John & Haley’s Joyful Wedding at The Venue at Rose Springs Farm

A Love Story Rooted in Connection
John and Haley’s story started in a pretty unexpected place. A pandemic. A dating app. Two college students who just wanted someone to talk to.
But what began as a simple swipe turned into something so much bigger.
On November 1, 2025, these two said “I do” at The Venue at Rose Springs Farm in South Carolina. Their wedding was everything you’d want yours to be. Full of laughter, tears, and moments that reminded everyone why love matters.
As a Greenville SC wedding photographer, I get to see a lot of celebrations. But John and Haley’s day? It was special. The kind of day where you can feel the joy in every corner.
The Venue at Rose Springs Farm was the perfect backdrop. Classic meets rustic. Wide open fields. Sunset light that made everything glow. This Upstate South Carolina wedding venue gave us everything we needed to tell their story.
How It All Began: From Clemson to “I Do”
John and Haley matched on Tinder during the height of the pandemic. Both were students at Clemson University. John studied Computer Science. Haley studied Biological Sciences. They hit it off right away.
Their first date? It wasn’t fancy. They met at Haley’s apartment to study and do homework. Pretty low-key, right?
Then they turned on The Office.
By the second episode, they were already inseparable. They may have started as study buddies, but it didn’t take long to realize this was something different.
Fast forward to their engagement. John planned a proposal in Hawaii at a semi-private beach called Paiko Beach. But here’s the fun part. He hired a photographer named Danny who posed as their Uber driver.
Danny picked them up and drove them to the beach. Once they arrived, John asked the “Uber driver” to take a few pictures of them. Then he dropped the line: “Danny isn’t actually our Uber driver.”
He got down on one knee. She said yes. And they ended up with a full sunset photo session right there on the beach.
When couples share stories like this, I always know their wedding day will be full of laughter and real emotion. John and Haley didn’t disappoint.
The Venue at Rose Springs Farm: Rustic Charm Meets Romantic Elegance
If you’re looking for a venue that feels warm and natural, Rose Springs Farm is it.
Wide open fields stretch as far as you can see. The modern farmhouse touches give it character without feeling too fancy. And the sunset lighting? Pure gold.
John and Haley wanted a blend of classic and rustic style. This venue matched that vision perfectly. Their color palette of dusty blue and navy blue worked beautifully with the natural surroundings.
The barn-style reception space felt cozy. The outdoor ceremony area felt grand. Everything came together in a way that felt intentional but not overdone.
Photographer tip: When you choose a venue like Rose Springs Farm, plan portraits around golden hour. The light there is unreal. About one hour before sunset, the open fields glow in a way that makes every photo feel warm and romantic. I love photographing weddings with nature backdrops for exactly this reason.
Wedding Day Highlights
Getting Ready
Haley got ready with her bridesmaids in matching robes. There was laughter, a little nervousness, and lots of excitement. Her mom helped her into her dress from David’s Bridal. Those quiet moments before the chaos? They’re some of my favorites to photograph.
Over in the groom’s cabin, John and his groomsmen were dressed and ready. We grabbed a few candid shots. The guys kept things light and fun.
The First Look & Private Vows
John and Haley chose to do a first look before the ceremony. This gave them time to soak in the moment without all eyes on them.
They also shared private vows. Just the two of them. No audience. No pressure.
This was especially meaningful because they were honoring John’s father, who had passed away just five weeks before the wedding. John’s dad was a DJ, and music had always been a big part of their relationship. Having that private moment let them process their emotions together before the ceremony began.
This wasn’t just a day of celebration. It was a day of bittersweet joy. John and Haley were creating a new family while grieving someone who should have been there.
Photographer tip: Private vows let couples pause and breathe before the big moments. It’s a chance to connect without the excitement pulling you in ten different directions. For John and Haley, this time together helped them honor what they’d lost while celebrating what they were building.
The Ceremony
The ceremony at Rose Springs Farm was beautiful and emotional.
An empty chair sat in the front row with a picture of John’s father, a lantern, and a boutonniere. It was a simple but powerful way to include him in the day. John’s dad had been a DJ, so music and celebration were in his blood. His absence was felt deeply.
Haley walked down the aisle with her dad, Danny Schopfer. There were smiles. There were many tears. There was laughter breaking through the emotion.
When they said their vows, you could feel how much they meant every word. This was a hard day and a happy day all at once.
The Reception
Cocktail hour kicked off at 5:00 PM with a live DJ keeping the energy up. Guests mingled, ate, and celebrated while the sun started to set.
