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The Wedding Day Was Finally Here!
Thierry and Natacha’s Wedding at the Spartanburg Marriott took place on a gorgeous Fall day in mid-October.  I was so happy that Thierry and Natacha were able to celebrate with their family and friends, who were all so happy their day had finally come.  You see, Thierry and Natacha’s original wedding date was back in May, and as we all know because of the worldwide pandemic, they like many other couples had to reschedule their day to the Fall.  Even though it was a hard season to go through with all of the change of plans and reworking everything, their day was definitely worth the wait and one to be remembered!

Preparing for the Day

Natacha’s bridesmaids were there to help her put all of the finishing touches on once they got to the hotel.  Helping her with her makeup, getting into her dress, and preparing for the day, helping her relax and have a good time.  I love when my brides have supportive friends and family surrounding them!  One of the things Natacha had mentioned to me when we first met, was how important detail shots were to her.  She agreed with me that even the smallest details, decorations, jewelry, rings, invitations, flowers, decor . . . all of the things she spent so long picking out and deciding on . . . help tell the story of your day from start to finish!

First Look
It was now time for Thierry and Natacha’s First Look!  When I met with them back in January right after they booked their wedding with me, we discussed the pros and cons of having a First Look.  They were both interested in what I thought as their photographer, and how it would help the flow of their day.  Hearing that portraits were so important to them, and that they wanted a chance later to have sunset portraits, I highly suggested doing a First Look – this way they could maximize the time in their day and get Bride and Groom portraits at both times – earlier in the day right after the First Look and then later after the Ceremony during sunset.  This option just really gives couples who are wanting more portraits the opportunity to have two different looks to choose from in their photos.  Just take a look at their sweet reactions to each other after they saw each other for the first time!  Then the beautiful portraits that followed their first look.

The Spartanburg Marriott Grand Staircase
When it was time for Family Photos and some pre-ceremony Wedding Party photos, the Spartanburg Marriott Grand Staircase was an ideal place for these.  Natacha had sent some ideas to me before the wedding of some photo ideas she hoped to have captured on her special day.  I hope that she loves these photos as much as I do!  And just TAKE A LOOK at how beautiful her romantic satin gown was complemented by the grand staircase in these photos.  I think this wedding gown was made for her and made to be worn in such an elegant setting!  How absolutely breathtaking is she (and Thierry looking so handsome) in these photos!!
And I just had to include one of these in black and white,  because I think it just looks so classically elegant!

Outdoor Spartanburg Marriott Ceremony
Before long it was time for the Ceremony.  I loved how Thierry and Natacha chose to have their ceremony outdoors at the Marriott – they couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, cool, Fall Day for this occasion.  Natacha and Thierry are both from Rwanda and they had their traditional ceremony with Rwandan traditions the day before with their close family and friends.  The ceremony on the next day was their religious ceremony.  It was so special that they were able to celebrate both traditionally and honor their roots, and then have a separate religious ceremony too. You also may notice from these pictures that Natacha is wearing a different wedding dress!  This was such a special choice – to have two separate wedding gowns for the two different parts of the day.  And I think we can all agree, she looked just as breathtakingly gorgeous in this wedding dress too!  I loved the texture and details on the bodice of her dress and the different style of this off the shoulder dress.  The vows during their ceremony were true and so heartfelt.  The looks and smiles on their faces tells you just how much this day and the words they said meant to them! 

Sunset Portraits at Milliken
After the ceremony, it was time for going to Milliken for their desired portraits at sunset time.  Sunset portraits were the one thing that Thierry specifically mentioned when we had met to discuss their wants and needs for their wedding day.  He had told me he really hoped we would have time to go to a separate location and get sunset portraits.  He also said they wanted to include their wedding party with them when we went for sunset portraits, so they could also have some variety in those group photos.  Plus, their group of bridesmaids and especially groomsmen, were such a fun group to have around!  The groomsmen even stuck around for some of the bride and groom portraits to help encourage the laughter you see in some of these photos.  Knowing these photos at this time were so important to Thierry, we worked it into the timeline to make it happen!  Of course these are always some of my favorite photos on a wedding day.  A mix of fun photos and romantic photos!

Reception
The night continued with a memorable and fun reception back at the Marriott.  Everything was so elegantly decorated and provided the perfect backdrop for Thierry and Natacha to relax and enjoy their time with all of their friends and family who had been able to make it to the wedding.  Natacha’s parents weren’t able to be there in person with her, but they sent a video (along with other family members) to be played during the reception.  You can tell how touched they both were from this super special moment.  The emotions and happiness from this day just all came together wonderfully to end a wedding day that was filled with all of the things Thierry and Natacha had hoped for.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kimenyi!
I wish you both the best!   I feel so honored that I got the chance to get to know you both through your wedding photography process and making decisions leading up to your day.

Check out Thierry and Natacha’s Vendors:

Venue:  Spartanburg Marriott 
Dress Shop:  Carrie’s Bridal Collection in Atlanta
Hair:  T for Meraki Beauty
Flowers:  Ira’s Flowers
Caterer:  Spartanburg Marriott
DJ:  iPartyology
Photographer:  Jill Brisken Photography

Special Note – I am so grateful to my good photographer and life friend, Jenny, who stepped in for me during this wedding and was my Lead Associate Photographer to serve Thierry and Natacha on their actual day.  Due to circumstances I couldn’t control, I was unable to be at this wedding in person as planned.  Thank you to Thierry and Natacha for trusting me to put together a backup plan that allowed their photography to still take place as intended, and for me to finish their experience through editing and delivering their completed photos, blog post, and gallery.  Although I hated that I wasn’t able to experience your day with you in person, I am so thankful I lived through your wedding day with you in these photos that Jenny took.  And thank you to the Greenville/Spartanburg Photography Community of wedding professionals who step in for each other when needed to make sure that our clients are cared for, served, and loved, and receive wedding photos so that their once in a lifetime day can be cherished in photos forever.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.