The groom dips the bride for a kiss on the brick walkway, surrounded by their smiling wedding party in black attire, in front of the venue's entrance

Hartley House SC Wedding | Henry and Gracey

There’s something truly special about Southern weddings — the charm, the history, the way everyone feels like family. Henry and Gracey’s wedding day at The Hartley House was exactly that and more. It was classic, heartfelt, and joyfully alive. This was the kind of day that reminds you what celebrating love is all about.

These two actually go way back! All the way back to high school. “My older sister dated one of his older friends, and they tried to set us up back then,” Gracey shared with a laugh. “We were both too shy, I guess LOL.” Years later, after college, their paths crossed again, and this time, the timing was perfect. The rest, as they say, is history.

Two bridesmaids in black pajamas helping each other with rings and jewelry before the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

The bride getting her hair styled by an attendant while sitting in pajamas before her Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

Close-up of the bride's diamond engagement ring, matching curved wedding band, and the groom's gold wedding band resting in a velvet box on a gold ginkgo leaf dish at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

A reflection of the white strapless wedding dress hanging on a door in a bright, elegant room with a blue couch, captured in a large ornate gold mirror at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

The Wedding Day

From the first moments of getting ready to their lively dance floor surrounded by family and friends, Henry and Gracey’s wedding day was timeless, genuine, and lively. This is exactly as they envisioned. Their biggest priority was staying present together throughout the day. “I tend to care how everyone else is feeling or thinking,” she said, “but I really wanted to focus on me and Henry since it’s our day.” That energy carried through every part of the celebration, from the way they held hands during portraits to the laughter shared under the soft glow of the reception lights. Their black-and-white color palette added the perfect touch of sophistication, letting their emotions and personalities take center stage.

A reflection in a large gold mirror showing the bride in her white wedding dress being assisted by an older woman in a black dress in the bridal suite at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

The bride, wearing a strapless gown, poses in a gold-framed mirror with two older women (the mothers), all smiling happily on her wedding day at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

The bride and groom smiling at each other while walking hand-in-hand across a grassy area near a cement wall after their Hartley House Wedding South Carolina ceremony.

Outdoor portrait of the couple, the bride looking lovingly at the groom as he rests his hand in his pocket, taken against a vine-covered wall at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

Close-up of the happy bride and groom embracing and smiling at the camera during their portrait session at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina venue

Full-length portrait of the bride and groom standing close together, with the bride's train flowing behind her, against a concrete, vine-covered wall at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

Showing the bride's marquise diamond engagement ring and the groom's gold wedding band

showcasing the wedding rings and the groom's dark suit and maroon bow tie at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

The bride and her five bridesmaids in long black dresses walking arm-in-arm and smiling while crossing the manicured lawn before the ceremony at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

Black and white photo of an elegantly dressed older woman, possibly the mother of the bride or groom, looking on during the outdoor ceremony at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina

Close-up of the groom's classic black tuxedo and deep red velvet bow tie, with the white flower boutonnière pinned to the lapel, ready for the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina wedding

About The Hartley House

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, The Hartley House is one of those venues that feels like stepping into a piece of history. Its elegant white-columned porches, sweeping lawns, and grand interiors make it an ideal setting for couples dreaming of a timeless Southern wedding. The historic charm pairs perfectly with modern amenities, creating a space that’s both warm and refined.

Throughout the day, the venue offered endless backdrops for photography. The Hartley House has a romantic oak-lined drive and soft light spilling across the wraparound porch. It’s no wonder so many couples fall in love with this place the moment they visit.

Full shot of the picturesque stone fountain, running with water, situated in the courtyard

The Celebration

The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, beautifully officiated by Amy Stansell, followed by a reception that felt like the best kind of Southern soirée. It was full of laughter, music, and sweet treats (including ice cream from Jenny’s Ice Cream!). Guests danced the night away with DJ Stingray leading the celebration, and every detail came together seamlessly thanks to Madelyn Till, their incredible day-of coordinator.

For Henry and Gracey, it wasn’t just about the aesthetics, it was about connection. The moments between portraits, the hugs from family, the quiet glances they shared during toasts — those were the memories that made the day unforgettable.

Over-the-shoulder view of the bride and groom kissing during their first dance, showing the tiered back of the bride's dress and the elegant tent ceiling

The bride and groom share a loving moment during their first dance under the beautifully lit tent and garland chandelier at the Hartley House Wedding South Carolina reception

Black and white candid photo of the groom wearing headphones

The jubilant bride and groom running through a tunnel of guests and strands of golden silly string during their grand exit at the night-time Hartley House Wedding South Carolina reception

Group portrait of the bride and groom smiling with their wedding party in black dresses and tuxedos in front of the house entrance, captured at the Hartley House

Sneak Peek Gallery Coming Soon

We can’t wait to share more from this day soon! You will see first hand the elegant details to the joy-filled candids that perfectly capture what makes Henry and Gracey’s love story so genuine and timeless. For now, here’s a little glimpse into their Southern celebration at The Hartley House.

Stay tuned! The full gallery is coming soon, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Vendor Team

Day-of Coordinator: Madelyn Till
Venue: The Hartley House (Peighton)
Officiant: Amy Stansell
Florals: April Beasley
Photography: Carter’s Creative (Rachael & Jacob)
Video: Reflections Media Carolinas (Anthony)
DJ: DJ Stingray (Ray)
Catering: Hudson’s Classic Catering
Bar: Sculpture Hospitality (Keely)
Ice Cream: Jenny’s Ice Cream (Jennifer)
Hair & Makeup: AKL & CO. (Amy, Kendyl, Lindsey)

Exit Car: Ann & Chuck Lyons

Thinking About Your Own Timeless Southern Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels intentional, genuine, and beautifully you, Rachael of Carter’s Creative would love to tell your story. She believes in documenting your day with warmth, artistry, and attention to every fleeting moment — so you can relive it exactly as it felt.Learn more about Rachael and her heart behind Carter’s Creative here, and let’s start planning the images that will tell your story for a lifetime.