The reception was full of classic wedding moments. First dance. Father-daughter dance with Danny. Mother-son dance. Cake cutting with a beautiful creation from Kristen Lynn Sanders.
But Haley did something different during the bouquet toss. Instead of throwing it to the single ladies, she dedicated it to her mom. A sweet, personal touch that had everyone wiping their eyes.
Carolina Party Professionals kept the dance floor packed all night. They also set up a photo booth that guests loved.
For the last dance, the DJ played a song that brought everyone together. It was a tribute to John’s father. Guests hugged and held each other as they remembered the man who had loved music so much. You could see people wiping their eyes while holding each other close. It was one of those moments where grief and love mixed together in the most beautiful way.
Around 9:30 PM, John and Haley made their grand exit in a vintage car from The Perfect Getaway. It was the perfect ending to a day that held so much.
Photographer tip: If you plan a vintage car or sparkler exit, coordinate timing with your DJ. You want to keep the dance floor energy high right until the last moment.
Meaningful Touches & Emotional Details
John and Haley didn’t just plan a wedding. They told their story through the details.
The memorial table at the reception honored John’s father and other family members who couldn’t be there. His picture sat among candles and flowers. A reminder that he was there in spirit, even though his absence made the day harder.
The bouquet dedication to Haley’s mom was a surprise that brought everyone to tears.
Haley also changed into a second dress after the first dance. It gave her more freedom to move and dance without worrying about her gown.
These small moments make the biggest impact in photos. Your story deserves to be told in the details. The photo on the memorial table. The tear in your dad’s eye. The way people held each other during that last song. Those mean more than any posed shot ever could.
This day was about creating a new family while holding space for the grief of losing someone who should have been there. That’s real. That’s what makes weddings so powerful.
Engagement & Pre-Wedding Sessions
John and Haley fell in love in Clemson and downtown Greenville. For their engagement session, they wanted to go back to those places.
The Botanical Gardens in Clemson holds special memories for them. So does Falls Park and the Wyche Pavilion in Greenville. These aren’t just pretty locations. They’re places that remind them of how their relationship grew.
When engagement locations hold meaning, the photos naturally feel warmer. You can sense the nostalgia in every frame. It’s not just about finding a pretty background. It’s about capturing your story where it actually happened.
Behind-the-Scenes Vendor Dream Team
John and Haley worked with some amazing vendors to bring their vision to life:
Dress: David’s Bridal
Officiant: Raya Jackson (@jacksons_wedding_services)
Florist: Tracy Finley (@finley.florals)
Catering: Mac Attack (macattackgvl.com)
DJ & Photo Booth: Carolina Party Professionals (carolinapartyprofessionals.com)
Cake: Kristen Lynn Sanders (@thatsweetschick)
Vintage Car: The Perfect Getaway (theperfectgetawaygreenville.com)
Every single person on this team showed up ready to make the day perfect. From Tracy’s beautiful floral arrangements in dusty blue and navy to Mac Attack’s delicious food, every detail was handled with care.
Tips from the Photographer
After shooting hundreds of weddings, here’s what I’ve learned:
Plan your timeline around natural light. Those golden hour portraits? Worth every minute of planning.
Tell your photographer about sentimental details. I can’t document moments I don’t know about. Share what matters to you.
Keep snacks handy. Energy stays high and smiles come easily when you’re not running on empty.
Have one trusted person manage your phone. Hand it off. Stay present. You’ll thank yourself later.
FAQs About The Venue at Rose Springs Farm Weddings
Q: What time is best for golden hour photos at the venue?
A: About one hour before sunset. The open fields glow beautifully during that time.
Q: Is the venue good for both large and intimate weddings?
A: Yes. It works for 50-guest micro weddings or 200-guest celebrations. The space is versatile.
Q: Do couples usually do a first look here?
A: Many do. The property offers private, scenic spots that photograph beautifully.
Q: Can pets attend?
A: Yes, with coordination. Though Lola the cat chose to stay home for John and Haley’s big day.
Let’s Capture Your Story
John and Haley’s wedding was joyful, exciting, and beautiful. Just like they hoped it would be.
Their day reminded me why I love being a wedding photographer. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about capturing the moments that matter. The tears. The laughter. The way your dad looks at you when you walk down the aisle.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration at The Venue at Rose Springs Farm or another scenic Upstate SC location, I’d love to capture your story. Check out my Upstate SC wedding portfolio to see more celebrations like this one.
My Storybook Package is perfect for couples who want full-day coverage with all the details documented.
Inquire Here to start planning your wedding photography.