Bridal portraits don’t have to look like everyone else’s. This session at the Spartanburg County Courthouse was all about stepping outside of the traditional and having a little more fun with it. The blue dress, dramatic veil, silver shoes, pearls, and tiny cake brought color, texture, and personality to a setting that can easily be styled a hundred different ways. A courthouse wedding is already a chance to do things a little differently, so why stop there? Brides don’t have to wear white, follow a certain aesthetic, or recreate what they’ve seen before. The whole point is to make it feel like you, even if that means breaking a few wedding traditions along the way.
Use Architecture to Create Something Editorial
One of the best parts of shooting editorial bridals at Spartanburg County Courthouse is how much the architecture gives you to work with. The oversized columns, long walkways, stairs, and clean white exterior can make even a simple portrait feel dramatic. You don’t need an elaborate venue or a ton of decor to create photographs that feel intentional. Sometimes an interesting outfit, beautiful light, and a really good building are enough to turn a courthouse wedding into something that feels straight out of an editorial.
Build a Look Around Contrast
You don’t have to choose details that “match” the courthouse. In fact, doing the opposite can make everything more interesting. The soft blue dress against the white architecture, silver shoes mixed with pearls, and deep red flowers all stand out because they aren’t trying to blend into the setting. When you’re planning your courthouse look, think about contrast through color, texture, shape, or even mood. A classic location paired with something unexpected gives both a chance to shine.
Give Yourself Something to Photograph Beyond the Ceremony
A courthouse ceremony may be short, but your wedding experience doesn’t have to be. Bring a little cake to cut afterward, plan portraits around downtown, pop champagne, grab a drink together, or turn part of the day into a bridal editorial. Adding a few intentional moments gives you more to remember than simply walking in, saying “I do,” and walking back out. It doesn’t have to make the day bigger or more complicated, just more personal. If you want to chat more about your wedding day at the Spartanburg Courthouse, I have a wonderful resource guide to help find the look that fits you best. Reach out anytime!
