Alice + Yates Atkinson Wedding || Greenville, SC | Zen: An Elegant Space for Hire

In February, I finally got to meet these two face-to-face when we did their engagement session the day before Alice’s best friend, Anna, got married (which I also photographed – check it out here). Through the last few months, we discussed all the details of her wedding day from when should she start getting ready to reception timeline and how they should exit. Alice and Yates are two of the kindest people and I am honored they asked me to photograph their beautiful wedding!

Even though Alice is not a coffee drinker (I know… I can’t fathom it either), she and I had a great rapport and that’s exactly what you want on your wedding day. I was able to spend even more time with them when I had the privilege of photographing and attending their rehearsal dinner. I heard meaningful, thoughtful and touching (*I may have teared up at one point*) speeches from their friends and family, I heard so much LAUGHTER through the whole night and met Alice’s grandmother who actually paid for her photography. Grandma (“Gaga”) and I emailed back and forth through the whole process and it was a relief and a joy to finally hug her neck at the rehearsal dinner.

Zen was a spectacular and unique venue we loved shooting at in the heart of Downtown Greenville, SC. The ladies hair and make up was spot on by the professional ladies of GLAM Salon. The band, Straight Fire, was on FIRE during the reception! They were great to work with – their spectacular music had everyone dancing and singing along – and willing to work with me during the whole evening. If you’re looking for an amazing band – book them. BOOK THEM NOW!

Here are a just a few of the amazing images we were able to capture on this gorgeous June Saturday!

Alice and Yates nailed their first look in the courtyard. Their expressions say everything. First looks even in the middle of the day in full sun are still my favorite! This gives the bride and groom a minute to be themselves, to enjoy each other’s company without any one else around telling them to do something. It’s priceless, it’s important and it makes for some gorgeous images of true emotion.