As a wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to witness love stories unfold in all kinds of beautiful places, but there’s something extra special about getting to photograph a couple whose journey I’ve been part of from the very beginning. Matt and Savannah’s wedding day at the Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville, South Carolina, was the kind of celebration that is why I do what I do. Vibrant, candid, and filled with so much genuine joy. It was a weekend I’ll never forget! It was so fun to be a Greenville, South Carolina, Wedding photographer for a weekend!

I first met Matt and Savannah in Portland, Maine, at the Portland Head Light. From the start, the vibes were off the charts. The proposal was scheduled months in advance and on the day of the sky opened up and I photographed their proposal in the heaviest of rains. I knew that these were my kind of people the moment that Savannah threw her hair into a messy bun in the rain and both of them had the most fun running around in the downpour. If you missed that moment, you can check out their proposal session blog post here, you can tell from their faces in the photos that these two are awesome humans! Fast forward to spring 2025, and I was packing my gear and flying from Maine to South Carolina to capture the next chapter of their story. A Garden Party Disco at that!

Getting Ready at the Estate

The day started in the bridal suite of the Grand Holland Estate. Savannah and her best friends were sipping mimosas, laughing, and dancing to a retro playlist. The songs perfectly hinted at the vintage garden party disco vibes to come. I highly recommend listening to Disco Man by Remi Wolf while scrolling through this blog post to really feel the vibe! The morning was slow, intentional, and full of joyous, candid moments.

Meanwhile, just one floor below, Matt and his groomsmen were all smiles, getting ready while swapping stories from college. The gent’s room had the best vibes with a small open bar, a saxophonist ripping it up. Meanwhile, Holiday, the barber, gave the gents a fresh face and finishing touches before they got dressed for the day.

The First Look at the Estate Garden

Tucked away in one of the estate’s lush garden paths, Matt stood waiting under a canopy of greenery. When Savannah walked up behind him and gently tapped his shoulder, the reaction from both of them was so genuine and full of love. They held hands and exchanged private vows for a few moments in this spot. Captured on digital and 35mm film, this moment will stand the test of time.

The Ceremony

With vintage-style chairs set in neat rows, Matt and Savannah were surrounded by a modern semi-circle ceremony set up. By having the chairs in a half circle around the couple, it allowed all the guests a great view of the wedding ceremony. It also allows for great views of the guests reactions that you can see here.

Savannah walked through the front doors of the mansion with grace and a radiant smile. Guided by her father, Matt’s eyes never left hers. Their officiant was a close friend of both Matt and Savannah and performed a personal speech. The speech was sprinkled with inside jokes that made their guests laugh and tear up in equal measure. In the South Carolina sun, Matt and Savannah became husband and wife. Their guests were all focused on the grand moment with such adornment, it was extremely special to see.

During the introduction from their officiant, the couple passed their wedding bands around to their guests. Each guest was instructed to add a personal thought, good energy, or a blessing to the rings. This tradition is called a ring warming, one of my personal favorite traditions at weddings. You can read more about ring warming ceremonies in this ring warming ceremony blog post by Brides.com.

With the Grand Holland Estate mansion as their backdrop, Savannah and Matt said I do. They sealed the deal with a kiss in front of the pillars and luxurious entrance of their venue.

The Reception at Grand Holland Estate

Let me tell you—this wasn’t your typical wedding reception. Savannah and Matt threw a full-on garden party disco. Complete with disco balls hanging from the ceiling of the venue, vibrant colorful florals on each table, twinkling string lights, and a dance floor that lit up in every sense of the word. Their guests knew how to celebrate! The energy was vibrant from the very first toast to the final beat of the night.

The dinner was al fresco and absolutely stunning long tables, colorful floral centerpieces, vibrant foldable fans, and speeches that made everyone laugh until they cried. From candid portraits during golden hour to spontaneous group photos with their friends (and many epic dance moves), the entire night was a photographer’s dream. You could feel the love and joy in every corner. Peep the ones keeping it real by eating cake on the dance floor. I’m telling you this wedding was full of my kind of people!

A Moment Alone at the Estate

After a few formalities, the couple snuck off to have a moment alone and catch the last bit of sun on their day. A surprising turn of events created a rainbow, too, that had all the guests in awe. A magical, colorful wedding day was matched by Mother Nature herself.

In her satin jumpsuit, Savannah finishes her outfit with pink boots and heart-shaped sunglasses. Matt sits behind the piano (cue the Piano Man intro!), and the couple shares a drink before catching their guests on the dance floor. Let the disco begin!

Disco Dance Floor

A garden party disco ends in style! DJ Sha dropped beats, and the floor was pulsing the entire night. With a shutter drag, these photos came to life and showed the energy that was felt all night long!

Ending the Night in Style

As the night wound down, Matt and Savannah shared a private last dance under the disco ball before making their grand exit. Their guests lined the driveway, cheering them on as they made their getaway in a vintage black convertible. This car was the perfect aesthetic for this Grand Holland Estate, Greenville, South Carolina, Wedding. We took the convertible top down, and as the driver slowly made his way through downtown Greenville, pedestrians cheered the couple on from the sidewalks.

A Note from the Author

Matt and Savannah, thank you for trusting me to be a part of both your proposal and your wedding day. Being your photographer, from Maine to your hometown for your wedding, has been the most fun journey. Your love is the kind that leaves a lasting impression. I’m so freaking excited for you two!!!!

To those looking for a South Carolina wedding photographer or a Maine wedding photographer who values authentic moments and a documentary-style approach. Let me help tell your story, wherever it takes us.

Until the next adventure,
– Emily

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Vendors
The people who made this day amazing from start to finish!

Venue: Grand Holland Estate | Insta: @grandholland
Planner: Love This Little City | Jennifer Dennis Monts | Insta: @lovethislittlecity
DJ: DJ Sha | Donsha Butler | @iamdjsha
Florist / Table Decor: Renee Burroughs Design | Renee Burroughs | Insta: @reneeburroughsdesign
Videographer: Will Wright Films | Will Wright | @willwrightfilms
Bakery: Couture Cakes | Insta: @couturecakesofgreenville
Jeweler: Katie Poterala Jewelry | Katie Poterala | @fortheloveofbling
Hair & Make-Up: Cotton Rouge & Co | Erica Wilson | Insta: @cottonrougeandco
Barber: Holiday Grooms | Holiday Childress | Insta: @holidaygrooms
Transportation: The Perfect Getaway | Belton O’Neall
Draping Decor: Gathered Draping Studio | Erica Landin | Insta: @gathered_draping_studio
Linens / Dishes: Professional Party Rentals | Insta: @professionalparty

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