Pretty Place Destination Wedding Adventure at Symmes Chapel

Naomi & Scott | Pretty Place Destination Wedding Adventure at Symmes Chapel

A Weeklong Celebration Built Around Love, Intention, and the Beauty of the South Carolina Upstate

Naomi & Scott’s story with us started in a way that was full of anticipation — and unlike anything we’d experienced before.

Most of the time, it’s the bride who reaches out first. But in this case, it was Scott. When we hopped on our first call, it was immediately clear he was a guy head-over-heels in love — and that he was dreaming up something truly special for the woman he hoped to marry.

As we talked, we learned that they weren’t engaged yet. In fact, Scott was planning an elaborate surprise proposal back home, with friends and family in on the ruse. But before any rings or announcements, he wanted to get a vision in place for the wedding — so he could tell Naomi what he had dreamed up once she said yes.

At the center of his vision was Pretty Place (Symmes Chapel). He’d fallen in love with its breathtaking beauty — but being from the Midwest, they had never seen the area in person and had no idea how to start building a plan around it. That’s where we came in.

Over the next couple of months, we stayed in touch with Scott while he pulled off the emotional surprise proposal — and once Naomi said yes (of course she did!), the three of us started dreaming together.

And what a vision it became.

Most couples getting married at Pretty Place keep things basic — a quick ceremony, some photos, and a local dinner. But Scott and Naomi were looking for more than a ceremony. They wanted to create a meaningful experience — not just a wedding day, but a full week that reflected who they are and the people they love. They were looking for partners in creating the perfect destination wedding for them, and we were honored to design their entire week of experiences!

Once they learned we’re based right here in the Upstate of South Carolina and knew the area inside and out, the questions poured in — about hikes, food, scenic views, and hidden gems in town. That’s when the vision truly came to life.

Together, we designed an immersive weeklong celebration — from sunrise mountaintop moments and private waterfall adventures, to carefully planned meals at Greenville’s best restaurants and a heartfelt ceremony at Pretty Place. We wrapped it all up with a downtown day-after session, including portraits in Falls Park and inside the Grand Bohemian, where they chose to stay for the remainder of the week.

It was such a gift to be able to craft every part of their experience — and even more so that Naomi & Scott trusted us not just to plan, but to document it all through our lens, allowing us full creative freedom to tell their story.

And while there was plenty of beauty to capture — gorgeous venues, iconic views — what stood out the most were the quiet, emotional moments between just the two of them.

Among the laughter and joy of being surrounded by friends and family, there were also deeply private moments — especially during their first look and private vows — where the emotions poured out. The way they held each other. The tears in their eyes. The stillness of just being present together.

Those moments made it clear: this wasn’t just a celebration full of fun and flair. It was a wedding week built on something real, something rooted deep in meaning. A love that didn’t need to prove anything, because it already knew what it was.

The “Why” Behind Their Decision to Elope

For Naomi & Scott, eloping wasn’t just about simplifying — it was about staying focused on what really mattered.

As they shared with us early on: “We didn’t want the stress of planning a large wedding and really wanted to spend this day with our closest friends and family.” That desire for simplicity and presence was at the heart of every decision they made.

But there was something else, too — something we saw unfold more and more as we planned together. Yes, they had chosen Pretty Place for its beauty and meaning, but they didn’t want to just show up there and follow a preset formula.

They weren’t interested in a plug-and-play experience or a day that looked like someone else’s. They wanted something intentional. Custom. A week that would feel like theirs, built around the places, people, and moments that mattered most.What made eloping such a perfect fit for them was the chance to keep things small, meaningful, and joy-filled — without the overwhelm of traditional planning. By choosing an intimate elopement, they created space to be fully present with each other and with their loved ones — and to trust us with the logistics so they could simply enjoy the experience.

Their Elopement Vision

At the start of planning, Naomi & Scott had a general outline in mind — a ceremony at Pretty Place, a nice dinner afterward, and some time set aside for portraits. They mentioned wanting to get some photos in the morning when the light was best, maybe in non-wedding outfits, and to save the scenic locations for the day after the ceremony, when they could truly relax.

