There are some weddings where everything just falls into place in the most beautiful, almost effortless way, and Megan and Cal’s December wedding was exactly that. I’ve photographed so many love stories, but this one feels especially dear to me because I’ve been on their journey from the very beginning.

I met Megan during her college graduation session, and I still remember Cal stepping into the photos with her and thinking, “Wow, these two are something special.” Fast forward through their proposal, their engagements, and now their wedding day, and being trusted to document each season of their story has been one of the biggest honors of my career.

A Winter Wedding That Felt Like a Classic Christmas Movie

The whole day felt like stepping into an elegant winter film. The Poinsett Club in Greenville is already such a timeless venue, but add giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and the most stunning florals you can imagine. It was magic!! Megan and Cal’s style is classy without trying too hard, and every detail reflected that—down to the bridesmaids in black gowns holding white and red bouquets that popped beautifully in every frame.

Their ceremony was held at their home church in Mauldin, which added this layer of familiarity and warmth that I absolutely loved. Afterward, we all piled into a bus and headed to the Poinsett Club for the reception, one of those small, unexpected parts of the day that made everything feel even more connected and fun.

A 10-Hour Day Full of Breathing Room and Beautiful Light

This was actually my first 10-hour wedding day with a second shooter, and it made such a difference. Instead of feeling rushed or fighting the clock, we had space to truly soak in every moment as it unfolded.

We were worried about losing light after the ceremony, but golden hour held on just long enough for us to capture couples portraits outside. And oh my goodness!! I’m still not over the sunset we got. Rich, soft, glowing light that wrapped around them like a blanket. And later in the evening, we switched into more editorial flash, which paired perfectly with the ballroom atmosphere and all the winter details.

If I could bottle up the energy of this wedding and reuse it again and again, I would. It was slow in the best ways, and intentional, and beautifully paced.

A Reception Full of Meaningful Moments

One of my favorite moments was the parent dances. Megan and Cal both danced with their parents as usual, but then Megan invited her mom to share a dance with her too. It was tender and thoughtful and so true to who Megan is: someone who loves deeply and wholeheartedly.

We also got to take a full group photo with everyone at the wedding, which doesn’t happen often. But it ended up being the most fun transition into the dancing because everyone was already on the dance floor, already laughing and gathered close, so the party started right on cue.

And let me tell you: this crowd danced. It was joyful, loud, and full of life. The best kind of celebration.

A Day That Felt Like the Perfect Ending (and Beginning)

There’s something incredibly special about getting to follow a couple through multiple chapters of their story: graduation, proposal, engagement, and now marriage. You get to know their dynamic, their people, their families. You notice the little ways they look at each other that haven’t changed since the first time you photographed them.

Megan and Cal’s wedding felt like watching two best friends step into a future they’ve been building toward for years, and it was such an honor to document it all.

If their entire story is any indication, this is just the start of a really, really beautiful life together.