Happy Wedding Wednesday!!!

Michael and Elaria were married May 11^th, 2019 at St Mary’s Coptic Christian Church in Mauldin and had their reception at the beautiful Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville. They met through a Fitbit group chat that Elaria’s sister had set up. You can see their fun Charlotte engagement HERE.

On Michael and Elaria’s wedding day the weather was supposed to be absolutely terrible with rain and thunderstorms all day. Artisphere was in downtown Greenville at the same time, which is an amazing event but it is difficult to take photos with thousands of people walking around. We just decided to make the best of it. However, I packed my emergency poncho and my rain boots just in case.

I say all that because the day came and all prayers were answered! The rain held off until the reception started and even then it was not that bad. It felt like a wedding gift to them from God! I was able to shoot their photos outdoors and it was absolutely beautiful. Elaria looked like a queen and Michael was so handsome! Michael’s response during their first was so perfect. He gave a super over dramatic response to seeing Elaria, which made her laugh (Michael is always making Elaria laugh).

Their wedding was the first Coptic Christian wedding I had ever photographed. Elaria was so kind to educate me on the traditions of her church and the ceremony before her wedding. It is the most beautiful ceremony I have ever photographed! The best part of the ceremony is when the bride and groom are robed and crowned like royalty. Seriously stunning!

Back at the Westin Poinsett, Katie Williams Events did a spectacular job decorating the beautiful ballroom. I love first dances and this one was great as Michael twirled his bride in her ball gown around the room. Elaria’s dance with her father was sweet. You could tell how proud her dad was of his little girl. Each time I looked at him he was smiling ear-to-ear. Michael’s dance with his mother was moving. Earlier in the day she shared with me about how Michael is her baby and he has five older sisters. I loved seeing Michael’s gentleness with his mother. It just shows how good of a man he is.

The reception took off with some incredible dancing by the groom (who has sweet moves). I loved when the guests put the bride and groom in chairs and carried them around the dance floor! It was a fabulous party! Shout out to PPE for a killer party and my second shooter Sarah Marko for being amazing as always.

It was my honor to photograph Michael and Elaria’s wedding day. They are such and incredibly sweet, smart, fun, and loving couple. I am glad to know them and to have been the lucky person to document their love story. I hope you enjoy scrolling through their wedding day!

 

Reception Venue/Caterers: Westin Poinsett Hotel

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Coptic Christian Church

Planner: Katie Williams Events

Dress shop: Anjolique Bridal and Formal

Suit Shop: Macys

Florist: Indigo Creek Farm Florals

Cake: Publix

Invitations: Minted

HMUA: Isabelle Schreier

Photographer: Sara Touchet Photography

Second Shooter: Sarah Marko

MC + DJ: PPE

Videographer: Surrender Films  Check out their 1 minute trailer below!