But as our conversations continued, their ideas grew into something more immersive — a multi-day experience that flowed naturally, allowed space to breathe, and gave them the chance to celebrate both privately and with loved ones.

They wanted to feel present, not rushed. To have time to soak in the emotions of their vows, enjoy moments with friends and family, and explore all that Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains had to offer.

With our guidance, we shaped their vision into two full days of adventure, connection, and celebration — all wrapped around a weeklong destination experience in the heart of the South Carolina Upstate. What began as an initial vision became a layered, meaningful journey where every detail reflected who they are.

Designing Their Elopement Experience

What started as an idea for a two-day elopement soon blossomed into something much more — a full, weeklong destination wedding experience for Naomi & Scott and their loved ones.

When we first talked through why they were drawn to our multi-day package, it became clear: they wanted to experience all that Greenville had to offer, both through photography and through a curated, weeklong celebration with family and friends. They didn’t want just a single ceremony day — they wanted their entire time in town to feel intentional, elevated, and fun for everyone who traveled to be with them.

That meant helping them shape a full itinerary: two days of adventure and photography with us, plus an entire week of thoughtful experiences to enjoy with their closest people.

Crafting Their Dining Experiences

One of the highlights of Naomi & Scott’s week was the incredible variety of dining we helped them line up — giving them a true “best of Greenville” experience:

• Tuesday evening: They kicked off their week with an exquisite dinner at Halls Chophouse — known for top-tier service and incredible food. As Naomi & Scott told us afterward, this was one of their favorite meals of the week, a perfect start to their celebration.
  
• Wednesday (wedding day evening): After their ceremony and portraits, they hosted a relaxed reception at Springhill Suites Greenville Downtown, using the property’s bright, airy atrium space.
  
• Thursday: After their “day after” adventure with us, they celebrated with drinks and dining at Up on the Roof — a vibrant rooftop space where they could unwind and enjoy the city skyline.
  

Friday: Before friends and family headed home, they gathered one last time at Juniper — one of Greenville’s most unique and stylish rooftop spots, offering an unforgettable send-off to an incredible week.

Designing the Timeline and Portrait Locations

Because Pretty Place reservations drive the ceremony schedule, we worked backward to build the perfect flow around it. Naomi & Scott loved the idea of sunrise light — but balancing that with dinner and reception plans in Greenville meant an afternoon ceremony would work best logistically.

We guided them on reserving a Pretty Place time that would allow for good light and also fit with their dinner timeline — a crucial piece many couples miss when planning here, as Pretty Place is at least an hour from the closest reception options on either the NC or SC side.

Throughout the process, we provided them with full sample day plans for both NC- and SC-based options — covering Airbnbs, waterfalls, reception venues, and more — so they could confidently choose the flow that best matched their vision.

Once they settled on the SC side, we helped them find an Airbnb in Paris Mountain with beautiful views, easy access to Pretty Place, and proximity to downtown Greenville for day two.

For Day One, the sunrise portrait location was chosen to balance beauty and practicality — a mountain spot that was accessible for an early start and allowed us to return to the Airbnb in time for getting ready, first look, and private vows.For Day Two, they loved the idea of exploring downtown Greenville — a major factor in choosing the SC side. They also adored the idea of a stylish, editorial-feel session at the Grand Bohemian, which became the perfect anchor for their downtown portraits. We structured the day to flow naturally between Falls Park and the Grand Bohemian, giving them a mix of joyful, candid moments and magazine-worthy images.

Their Elopement Story | Photo Gallery

Act I: Lanterns at Dawn & a Dance on the Mountaintop

Before sunrise, we met Naomi & Scott at a quiet trailhead deep in the woods. With lanterns in hand, they hiked side by side through the pre-dawn forest, the deep blue light of morning beginning to glow through the trees. It was peaceful, romantic — the kind of start that sets the tone for a day filled with intention.

