There’s a reason Furman University is a beloved location for engagement photos, and when the season turns to fall, the campus transforms into a truly magical backdrop. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing Erin and Bubba’s engagement session here, and the vibrant autumn colors, serene lake, and iconic architecture couldn’t have been more perfect. If you’re looking for a Fall portrait location, I can’t recommend a prettier location for a Furman University engagement session.
A Scenic Start by the Bell Tower
Our session began with Furman’s famous bell tower, a campus landmark standing gracefully by the lake. This structure, surrounded by trees adorned in warm, autumnal hues, was the ideal setting to kick off Erin and Bubba’s Furman University engagement session. The light gently filtering through the trees added a soft, romantic feel to the images, perfectly capturing the essence of their love.
A Stroll Through the Fall Foliage
As we moved to different spots around campus, Erin and Bubba’s chemistry was undeniable. They strolled hand in hand under trees that were shedding their leaves, creating a colorful carpet beneath their feet. The beauty of Furman’s landscaping in the fall added a layer of magic to each shot. The mix of red, orange, and yellow tones contrasted beautifully against Erin’s cozy, stylish sweater dress and Bubba’s classic, preppy blazer look.
Capturing Candid Moments by the Lake
One of my favorite parts of the shoot was by the lake. The peaceful water, reflecting the stunning colors of the trees around it, provided a tranquil setting where Erin and Bubba shared some of their sweetest moments. Their genuine laughter, warm embraces, and tender kisses made every frame feel effortlessly romantic. There’s something about the calmness of water that brings out the best in couples, and this session was no exception.
A Picture-Perfect Ending by the Spiral Staircase
We finished the session near Furman’s spiral staircase, a charming architectural detail that added a touch of elegance to the photos. As Bubba lifted Erin, the joy and excitement of their engagement radiated in every shot. The interplay of light and shadow around the staircase created a soft, intimate atmosphere—a beautiful end to our time together.
Why Furman University Engagement Session in the Fall is a Must
Furman University’s campus is breathtaking year-round, but there’s something truly special about it in the fall. The rich colors, timeless architecture, and serene lake views make it an ideal location for couples who want a romantic, natural backdrop for their engagement photos. Erin and Bubba’s session captured the heart of Furman in autumn—a blend of beauty, warmth, and a touch of classic Southern charm.
If you’re looking for a location that’s as picturesque as it is meaningful, Furman University in the fall is the place to be. Erin and Bubba’s engagement session was a reminder of how the right setting can make love stories come to life in the most magical way.
Tori and Josh’s South Carolina Statehouse Dream Wedding Day: From Charming Details to a Sparkling Send-Off
When Tori and Josh’s wedding day arrived, every detail felt like it was pulled straight from a storybook. I was thrilled to start the day with them at the stunning Hotel Trundle, where they prepared for the big day surrounded by family, friends, and beautiful touches. The couple had thoughtfully rented the Flutterwing, a charming little hotel attachment that became a cozy spot for their loved ones to gather. This quaint area had rooms for Tori and Josh’s parents and the bridal party, and it even featured an adorable patio area. As we captured those intimate moments and intricate details, the patio provided delicious breakfast bites and snacks, setting the perfect, laid-back tone.
First Look prior to the South Carolina Statehouse Wedding
With excitement bubbling over, the wedding party boarded the Captain Telegram trolley, an iconic ride known for adding a dash of vintage charm to any occasion. It transported guests from the hotel to the South Carolina State House grounds, the breathtaking location for the ceremony. Before walking down the aisle, Tori and Josh shared a private first look beneath one of the majestic old trees on the grounds, their smiles and laughter capturing a timeless moment in the beauty of nature.
Ceremony | South Carolina Statehouse Wedding
The ceremony was simply spectacular. The bridal party made a grand entrance, cascading down the State House steps like something out of a magazine. Adding to the magic, their sweet puppy, Chip-loo, joined the bridal party, dressed up and ready to celebrate with his humans. And if that wasn’t enough, Josh’s father served as the officiant, creating a truly heartfelt moment that made everyone in attendance feel connected to the couple’s love story.
The Portraits
Once they exchanged vows, we transitioned into family and bridal party portraits. One of the best parts? A little guest decided to join in on the fun, making for some lighthearted photos that turned out even cuter when paired with matching sunglasses!
The Reception
Next, it was time to celebrate in style. We headed over to Savage Craft for a reception space filled with the warmth and richness of navy, garnet, and gold hues. The tables were adorned with stunning floral arrangements by American Floral, whose arrangements added the perfect pop of color and elegance to the room.
