A Classy Summer Wedding at Heyward Manor

Sam & Emily McCall were married in Iva, SC at the lovely Heyward Manor venue. 

Sam and Emily first met in middle school, where Emily said she noticed the cute new boy and wanted to talk to him. They started dating in 8th grade, and the rest is history. Emily and Sam are the sweetest couple. It was evident to us that they are completely in love and have such a sweet connection.

I first met them at their engagement session this past Spring at Heyward.

I got to spend even more time with Emily, her mom, mother in law, and cousin/maid of honor a few weeks ago for her bridal session. I have loved getting to know Emily over the last few months!

Heyward Manor Wedding Day

On the wedding day, they both looked so happy and ready to be married! Emily got ready in the beautiful bridal suite upstairs with her bridesmaids and mom, while Sam and his groomsmen hung out and got ready in the new groom’s suite at the entrance of the venue. It’s such an awesome spot for the guys!

Before the ceremony, Emily wanted to share a few first look moments with several people. First, she did a reveal with her bridesmaids, where she came outside in her dress at the front of the venue, and had them turn around to see her for the first time in her dress! There were some tears and lots of hugs.

Then, Emily shared a first look with her dad and brother. This was such a special moment, as it was their first time seeing Emily’s dress. Emily had heartfelt and thoughtful gifts for them, including a printed photo from her bridal portrait session of her holding a sign that said “forever your little girl” and a custom painted photo of her and her dad when she was a child. 

Emily also had a similar painting that she gifted to her mother prior to this, that included a photo of her mom in her wedding dress beside Emily in her wedding dress. It was such a unique and thoughtful gift, one that brought tears to her mama’s eyes. 

She also gifted Sam’s mother, her soon to be mother in law, a sweet gift as well. I already knew from my previous interactions with Emily that she is so kind and thoughtful, but these gifts to so many people she loved clarified that even more to me. She is such a gem!

After her first look with her dad and brother, Emily and Sam shared a first touch, where they chose not to see one another before the ceremony. They also shared gifts, where Emily gifted Sam a custom tape measure and Sam gifted Emily a new Bible.

The Ceremony at the Pond at Heyward Manor

It was a hot and sunny July day for their wedding ceremony, but we were all just SO glad there was no rain! There were so many beautiful details on Emily and Sam’s big day. Heyward Manor was the most beautiful we’d ever seen! Not only were their hydrangeas in full bloom on the property, but the Grandmother of the groom and her team absolutely outdid themselves with the florals. 

There were thousands of white and light green hydrangeas, white and light pink roses, ranunculus, and beautiful greenery all around. It was a flower-lovers DREAM! I was in heaven getting to photograph these! The ceremony aisle was lined with beautiful florals and lead to the most full and stunning floral arbor I think I’ve ever seen.

Sam and Emily had a sweet ceremony by the lake, performed by their pastor, complete with live singing, a live-painter, and a unity ceremony where they put together a wooden cross together. 

After the ceremony, we took portraits and then it was time to party!

The Reception at Heyward Manor

Sam and Emily shared a dance together, then they each shared a dance with their parents. The venue was decorated just perfectly and looked like a scene out of an issue of Southern Bride magazine! Truly amazing!

They had wonderful catering from Boulevard Catering and the prettiest cake as well! They dance with their friends and we took a few moments to step outside for some sunset portraits right before a storm came in with heavy rain, which lead to the power flickering off. Thankfully Heyward Manor is always prepared for any scenario, so their backup generator quickly saved the day and we didn’t even know the power had gone off! 

Special Note to Couple:

Mr. & Mrs. McCall, we were thrilled to photograph your big day and are so glad we got to know you through this sweet season of engagement! We are cheering you on, always!

Venue | Heyward Manor

Bridal Gown | Dressing Dreams

H&MUA | Hair by Katie T; Madison Motes

DJ: Jumping Jukebox

Video: Drake Imaging 

Catering | Boulevard Catering 

Bridesmaids | Revelry

Tuxes | Men’s Warehouse

Invitations | Minted Weddings 

Planner | Kim Clark

Florist | Groom’s grandmother, Connie Lowe- Cottage Garden Events

Cake | Kellie Cathey