Dueling May Weddings
Emily’s museum wedding with clean whites and muted linens and Samantha’s wedding with contrasting dark and light colors and a common string of sparkle were both held on the same date in May 2017. Compare elements of each wedding below and see if one speaks to you more!
Bridal Style: Classic Gowns, Different Vibes
Both brides chose timeless white gowns with sweetheart necklines, but their choices created two very different feels. One bride went with delicate lace, giving her look a soft, romantic edge. The other chose a sparkling bodice paired with a quieter tulle skirt, adding a bit of drama and shine.
Emily (on the left) opted for lace details while Samantha (right) chose sparkle on top with a quieter tulle skirt. Emily’s bridesmaids wore soft mauve dresses, and Emily’s wore darker navy, each with pops of flowers in their bouquets to match. The groomsmen echoed this look with lighter versus darker ties and both grooms in white ties.


Ceremony & Reception Venues
Emily and Philip had their ceremony and reception in the same location, a clean, modern museum. Samantha and Tony’s ceremony was at a grand church, which provided an intricate, beautiful background for their ceremony. They switched it up for their reception held at an urban venue, where they added their own festive details!
If you are planning a Greenville wedding, think about the story you want your photos to tell. A single venue offers continuity and convenience; two locations give you variety and contrast. Both work beautifully when your photographer plans ahead with you.


Wedding Details & Decor
Seen to left are some of Emily’s soft pink and feminine touches. Samantha had navy details throughout giving a more masculine look with her own addition of sparkle tied in.

Cake Moments That Pop
Both weddings featured three‑tiered white cakes, yet they still felt unique thanks to the finishing touches. One couple chose pink and white roses to add a soft, romantic touch and a bit of color. The other topped their cake with a glittering custom topper, tying back into the sparkle woven throughout their day.
Even the areas around the cakes played an important role in the photos. One cake stood in front of a textured, fluffy backdrop, while the other sat on a shimmering linen that caught the light. Backdrops, linens, stands, and even where the cake is placed in the room can all elevate your cake photos from simple to standout.


Turning Inspiration Into Your Greenville Wedding Photos
These May weddings show that there is no single “right” way to design a beautiful day. One leaned soft and romantic; the other bold and sparkling. Both felt elegant, personal, and completely true to the couples at the center of them.
As you plan your wedding, use ideas like these as inspiration rather than rules. Mix colors, textures, and venue choices in a way that feels like you, and work with a photographer who understands how to capture those decisions in a natural, flattering way.
To see how our team documents real weddings and to start planning how your own day will look in photos, explore our local wedding photographers in Greenville, SC.