No wedding in South Carolina would be complete without an incredible cake, and Bonnie Brunt Cakes truly delivered. Not only did they craft a gorgeous cake, but they also created an adorable replica of Chip-loo to top it off! As a sweet extra touch, the dessert table was packed with a variety of cookies, offering something for everyone with a serious sweet tooth.
The night continued with endless dancing, laughter, and even a surprise visit from Cocky, the beloved South Carolina mascot. Seeing Cocky light up the dance floor was definitely a highlight for the crowd and brought even more energy to an already lively celebration.
As the night drew to a close, Tori and Josh made a memorable exit through a tunnel of sparklers held by their family and friends. There’s something so magical about a sparkler send-off, a picture-perfect way to end a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Tori and Josh’s South Carolina Statehouse wedding was a dream to capture from beginning to end, and I felt so honored to document each beautiful detail and every cherished memory. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure for this amazing couple!
Amber & Alex’s Sunset Sailboat Wedding in Massachusetts: An Unforgettable Celebration on the Sea
When Amber and Alex dreamed of their wedding, they knew they wanted a day filled with romance, intimacy, and the beauty of nature. They chose a sailboat wedding in Cape Cod, and from the first breathtaking sunset view to the final toasts under a sky full of stars, every moment was as magical as they’d imagined.
Amber stepped onto the boat in her delicate lace dress, with her “something blue” shoes peeking out as a subtle yet charming touch. The floral arrangements complemented the natural hues of the ocean and sky, creating a color palette that was both vibrant and calming. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Amber and Alex exchanged vows, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of the waves and the peacefulness of the open water. It was a scene that felt almost cinematic – just the two of them, fully present and connected, with nothing but the sea and sky as witnesses.
For those of you considering a sailboat elopement, wedding, or engagement session, this is your sign to go for it! Imagine having a private, uninterrupted space where you and your partner can be completely in the moment, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Sailboat weddings, like Amber and Alex’s, offer a unique blend of elegance and adventure, and they bring an undeniable sense of romance that can’t be replicated on land.
Choosing a sailboat for your wedding day means embracing an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and full of natural beauty. You’re away from the noise of the world, and there’s something undeniably special about saying “I do” with the sun setting behind you, casting a golden glow over you and your guests. This setting encourages couples to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and truly focus on each other and the commitment they’re making.
The intimacy of a sailboat wedding is perfect for couples who want to create a personal, meaningful experience. You’ll have fewer distractions and a smaller, more relaxed setting that allows you to spend quality time with each of your guests. Plus, you’re practically guaranteed to get those epic sunset shots that will look stunning in your wedding album!
Not to mention, the adventure doesn’t have to stop with the wedding. Many couples choose to continue their celebration with a day of sailing, exploring, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening out at sea. It’s a memorable way to start your married life, embracing the unknown and navigating the waters together – a beautiful metaphor for marriage itself.
Cape Cod is an incredible location for a sailboat wedding, offering gorgeous coastal views, experienced local captains, and unforgettable sunsets. With the right planning, you can ensure every detail of your day is exactly as you envision, just as Amber and Alex did. They worked with a talented team of vendors to bring their vision to life, from the delicate floral arrangements to the personalized touches on the boat itself.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels adventurous, intimate, and breathtakingly beautiful, a sailboat elopement or wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of your closest friends and family, a sailboat provides a stunning, private setting that’s truly unique. And there’s no better place to create those memories than out on the water, with nothing but the horizon before you and endless possibilities ahead.
Ready to make your dream sailboat wedding a reality? Reach out to learn more about how we can capture each moment, from the big vows to the quiet glances. Embrace the romance, the adventure, and the beauty of a wedding on the sea.
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Arden + John | Columbia, SC
Arden + John were married at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church in Columbia SC on April 6, 2024.
We started out day out at the Forest Lake Club. Hamilton Events along with Julianne Sojourner had already spent most of the morning getting the space ready for the reception. Not a detail was missed. The floral arrangements were spectacular, especially the floating floral wreath above the bar.
We started with some of the most pale pink details to create out flat lay photos. Honestly, these might be my favorite flat lay photos to date. Since the reception space was mostly complete, I went ahead and took the chance to photograph the entire room.
We then went downstairs to the bridal sweet where we photographed the bride and bridesmaids in their cute blue jammies. We got our beautiful bride into her dress and with a little sewing, fixed a small dress mishap. I bet you didn’t know I could sew. HAHA, well I’m not great but I can fix a problem if I need to!
