Cheyenne & Ethan's Wedding | The Venue at Edgewood

Two years ago, I had the honor of photographing Jordan and Blakely Fowler’s unforgettable “Hallowedding.” It was a celebration dripping with spooky enchantment, where every corner seemed to whisper with eerie charm. This past October, I was once again called to capture the magic of another Fowler family wedding—this time, it was for Blakely’s brother Ethan and his bride Cheyenne. While their wedding wasn’t quite as “Halloweeny” as Jordan and Blakely’s, it certainly carried a hauntingly beautiful, almost ethereal vibe, with details that seemed pulled from a ghostly dream.

Ethan and Cheyenne share a story that’s as enchanting as it is unique. They met in marching band back in 2012 (he was on the drumline and she plays clarinet), but it wasn’t until 2015 that sparks flew. Their first date? A thrilling trip to Carowinds—so fitting for a couple whose love has always had a bit of adventure in it. In March 2023, Ethan proposed, surrounded by both of their families, who had managed to keep the secret from Cheyenne for months—a truly magical surprise. And if that wasn’t enough, in early 2024, Cheyenne’s mother donated one of her kidneys to Ethan, who needed a transplant—a testament to the deep love and sacrifice that runs through their families.

The venue, The Venue at Edgewood, set the perfect stage for this “spooky-chic” celebration. Nestled just outside Anderson, SC, this beautiful white barn sits in an open field, backed by a beautiful forest that leads down to the serene Lake Hartwell. The atmosphere was rich with mystery and romance, and there were even two cabins on-site, perfect for the bride and groom to prepare in privacy—though they’d soon find themselves surrounded by love and, perhaps, the spirits of the past.

The day began early, as the bride and her bridesmaids gathered at 6am for hair and makeup. Cheyenne’s dress was an absolute vision—a flowing white gown with a deep black slip that looked as though it had been sewn from the midnight sky itself. With her dark hair and black nails, Doc Martens, and accessories that paid homage to her love of moons, cats, and all things spooky, she was a vision of beauty and mystery. After a celebratory first look with her bridesmaids, and a deeply emotional moment between Ethan and his mom, the couple shared their own first look in their ceremony space, where they exchanged private vows beneath the whispering trees.

The sun shone brightly on October 19th, though there was an unmistakable chill in the air—a reminder that Halloween was just around the corner. The ceremony began at 4 pm, with Ethan’s little niece Shiloh as the ring bearer, and their three grandmothers as flower girls. The ceremony itself was brief but powerful, the vows exchanged quickly as if the universe itself were holding its breath in anticipation. When they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the sun sent its rays down through the trees and a breeze blew through, whispering its approval.

The reception that followed was nothing short of magical. The barn, decorated in deep forest greens and spooky accents, looked like something straight out of a gothic fairytale. Though their three cats couldn't be there, they were still very much present in the details—on napkins, in photographs, and on giant fatheads that honored the couple's beloved feline companions. Cheyenne dedicated her bouquet to her mom in a sweet tribute, and then everyone filled their bellies with hearty BBQ and delicious fixins. As dinner was finished, there were a few toasts shared, by Ethan’s brother Chase and Cheyenne’s maid of honor and childhood best friend, Kelsey.

And then, the first dance. Oh, this is a moment I will never forget. As Cheyenne and Ethan took the floor, a thick fog rolled in like something out of a ghost story, enveloping them in mist. It was as if they were dancing in the clouds, a hauntingly beautiful vision of love. As they twirled and spun, the air seemed to crackle with energy. But the surprises didn’t end there. Ethan shared a sweet first dance with his mom, and then Cheyenne met her mother on the floor for a sentimental mother-daughter dance. Mid-dance, they broke into the iconic "Thriller" dance—an unexpected burst of energy that had everyone up and moving, their bodies pulsing to the beat of the classic song. The dance floor transformed into a riot of excitement, full of bouncing catheads, glowing light sticks, and an infectious energy that spread like wildfire. As the night drew to a close, the celebration culminated in a sparkler exit—a dazzling display of light against the dark, a perfect end to a wedding that felt like it had been conjured from another realm.

I have to give a special shout-out to Blakely, Ethan’s brother, who second-shot this wedding while still dutifully fulfilling his groomsman duties. He’s the absolute best at what he does! And of course, a huge thanks to my editor Chelsea, who helped me bring the gallery to life with a darker, moodier editing style. After all, some weddings simply call for a touch of the gothic, and this one was no exception.

Capturing this magical, spooky day for another pair of the Fowler clan was an absolute honor. From the emotional first looks to the unforgettable moments shared under the glow of the sparklers, Ethan and Cheyenne’s wedding was a celebration that, like all the best ghost stories, will linger long after it’s over.