When we arrived at the granite dome summit, we guided them to a quiet corner of the rock where no one else was around. The view was expansive — waves of ridgelines stretching out toward the horizon — and for a few minutes, we simply paused and took it all in.

Then we queued their playlist. With the sun rising and fog rolling below, Naomi & Scott danced together, twirling and laughing as the first light of day lit up the mountains. It was private, joyful, and completely theirs — a moment not created by a rigid plan, but by a well-crafted framework that made room for spontaneity and soul.

Act II: Getting Ready & the Private Vows That Said It All

Later that morning, back at their Airbnb on Paris Mountain, preparations for the ceremony began. They got ready separately — Naomi surrounded by a small group of loved ones, including her best friend, who quietly teared up upon seeing her in her veil. Sensing the emotion, we gently paused our photo rhythm and invited her in. They shared a hug & words of joy. Moments like this don’t happen in a rush — they happen when the plan leaves room for what matters.

While Naomi & Scott had a larger guest list for their ceremony, the morning itself remained deeply personal. After getting ready, they met on the balcony for a private first look and vow exchange overlooking the hills.

It’s hard to describe what unfolded without hearing a word — the wind carried most of their voices away — but their expressions said everything. Tears, laughter, total presence with one another. It was a powerful reminder of who they are at their core: warm, fun-loving, deeply connected, and balanced. While they made room throughout the week for joyful time with guests, they also carved out sacred space just for the two of them — and this was the moment that brought it all together.

This kind of depth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from thoughtful planning, a shared vision, and the trust to let us guide the process. If you’ve been drawn to Pretty Place for your ceremony but wonder what more your day could become — Naomi & Scott’s experience is proof of how expansive, joyful, and layered it can be.

Act III: A Ceremony Full of Emotion (and a Few Great Laughs)

While Naomi & Scott had already shared a private first look and vows that morning, there were still a few unforgettable reveals yet to come. When we arrived at Pretty Place, we used the small private room at the chapel to stage two more meaningful first looks: one with Naomi’s brother, and another with her dad.

Her brother’s face lit up the moment he saw her — and then the tears came. It was one of those deeply emotional moments you could feel in the air, and we quietly gave them the space to just be in it. Her dad was next — equally moved — and their embrace said everything words couldn’t.

With guests arriving, it was time for the ceremony. And here’s where the other side of Naomi & Scott really shone: the fun-loving, lighthearted part. From her brother’s clever Dr. Seuss joke (he officiated!) to an unfiltered post-kiss reaction that had everyone laughing, their ceremony was full of joy and personality. And don’t miss the perfectly timed dip as they walked back down the aisle — you can catch it all in their Elopement Highlights Film (link coming soon!)

But here’s something important to share for anyone dreaming of a Pretty Place wedding: it only works this smoothly with expert planning. The venue allows a two-hour time slot — and with a 1-hour drive from Greenville, guest transportation (we always recommend a bus!) and restroom breaks on arrival must be factored into your timeline. From seating everyone, to keeping the ceremony flowing, to knocking out family photos and still having time for portraits of just the two of you — every minute counts. And when your time is up, the gates reopen and the chapel becomes public again. This isn’t the place for trial and error — it’s a place where experience truly matters.

With that said, we timed everything just right so Naomi & Scott’s ceremony flowed beautifully. It was joyful, efficient, heartfelt — and completely them.

Act IV: Old Money Vibes & Waterfall Views – Day 2

Naomi & Scott didn’t just embrace the idea of a two-day elopement — they ran with it. Day Two had a totally different energy: creative, stylish, and playful.

Naomi changed into a sleek cocktail-style dress while Scott opted for a blazer — a polished, fun look that still felt like them. We started the morning outside the Grand Bohemian in downtown Greenville, capturing editorial-style portraits with an old-money vibe. From there, we walked to the iconic Liberty Bridge and descended into Falls Park, where the stone paths and rushing water created the perfect blend of dramatic landscape and cozy, intimate moments.

