I recently had the pleasure of capturing the special day for Brian Scruggs and Amanda Leigh. It was my first splash into the world as the lead photographer for a full day wedding.

The day started out like most shooting days start with loading my car with the equipment needed for the day and finishing up personal Saturday routine although limited on this day. It was a short ride into South Carolina to near the Cowpens National Revolutionary Military park near Gaffney.

On the way I stopped to pick up my young assistant for the day Jordan Lankford. Jordan is the son of my good friend Ronda Hunt and has assisted me in several photo shoots doing everything from running errands to some second shooting. We arrived at New Pleasant Baptist Church and unloaded the car and began setting up where some of the requested shots would be taken and setting up our cameras for the wedding shoot. We determined the best course of action was to shoot without flash because the ceilings were to high for bounce flash and on camera or off-camera flash left too many shadows. We knew this was going to be a challenge but our experience and equipment was up to it!

Personally they were many butterflies being this my first official all day wedding shoot but as the day proceeds and some of my past shooting experience helped boost my confidence. The ceremony was highlighted by the bride playing a recorded song she had recorded earlier and surprised her groom. There were 2 soloist that performed beautifully!

The couple opted to do a private reveal where the groom stands in a room and waits for his lovely bride to come out and they see each other for the first time dressed in their wedding best! I like the idea because I thought that it was more personal and private for them at that special moment and easier for the photographer to capture. It also allowed for us to go ahead and shoot all the wedding party pictures.

The wedding was really beautiful and many guest were encouraged by the love this couple has for each other and their families. They both bring 4 children into this new family. Many family and friends were in attendance!

The reception was celebrated after a short photo session of mostly family and participants because we had already shot all the wedding party pictures before the ceremony. The food was delicious and the cake and cup cakes were amazing! The couple opted to sneak in a little cake smash which further lighten the mood during the reception.

The couple Celebrated their honeymoon in the Dominican republic for a week. They had a very good time although were ready to come home and spend time with their children. This was a very good learning experience for me and my assistant and will use lessons learned in this wedding for future events. I hope you continue to follow my blog and watch me grow as a all-around photographer and wedding photographer!

I have included a few images of that beautiful day