Two destination weddings in one week?? After the most beautiful Acadia National Park elopement, I flew down to South Carolina to share in the wedding day of two dear friends of mine. I met Colby and Joe when they were expecting their daughter a few years ago. I’ve been close with them since, and getting to document their Pretty Place Chapel wedding left me in tears!!

Coly and Joe eventually want to call South Carolina home. It was a no brainer for them to venture down from New Jersey and get married overlooking the mountains. And of course their sweet daughter, Olive, came along too! I’ve never been to South Carolina, but I instantly fell in love with Greenville. The town is so lively and full of AMAZING food, so needless to say, I’m hooked.

GETTING READY IN GREENVILLE, SC

Colby got ready at a nearby salon, while Joe got ready at their hotel. I know Joe was feeling the nerves for his first look with Colby, but still excited nonetheless.

After they got ready, we had their first look outside the hotel and it melted my freaking heart! Joe shed a tear over his beautiful bride and they shared a sweet moment together. Colby even had a first look with her father, and that made my heart melt just as much. They both have the sweetest families and they helped make the day even more special.

Believe it or not, Colby and Joe drove allll the way down from New Jersey! They had to bring all the incredible decor Colby made, so it just made sense when they made their game plan. So when it came time to head out for portraits, I drove! I doubled as their chauffer in their car haha! I didn’t mind one bit and I know they loved getting to kick back together.

We headed to a beautiful overlook for their first set of portraits before heading to Pretty Place Chapel. We finished up their couples portraits there before guests started to arrive for the ceremony.

I gotta say, this was some of the craziest lighting at a ceremony I’ve ever experienced! The Fred W Symmes Chapel is covered and creates a strong backlight on the guests and couple. I don’t know what made me bring my flashes, but I’m so glad I did! I was able to light them properly and still save the beautiful background behind them.

Their ceremony brought me to tears. Pretty Place Chapel really takes your breath away and makes your ceremony 100x more magical! Just having those vast mountains behind you really makes you feel small.

After their gorgeous ceremony, we took a few more portraits with them and their wedding party before heading back to the hotel for party time!!

This was truly such a magical day for Colby and Joe! They are the definition of meant to be and I love having them in my life. I’ll be in denial when they finally move down to South Carolina. I hope you enjoyed some favorites from their Pretty Place Chapel wedding! Congrats to the new Vidals!!

south carolina wedding photographer

Rebecca Renner Photography is a New Jersey based wedding photographer for quirky, best friends in love who love their pets, a good drink, and all things artsy. She captures joyful moments with unposed prompts with a moody, true-to-life flair. Rebecca Renner Photography also offers destination and elopement photography for those ready to ditch traditional wedding plans. Sound like a plan? Let’s do this! Get in touch here! Want to see more weddings by Rebecca? Check out the galleries + past blog posts!

fred w. symmes chapel wedding

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