Young man and woman kissing as the sun sets behind them, surrounded by an azalea garden. — Engagement Session at Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill, SC

As a teacher and photographer, one of the most special things I get to do is photograph milestones for former students. I taught Nathan when he was in 5th grade and remember him vividly—he was one of the smartest, funniest, and brightest personalities I have had the honor of teaching! And his family was one of the most supportive and encouraging I have had the honor of working with. I had also taught his older sister and continued to follow their lives as they grew up! So when, as an adult, Nathan and his fiancée, Savannah, booked me to photograph their wedding, I was ecstatic! Not only was Nathan a former student, but Savannah was a first-year teacher in the school district where I work, and her mom works in one of our elementary schools as well, so we all instantly bonded over our shared experiences.

Their engagement session last Spring at Glencairn Gardens was so much fun—both their moms came along and were the best hype crew! Savannah and Nathan were naturals in front of the camera, and we created some stunning engagement portraits (which they later displayed at their wedding reception). And then I got to take Savannah’s bridal portraits this Winter at the most unique venue, the place where they hosted their rehearsal dinner—Uptown Indigo in downtown Shelby, NC. This is a spot I definitely want to revisit, and I would love to shoot a wedding there. There are so many nooks and crannies for creative compositions—it is a photographer’s playground! Savannah was absolutely stunning in her cathedral veil and huge train…it was such an exciting preview to her wedding day!

Bride in cathedral veil comes down staircase at Uptown Indigo in downtown Shelby, NC. — Bridal Portrait at Uptown Indigo in Shelby, NC

Nathan and Savannah’s wedding was held on April 4, 2026, at Turkey Ridge in Kings Mountain, NC. I had never worked at Turkey Ridge before, but I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous outdoor ceremony space overlooking the mountains of North Carolina and the wonderful team who manages the venue! It was a fantastic place to work and is a beautiful venue with cabins, a bridal suite, an outdoor ceremony space, and a roomy indoor space for ceremonies and/or receptions. Savannah picked such a vibrant color scheme for her details and florals, with lots of pinks, blues, and corals. When I arrived, Savannah and her bridesmaids were getting ready in the bridal suite and watching the weather like a hawk; there were showers/storms in the vicinity, and we were all a little worried about having to go to Plan B for an indoor ceremony! But as always, God produced a miracle; it rained just before and after the ceremony, but the showers paused at the perfect moment and the sun shone for their I do’s and then created a brilliant rainbow later during their portrait session!

I have never seen a groom more giddy than Nathan upon seeing his bride coming down the aisle—his face was full of emotion, switching between giant grins and happy tears. And Savannah was literally glowing. The blending of these two families was such a joyful occasion! Even the family photos during cocktail hour, which can often feel like a never-ending chore for all involved, were happy and lighthearted! Their reception was also full of sweet moments, speeches, and excitement, with lots of dancing, singing, and celebrating with friends and family all the way through their sparkler exit.

I am so grateful to have been able to document Nathan & Savannah’s love story! I cannot wait to see how their lives unfold together—this day was definitely the beginning of a love-filled fairy tale. Be sure to scroll below to see images of their beautiful day.

*Special thanks to Blakely Fowler, my always amazing second shooter, and Stormy Sanders, one of my photography mentees and our BTS photographer for the day! She also captured some beautiful images—another amazing photographer in the making!

Venue | Turkey Ridge

Coordinator & Florals | Charlotte Wedding Planners/J&M Events

Photographer | Kimberly Cauble Photography

2nd Shooter | Blakely Clayton Photography

3rd Shooter & BTS | Stormy Sanders

Videography | Trey J Photography

Officiant | Mitch Dawes

Catering | Nothin’ Butt Smoke BBQ

Cake | Publix

Hair | L&A Hair Studio

Makeup | Savannah Garrigan

Dress | Bedazzled