Greenville, SC Wedding Photographer | Leisa & Sam | Zen

Y’all I am sooo stinking excited to share this wedding!!  I photographed their engagement session back in May and since then I have been soo excited to see them again and document their wedding day.  Sam & Leisa and all of their friends and family came from all over the country for this special day.  Sam told me on the day of their wedding that in four days time Leisa flew into Greenville, SC …  they packed Sam’s stuff into a moving truck, had their rehearsal dinner, were getting married, and then leaving the next day to start their lives together as husband & wife in Tampa.  I NEVER in a million years would have known that all of that was going on if he hadn’t mentioned it.  The only thing these two cared about on September 10th was getting married to one another and it was the sweetest day (hot… but sweet 😉 )!!!

From them getting ready, to their first look, to their ceremony, and then their reception… it all took place at Zen – an elegant space for hire which is located in Greenville, SC.  It is such a unique and beautiful space and I am so glad I had the chance to photograph this wedding there.  Originally Leisa & Sam were going to be getting married outside in the bamboo garden, but when I arrived I noticed that there were no chairs set up.  I learned almost immediately that they had moved the ceremony indoors and as much as I was bummed we wouldn’t be outdoors I was equally as excited about it because it was a HOT afternoon AND it meant I could use the garden for photos beforehand!!!! 🙂 🙂 I say it was a win-win all the way around!!  After Leisa got into her beautiful wedding gown she & Sam had their first look out in the garden.  Big side note (because if you know me you know I jump around in conversations so why not jump around on a blog post too!!) I adore first looks!! It’s time that the bride & groom actually get to be by themselves on their wedding day and other than me snapping away as it all happens and then them looking at me about 5-10 minutes later usually saying “okay we’re ready for portraits” it’s uninterrupted “them” time, maybe the only “them” time of the entire day until they leave as husband and wife.  As much as I adore first looks… I also love it when a groom sees his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle.  There is just something so sweet and traditional about that walk down the aisle and I love it!!!  Unless you have set aside time for  yourselves before or during your reception you won’t be alone with your new spouse until you leave for the evening, so that is what makes me love first looks soo soo much!! BUT if you choose to see your bride and groom during the ceremony then just be sure to set aside 20-30 or more minutes for portraits of just the two of you where we can get y’all away from family and friends and y’all just be y’all and at the same time walk away with a lot of amazing photos!!  For those of you that conetmplate a first look here’s a few things to know… with a first look you get your soon to be spouse ALL to yourselves (well minus me and my camera) for a good 30 or more minutes… and so often I have brides & grooms tell me how much it relaxes them and helps them enjoy the rest of their wedding day!!!  I also have brides and grooms tell me that it doesn’t take away from that walking down the aisle either and that makes me soo soo happy to hear.  Many a bride has told me it actually made that walk down the aisle even better since they had already had time with their groom.  First look before a ceremony, or first look as bride is coming down the aisle… I’ll happily photograph either one because they are both crazy special and I love them both!!!  Yes, I’m rambling ;)!!!  Back to Leisa & Sam!!!!  They had the sweetest first look (I’m pretty sure their were tears from both of them and maybe me too) and unbeknownst to us a lot of the bridal party and family was watching from inside and it was soo fun to realize it after the fact!! Leisa & Sam were so sweet together as I took their photos outside of Zen, these two are sooo in love and I am soo excited that they finally get to do life together and not long distance.  Both Leisa & Sam’s families were so kind and welcoming and they had the sweetest friends ever!!! I’m telling y’all this wedding was amazing all the way around.  They had a beautiful ceremony that was followed with a very fun reception!!!  This was a group of friends & family that loved to dance and have a good time!!

Leisa & Sam,  thank y’all so much for wanting me to be your wedding photographer.  I have loved getting to know y’all this year and I am so excited for y’all!!  I wish y’all were going to be down the highway and NOT Tampa, but hopefully we’ll get to see each other again sooner than later!!!  Y’all are my second bride & groom this year that lives in Tampa so I may just have to come see all of y’all!!!!  You two are amazing and I can’t wait to see how y’alls marriage blesses anyone that crosses y’alls path!!!  Here are just a few of my favorite moments from your wedding day!!

Dress Store | Betsy Robinson’s Bridal

Dress Designer | Martina Liana

Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

Ceremony & Reception Location | Zen

Wedding Planner/Coordinator | Samantha of B&R Events

Florist | Botanica Event Design

Cake | Publix

Catering | Saffrons

Invitations | Family Friend

Photo Booth | Complete

DJ | Tony Delorenzo

Officiant | Kendall Delorenzo

Kendra Martin Photography is a Greenville, SC Wedding Photographer and Spartanburg Photographer.  Kendra specializes in Wedding Photography, Senior Photography, and Lifestyle Photography.  Kendra is located in the upstate of South Carolina but is always up to travel!!