One of my favorite things about what I do in my business is the relationships I build with my clients. I had photographed Carter’s senior photos a few years back. When she reached out after getting engaged and told me she wanted to work together again I was so dang happy! 

Carter, Michael, and I had our discovery call in person, (which I love when I can do this!) at Coytee Coffee in July of 2023. Since I had photographed Carter previously, I knew that we worked well together. But after seeing her again, hearing about the vision for her wedding, and meeting Michael I was even more excited! 

Their wedding was in downtown Greenville at the 405 Venue. It was my second wedding at the venue, but my fourth time there so I knew the lay of the land and was super familiar with the area, surrounding spaces, and how to navigate the bustle of the Swamp Rabbit Trail that the venue sits on.

The vibe of the wedding was timeless and modern with black accents, greenery, and touches of white florals. They added a lot of bows throughout their space, such as on baskets, bouquets, and on the flower girls’ dresses which I thought was an adorable touch. 

They had a larger bridal party so it was evident how deeply loved and cherished Carter and Michael are. They did not do a first look but did want to incorporate a first touch where they read each other letters and held hands around the front of the door. Tears were shed by all, myself included! Carter did do a first look with her dad, though, which was so sweet. She is his only daughter, so it was special for them to have this moment together, seeing his little girl in a white dress before marrying the love of her life. 

One of Carter’s special requests was incorporating a greenery chandelier above the black and white checkered dance floor (LOVE THESE dance floors because they add a lot of contrast and dynamic to photos, highly recommend!!). I overheard her mom talking about Carter’s love for this floral installation, so I knew I wanted the chandelier to be visible in a good portion of the photos, (more than just detail shots). I decided to photograph the groomsmen’s photos on the dance floor underneath the floral chandelier and I am OBSESSED with these photos! The black, white, and green colors all work so well together and you can really see the venues features and vibes from this set of groomsmen photos. This group of guys was also a blast so I knew they would be a great crowd to do a groom toss! Michael was super nervous throughout the day and I could tell how at ease his best guys made him!

Carter’s bridesmaids HYPED HER UP all dang day. They were all super supportive and engaging with everyone, vendors included, which was so appreciated! Some of them she knew from childhood others she knew from Clemson University. I went to high school with one of her bridesmaids so it was super sweet to reconnect with her as well. I loved photographing their bridesmaid photos. I decided to do them inside and it was absolute perfection. Not only was the lighting even, but it brought in that timeless, modern feel that Carter loved about the venue.

We took all of their bride and groom photos after the ceremony. Since we were ahead of schedule, we got in more shooting time before their first introductions! I’m so happy we did because it allowed them more time to spend with their guests rather than popping back out for sunset photos. This was super important to Carter and Michael, so I was happy that we were slightly ahead of schedule and they could dance the night away with their loved ones even sooner than expected! 

They existed in a convertible Cadillac with a bubble exit (which is my new fave!!!). I loved seeing the two of them wave goodbye to their guests as they drove off. *cue Taylor Swift’s “Getaway Car”* 

It was such a beautiful, perfect day!! Our 9-hour photography timeline went super smooth pre-ceremony, and then a little more speedy after the ceremony since there was no first look. Everyone was on top of their game, ahead of schedule, cooperative, and understood the plan for the day! Which allowed everything to flow smoothly and gave everyone the chance to experience the day candidly and with ease. And that’s what it’s all about. 

Cheers to the Millers!!

Greenville, South Carolina Wedding Vendors

• Planner: @fostersmainevents
• Photographer: @elylynnrandall
• Venue: @the405venue
• Florist: @achoneyb
• Invitations: @minted
• Catering: @holmescatering
• Bartending & Spirits: @highspiritshospitality
• Cakes: @strossnersbakery @brickstreetcafe
• DJ: @soundchoicedj
• HMUA: @dhm_styles
• Wedding Gown: @whitemagnoliabridal
• Rings: @philjewelers
• Bridesmaid Dresses: @bellabridesmaidsgreenville
• Suits: @josabank