by my 30-minute buffer rule: everyone should be ready for photos 30 minutes before the scheduled time. That little bit of cushion gives us flexibility for those inevitable hiccups (whether it’s weather, traffic, or someone forgot something) without ever losing the calm, joyful rhythm of your morning.

If you can, gather all your details (rings, vow books, jewelry, invitation suite) in one spot. It keeps the morning calm and organized while you focus on getting ready with your favorite people. It also gives me time to create those dreamy flatlays that bring all the little pieces of your day together into one beautiful story (and get them back to you before you even need them)!

Another piece of advice for planning a wedding is to wrap up pre-ceremony photos about 45 minutes before guests start arriving. This gives you time to relax, freshen up, and soak in those last quiet moments before walking down the aisle.

A Christ-Centered Ceremony at Furman University’s Daniel Chapel

Daniel Chapel is one of the most iconic wedding ceremony venues in Greenville, SC, and for good reason. Its timeless architecture, Southern charm, and soft, natural light make it a dream to photograph.

Sarah and Emory’s ceremony was heartfelt and faith-filled, full of tears, laughter, and the sweetest joy. You could tell how deeply they value one another and how strong their faith is at the center of their marriage.

More Tips That Make Your Wedding Day Flow Effortlessly

• Schedule your ceremony at least two hours before sunset so there’s plenty of time for portraits afterward. I always encourage my couples to check in with me before officially setting their ceremony time so we can make sure the lighting is just right!

• Work from a family photo list to keep this part of the day smooth and calm. (I help all my couples create one in my exclusive Ely Lynn Photography Photography Workbook!)

• If your venue has photo guidelines or restrictions, talk with your photographer about it early on. We’ll make sure we’re honoring the space while still capturing all those emotional moments.

• Another key part of a smooth wedding day is having a full-service planner. They help coordinate every vendor, keep communication clear, and allow everyone (especially you) to stay focused on what really matters. Having someone to manage the timeline and details behind the scenes makes space for genuine, relaxed moments throughout the day.

Portraits With Purpose at Furman University

After the ceremony, we moved through family portraits efficiently (thanks to a well-planned list)! Then slipped away for newlywed photos around the Furman campus.

This is where Sarah and Emory’s personalities truly shined. They were fully themselves, laughing and soaking up the moment. They trusted me, were open to direction, and never lost sight of what mattered most.

I always have these conversations with my couples before the wedding, talking through what kinds of images speak to them and which styles they naturally gravitate toward. Some couples love a few blurry, artistic shots, while others prefer a more classic, timeless feel. Check out this blog where I talk about balancing candid and posed wedding photos!

If you’re planning your wedding, make sure you share these preferences with your photographer. When we understand what you love most, we can capture your day in a way that feels completely you while still staying true to our creative style.

A Downtown Greenville Reception at The L by Larkins

Their reception at The L by Larkins was everything a wedding celebration should be, joyful, emotional, and full of energy. The space itself is modern and moody and it’s right in the heart of downtown Greenville!

What made this part of their day feel so seamless was the teamwork behind the scenes. A full-service planner, great communication between vendors, and a flexible timeline made it easy for Sarah and Emory to stay present and enjoy their guests! Check out this blog for a deeper dive on choosing your wedding vendors.

My Best Advice for Planning a Wedding

At the end of the day, the best advice for planning a wedding is simple: build a team you trust, communicate your priorities clearly, and leave room for joy.

Things won’t always go as planned, but when you take the time to plan thoughtfully and choose vendors who get your vision, your wedding day will feel calm, intentional, and perfectly yours.

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for a Greenville, SC wedding photographer who will guide you through planning, create space for genuine moments, and document your story with care, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already dreaming about portraits at Daniel Chapel, reach out! I’d be so honored to capture your day.

Vendors

Photography: @ElyLynnRandall
Planner & Coordination: @ashleighcraftdesign
Reception Venue: @larkinsevents
Florals: @ashleighcraftdesign
Decor Rentals: @professionalparty
Decor Rentals: @nuagedesignsinc
Invitations: @paisleyandpaper
Catering: @larkinsevents
Bar & Spirits: @larkinsevents
Cake: @bonniebruntcakes
Ice Cream: @clarescreamery
DJ/Band: @power2party

Wedding Gown Designer: @mikaellabridal
Wedding Gown: @thepoinsettbride
Bride’s Shoes: @sachinandbabi
Bride’s Rings: @gallowaymoseley
Hair & Makeup: @cottonrougeandco
Bridesmaid Dresses: @bellabridesmaidsgreenville
Groom Attire: @thomas_and_sons
Bowtie/Tie: @brackish
Groom’s Ring: @gallowaymoseley
Groomsmen Attire: @thomas_and_sons