The bride chose to have a first look with the groom and her father. I love capturing these sweet moments. We grabbed a few portraits on the shaded side of the porch and moved right into bridal party photos. The bridal party consisted of 26 people, so I was thankful to have this time prior to the wedding to knock out all of the wedding party photos. Once we finished portraits, I photographed a few more finished reception space photos and we were off to the church.
Ceremonies at TRUMC are always a favorite. TRUMC does not allow photos during the ceremony unless you are at the back of the church or up on the balcony. I’m always so thankful to move upstairs for photos, so that we do not conflict with the ceremony. Once the ceremony was over, we signed the marriage license, took a few more quick photos and sent everyone on their way to the reception.
TRUMC has one of the prettiest church courtyards in Columbia and its a must for couple portraits. Arden and John were stunning and I am so glad we had another chance to grab some portraits. The veil was epic, so we needed to take advantage, I was just so obsessed.
We finally made our way back to Forest Lake for one of the biggest wedding celebrations EVER. The couple booked the band PUNCH. The bride’s brother booked them for their wedding and loved them so much that they had to have them as well. Let me say if I had to rebook my vendors again, I would have to have them too. We had the best time dancing, singing and sweating the night away. I know that was a party people will be talking about for years to come.
About halfway through the reception, the bride changed dresses. Once she changed dresses, out came all the sunglasses, lights and fun party accessories 🙂
The couple chose to have a colorful streamer exit before getting into their getaway car. The entire day/night was so carefully planned out and I just couldn’t get enough of it. This was one of those days that I would love to relive!
Planning: Hamilton Events
Photos: Stee Garman Photography
Venue, Catering, Bar: Forest Lake Club
Ceremony: Trenholm Road United Methodist Church
Florals: Julianne Sojourner
Hair & Makeup: The Bronzed Bombshell
Rentals: Crisp Event Rentals
Lighting: Ambient Media
Cake: Publix
Band: The Band Punch
Transportation: Southern Valet
Savannah + David
December 31, 2023. Junction 800. Columbia, SC.
The last wedding of the year, NYE. Savannah & David
From the first to the last, 2023 was a dream. The first wedding of the year, I was about 2 weeks post baby, which seems crazy. And here I am, last wedding of the year and my little girl will be celebrating her first birthday. I know it’s so cliche, but time flies. But on to the reason you’re really here.
Savannah and David chose to have both ceremony and reception at Junction 800. Junction is such a beautifully, unique space that can accommodate a large guest count. The once restaurant has a beautiful wooden bar that stretches half of the room. The brick walls give the room tons of character and with a little additional lighting and decor, it can be be transformed into a stunning space.
Savannah and David chose a classic New Years Eve theme to celebrate. With disco balls covering the space from floor to ceiling, it gave the off tons of sparkle. The huge disco ball, located over top of the dance floor, was the most absolutely stunning statement piece. The green velvet drapes and sofas added the perfect pop of color. And no NYE theme is complete without confetti poppers and NYE themed headbands and glasses.
Honorable mentions: The Ramen Bar
Venue: Junction 800
Photography: Stee Garman Photography
Videography: HWVP
HMU: GP Beauty Artistry
Lighting & Draping: Ambient Media
Planner: Alexis Doktor Designs
Rentals: Crisp Rentals
Catering & Bar: Southern Way
Florals: Flourish Floral
Band: Java Band
Katherine + Ray
December 30, 2023. City Market. Columbia, SC.
I first met Katherine & Ray at their engagement session. They were such a joy to hang out with and seriously the most photogenic couple. These two chose to say I do’s at Eastminster Pres. Church. I’ve photographed weddings there before and it is always a favorite. The church is stunning and the grounds are perfect for bridal party and family photos. AND can we talk about Pastor Brad, I just love him.
K+R had a very intimate ceremony with only their parents and siblings. After the ceremony, the extended family joined us outside for some family photos.
Once we finished with all of the family photos, we headed to City market where we took advantage of a beautiful alley with string lights and finished up portraits there. The couple went on to have a bite to eat. (Here is where I insert that Ray called Katherine “His good eater” and seriously I will never forget this) Southern way does have the good eats. The brussel sprouts are to die for!
The couple chose the famous Root Doctors and as always they brought the party! If you are looking for a wedding band, they are everything you are looking for.
The night was perfect. I’m so thankful for events like this one, that make my job a piece of cake 🙂 Now on to the photos!
Vendors:
Planner: Hamilton Events
Photographer: Stee Garman Photography
Venue: City Market & Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Rentals: Crisp Rentals
Lighting: Ambient Media
Florals: Bonnie Iseman and Beccan Zorn Designs
HMU: The Silk Canvas
Band: The Root Doctors
Catering & Bar: Southern Way
Cake: Ally & Eloise
