701 Whaley Wedding | Columbia, SC Wedding Photographer | Paul & Kayla

May 8, 2020

Couples, Weddings

On a sweet, sweltering day in May 2019, Paul & Kayla married at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. In 1903, 701 Whaley was originally designed to be a mill village community store that served the town’s five surrounding textile mills, though it quickly became much more than that. The building acted as the community’s library, barber shop, auditorium, theater, dance hall & more; it became a place where people converged to share their lives with one another. Today, this gorgeous brick building still stands in the middle of the city, & has been restored to its original historic charm. On the day of their big celebration, the space again became a beautiful display of togetherness.

As Kayla & Paul’s friends & family descended upon Columbia, before their ceremony, Kayla & her bridesmaids got ready in the upstairs white-walled art gallery. It was the perfect canvas for a bride! Kayla slipped on her grandmother’s ring, & stepped into her aunt’s beautiful short-sleeved wedding gown. Her mom helped her adjust her aunt’s veil on her head, & fastened the buttons of her dress. It was such a special tribute to her family! Elsewhere, the groom and his groomsmen buttoned their jackets and straightened their ties. Here, a slightly different kind of family pride was on display. Paul was decked out in Clemson socks & cufflinks, showing his #ClemsonFamily loyalty!

For their first moments together that day, Paul & Kayla held hands as they read their letters to one another, finally catching the first glimpses of the other. They cried tears of joy! Their love for each other and for the Lord was so clear in those moments, and carried into their worshipful ceremony. After stating their vows to one another and to God, the minister declared them husband and wife!

Paul & Kayla, we loved being a witness to your love & vows on this day. What a beautiful witness you both are to the Lord’s grace! Love, The Rainsfords