What made this part of the experience so enjoyable was how much room we had to explore — literally. Because we scheduled this session during the week, we practically had the entire park to ourselves. Falls Park is stunning, but it’s also one of the busiest spots in Greenville. Trying this on a weekend? It would’ve been wall-to-wall with people. But weekday planning (and watching the weather for soft morning light!) meant it felt like the place was theirs alone.

And here’s something else you won’t find in a rigid, cookie-cutter elopement plan: about halfway through, we realized Naomi & Scott had skipped breakfast to make our morning meetup. So we called an audible. Their family brought food from a nearby café, and we found a quiet, shaded corner where they could pause, eat, and simply be together.These are the kinds of moments we always plan for — even when we don’t know what exactly we’ll need to flex for. Because we’re not here to photograph models — we’re here to take care of real people, and to create space for the day to be enjoyable, connected, and meaningful. The photos? Those just happen to look like a magazine spread in the process.

Act V: Smoke, Storybooks & the Final Shot – Day 2

We’d been looking forward to this last part of the journey since the very beginning — Naomi had shared her vision for a vintage speakeasy vibe, and we’d floated a few creative ideas ahead of time. When the moment came, they were all in.

As the day warmed up, we slipped back inside the Grand Bohemian. The overstuffed leather chairs, stone fireplaces, and eclectic décor were begging to be part of the story. We moved through the lobby in between curious glances from other guests, catching just the right moments in just the right spots — and having a blast the whole time.

Naomi was drawn to the cozy library nook, so we lingered there for a bit, playing with storytelling poses (hint: one of them might have been more into the book than the other…). The photos say it better than we ever could.

And then — another perfect audible. In the flow of conversation, we discovered they hadn’t yet signed their marriage license from the day before. We found a quiet moment to make it official, with her brother there to witness, and it became such a sweet full-circle moment — paperwork never looked so meaningful.

To close out the session, we made our way downstairs to the hotel’s signature bar. The staff was incredible — the manager welcomed us in, and the bartender even gave us a demonstration of his smoked Old Fashioned technique. With the space all to ourselves, we created the final frames of the day: Naomi perched on the bar with Scott alongside; both of them seated with hands held across a table; time for both laughter and stillness. And finally, a cinematic elevator kiss as the doors closed — the last scene in their highlight film, and the perfect ending to this unforgettable two-day adventure.

Personal Touches That Made It Theirs

Naomi and Scott’s elopement wasn’t just about one day — it was about the entire experience. They wanted more than a ceremony. They wanted a story — one filled with love, intention, and deeply personal touches that would carry meaning long after the week was over.

One of the most thoughtful elements was Naomi’s choice of three unique dresses, each reflecting a different part of their journey, and chosen based on our guidance on what to expect for each setting. For their mountaintop sunrise adventure, she wore a flowing dress that moved beautifully in the wind — giving her freedom to explore and dance in the first light of day. Her ceremony gown was graceful and elegant, perfect for Pretty Place. Then, for their city session on Day Two, she wore a chic cocktail dress with a subtle sheen that played with the light — the perfect touch for their speakeasy-inspired portraits. 

A truly emotional moment came during their first look at their Airbnb, where they chose to share private vows — words spoken only between the two of them. No one else heard them, and that’s exactly how they wanted it. Just the two of them, in that quiet, sacred space.

Naomi also surprised Scott with a deeply meaningful gift: custom cufflinks bearing the names of their beloved dogs, who couldn’t make the journey. It was a perfect way to bring their fur babies into the day and show how much their full family means to them.

And this wasn’t just a celebration for one day — it was an experience that spanned the week. From the very beginning, Naomi and Scott wanted to treat their loved ones to something more. We worked closely with them to curate a week’s worth of dining experiences, from the upscale service at Hall’s Chophouse, to their intimate reception at Springhill Suites, to sunset cocktails Up on the Roof, and a final celebration at the stunning rooftop bar at Juniper. Each experience was hand-selected, with behind-the-scenes coordination to ensure every detail flowed smoothly.

These were not just meals — they were part of the story. Part of the way Naomi and Scott showed love to their friends and family. And planning experiences like this — that blend elopement intimacy with elevated guest hospitality — is what we specialize in.

