Greenville, SC: Holly + Mason's Navy Summer Wedding at the Pretty Place (Fred W. Symmes Chapel)

Wedding

May 28

35° 8' 1'' N 82° 34' 31'' W

Holly and Mason's wedding day was absolutely a dream come true!

These two became husband and wife amongst friends, family, and the Blue Ridge Mountains on a beautiful summer night. Everyone traveled to a breathtaking outdoor chapel that sits high on top of a mountain on the NC/SC border, called The Pretty Place. I can tell you right now, that the name says it all.

When I arrived at the chapel, there was a breeze that greeted us as storms loomed in the distance! As Holly and Mason were getting ready in the separate rooms, Sullivan (the videographer), Allison (their amazing planner), and I kept an eye on the clouds and the radar. Once ready, Holly and Mason saw each other for the first time overlooking the mountains. They both wrote and read the sweetest vows to each other which had us all tearing up.

After the first look and a few photos with the bridal party, it was time for the ceremony. After pronounced husband and wife, we took family formal photos and a few more couple’s portraits before lighting up the driveway in sparklers. We really lucked out with going through all of the day's events without a few drops of rain, but as soon as Holly and Mason exited through the sparklers and we all packed up, the skies burst open as we all traveled home! That night, I was staying with friends that live in the area and they had to text me to tell me that they were without power. A huge thunderstorm had ended up rolling through the area and brought down so many branches and trees that fell on powerlines. I’m so grateful that we had a beautiful evening for the wedding and that everyone arrived home safely!

To be honest, I've wanted to photograph a wedding at the Pretty Place for almost 5 years and I'm still in awe of their day, even a year later. Holly and Mason are from Johnson City (check out their engagement session blog for their love story and how they met) and are such an awesome, laid-back, sweet couple. I still can’t believe how we met and how small of a world it can be (Holly worked at my local grocery store’s pharmacy, but I never met her there), and truly feel that it was meant to be. The venue being a dream venue of mine was truly just the icing on the cake to capturing their wedding day!

Holly and Mason — congratulations!! I can’t thank you enough for having me be a part of such a special day. I’m so extremely happy for you both and wish you many years of adventures together!

Thanks to all vendors who made their day amazing: