A Sunrise Micro-wedding at Fred W. Symmes Chapel


Pretty Place is one of the top destinations in the country to elope or hold a microwedding, and I'm blessed to have photographed many sweet, intimate days here as a local to the upstate of South Carolina.


However, Carter and Quinlynn's wedding was my first sunrise wedding here -- and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE. From beautiful skies to perfect mild weather (in August! in South Carolina! Do you know how rare that is?), we couldn't have dialed it in any better.


Carter and Quin traveled from states away to say their vows here in the Blue Ridge mountains of SC, and after their sunrise ceremony with all of their family in attendance, we snuck away for an adventure to a nearby waterfall. The greens in the forest that day were so vibrant, and along with some of my favorite wedding day portraits, I also snagged what I think might be my top shoe shot of all time. I mean, how often do you get to have a waterfall in the background of your wedding shoe detail shot?


Carter and Quin, thank you for being up for an adventure in the woods (and trusting me not to ruin your wedding clothes for the pictures!) Your day was beautiful, and I wish you many years of happiness in your marriage. Congratulations!

 

 

Pretty Place Chapel Elopement Photos

 

A stone cellar entrance illuminated by a single light glows warmly against the dark night.
An illuminated cross stands at the end of a long aisle lined with wooden pews inside a rustic stone church at night.
Two heartfelt wedding preparation moments showing a hug and dress adjustments with bridesmaids in blue.
Bride in strapless lace wedding gown with long curled blonde hair viewed from behind.
A bride in a lace strapless gown holds a pink and white bouquet while celebrating with her bridesmaids indoors.
Three people in formal attire stand together on a porch with stone and wood features behind them.
A couple embraces at a scenic mountaintop ceremony with a large wooden cross and an officiant overlooking the landscape.
A wooden cross stands atop a mountain overlook with misty blue ridges and dramatic clouds in the background.
Wedding ceremony and portrait moments at a scenic mountain venue with rustic stone architecture and a wooden cross display.
A scenic mountain wedding ceremony unfolds as couple and guests gather around a wooden cross overlooking dramatic cloud vistas.
A mountain wedding ceremony takes place at scenic overlook with a wooden cross and guests gathered at sunset.
Visitors gather at a mountain overlook platform with a cross, viewing misty blue ridges and valleys at sunset.
An elegant wedding ceremony setup at a beach pier with a framed program in the foreground and ocean view backdrop.
A mountain wedding ceremony takes place on a scenic overlook with a wooden cross and misty blue ridges in the background.
Split image showing outdoor hilltop wedding ceremony beside cross and indoor church wedding under cross near altar area.
Wedding guests seated in rows of wooden benches at an outdoor ceremony venue surrounded by greenery.
An outdoor mountain chapel with stunning views of misty blue mountain ranges and a wooden cross at Pretty Place in North Carolina.
A mountain wedding ceremony takes place outdoors with a wooden cross and scenic mountain backdrop.
Wedding guests seated on benches observe an outdoor mountaintop ceremony with a large cross and mountain vista.
Inside view of wooden church pews in a rustic chapel setting with sunlight streaming through windows.
A wedding celebration group gathers at an outdoor chapel with mountain views and wooden benches under an A-frame roof.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment together surrounded by lush greenery and rustic stone architecture.
Someone wearing a light beige suit bends forward to unfold and arrange a delicate white fabric on a stone surface outdoors.
Wedding couple embracing outdoors with pink and white floral bouquet against scenic mountain backdrop.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments on a scenic mountain overlook with cloudy skies and lush greenery below.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment on a mountaintop overlook with scenic valley views behind them.
A bride in a flowing lace wedding gown holds a pink bouquet while standing on a scenic mountain overlook at sunset.
A couple holds hands during their mountaintop wedding ceremony overlooking a vast valley landscape at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a mountaintop overlooking a misty valley with dramatic cloudy skies at sunset.
A couple wearing wedding attire stand together on a rocky mountain overlook against a scenic forest backdrop.
A couple sits together on a stone wall overlooking a scenic mountain landscape on a cloudy day.
Hands skillfully working with natural wood material at a crafting table using woodworking tools and techniques.
A wooden cross stands at the end of a mountain chapel with panoramic views of rolling hills beyond.
A couple shares an intimate moment outside a rustic stone chapel with a wooden cross on the facade.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring rests delicately on green moss in a natural outdoor setting.
A beautiful bridal bouquet with pink and cream dahlias rests against a mossy tree trunk.
A black and white romantic wedding photo captures a couple leaning on a stone bridge in a dreamy forest setting.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment on a fallen log near a forest waterfall.
A wedding couple poses together on rustic wooden logs in a wooded setting, with the bride's lace dress beautifully displayed.
A jagged white chalk formation contrasts against dark rock with scattered brown leaves on the ground.
A couple in wedding attire carefully ascending stone steps on a forest trail.
A couple holds hands against a blurred natural backdrop with a waterfall during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A couple in wedding attire share romantic moments in front of cascading waterfalls at multiple scenic spots.
Elegant white lace wedding shoes with low heels placed on mossy rock near a cascading waterfall.
Two people in casual attire wade barefoot across a rocky stream with a cascading waterfall in the background.
A romantic couple embraces by a cascading waterfall, the bride in white and groom in beige share a tender moment.

 

Considering a wedding at Pretty Place Chapel? I have a guide you've got to see!

You can check it out here:

 

Romantic couple in wedding attire share a playful moment walking together outdoors on a sunlit path.
From a photographer's Perspective

 

Your Pretty Place Wedding Guide

 

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