From meaningful wardrobe choices to moments shared in solitude, from cufflinks that carried love across distance to dinners that brought everyone together — Naomi and Scott’s week was a masterclass in how personal touches can elevate an elopement into something unforgettable.

What They Had to Say About Their Day

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After we said our goodbyes on day two, Scott messaged us:
“You all are amazing. Thank you for making this special for us.”

And a few days later, after we sent over their sneak peek gallery, Naomi followed up with:
“Oh my gosh you guys. This is amazing. I can’t wait to see the rest of them!!! Thank you for everything — you made this a dream.”

In their initial questionnaire, they also shared:
“Scott was the one who found you guys and sent me your website. After reading through it, I liked the idea of what you were doing. Once we met on the call, it sealed the deal! Not only are you two knowledgeable about the area and wedding planning, but we love how involved you are — how your main focus is to make sure things go smoothly, whatever that entails. I know we’re just starting this process, but I already see you guys as our ‘wedding angels’ who are going to help us achieve our dream!”

It meant the world to hear those words. Naomi & Scott didn’t just let us document their wedding — they invited us to help create it. From curating a full week of experiences to walking through each day with them, we’re so grateful to have been part of their story.

Vendor Team & Celebrated Locations

Beyond choosing Pretty Place as their ceremony location, Naomi and Scott entrusted us to help build the perfect vendor team and experience around their vision — and that’s exactly what we love to do.

From hair and makeup to florals, lodging, dining, and more, every recommendation was hand-selected to match their style, priorities, and needs. While most couples are left to navigate vendor decisions on their own, our planning process removes the guesswork — so instead of hours researching, Naomi and Scott could simply choose from the curated, trusted options we brought to the table.

We’re so thankful for the incredible vendors who helped bring this week to life:

• Hair & Makeup – Cotton Rouge & Company
  
• Florals – The Blossom Jar
  
• Ceremony Venue – Symmes Chapel / Pretty Place
  
• Day Two Lodging & Portrait Location – Grand Bohemian Greenville
  

And let’s not forget the lineup of memorable dining experiences that helped stretch the celebration across the entire week:

• Hall’s Chophouse – A fine-dining kickoff, with impeccable service and unforgettable food
  
• Springhill Suites Atrium – A convenient, relaxed space for their post-ceremony gathering
  
• Up on the Roof – Chic rooftop cocktails and a well-earned wind-down after day two adventures
  
• Juniper – A rooftop bar with stunning ambiance to close out their wedding week in style
  

This kind of experience doesn’t come pre-packaged. It’s personal, thoughtful, and fully custom — just like the kind of elopement we’re here to help create.

Naomi & Scott — Thank You

Naomi & Scott — thank you for trusting us to help shape something so unforgettable. What an honor it was to be part of this journey with you!

💕 From Mark & Carolyn

Thinking About Pretty Place for Your Elopement?

If you’ve found your way to this story, chances are you’re considering Pretty Place for your own day — and we can see why. There’s something deeply moving about this mountaintop chapel and the view that stretches for miles. For many couples, it’s the starting point of their vision. But it doesn’t have to be the whole story.

What made Naomi and Scott’s day so meaningful wasn’t just their ceremony at Pretty Place — it was everything we built around it. From their sunrise mountain adventure to their day-two downtown portraits and a week full of curated celebrations, they trusted us to help them shape something truly personal.

And that’s the kind of experience we’re here to create.

If you’re dreaming of something more than a wedding ceremony — something that blends beauty, intention, adventure, and celebration — we’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether you already know Pretty Place is the spot for you, or you’re still exploring what’s possible, our planning process is designed to guide you through it all.

Let’s create something unforgettable — one chapter, one sunrise, one sweet moment at a time.

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Ready to start creating your personalized experience?

The reality of planning a completely customized elopement is that there are many details to pull off the perfect experience. It is a lot more than just finding a beautiful place to get married! If you want expert help putting it all together, we are here to help!

Let’s create something unforgettable together!