Sydney and Dyce met in Charleston while Sydney was a student at College of Charleston and Dyce was a cadet at The Citadel. Dyce remembered Sydney telling him about Pretty Place, a chapel close to where she grew up. When they made plans to spend Easter with Sydney’s mom, Dyce decided he wanted to propose to Sydney at Pretty Place at sunrise.
Pretty Place can be notoriously difficult to coordinate, especially for a proposal, where one person has to be unaware of what’ll happen there. When I talked to Dyce to go over a plan for the proposal, I made sure he was well aware of how crowded Pretty Place might be, especially since it would be a Saturday and the day before Easter. He followed my advice to get there close to when it opened, even though sunrise wasn’t for more than an hour, and he agreed that we should go take pictures at Bald Rock afterwards. Still, there were more people there than I’d ever seen at Pretty Place, everyone was standing up to take photos, and there was even a small praise band playing. Dyce and Sydney waited until more people had cleared out before they got in line to take pictures with the cross. Lots of people jumped up to take a photo when Dyce got down on one knee, but I managed to still get a photo without Sydney noticing me!
After taking some photos at the small overlook next to the chapel and in the trees, we drove down to Bald Rock, where there were a lot less people and there was a lot more space. When I took a closeup photo of Sydney’s ring, I noticed a date on her bracelet, which she told me was the date that she and Dyce started dating–super cool that she happened to be wearing it that day and it just so happened to be in a photo with her engagement ring!
Check out some of my favorites from Sydney and Dyce’s engagement at Pretty Place and Bald Rock!
If you’re looking for a photographer, read about my elopement and engagement photo services! If you like these locations, read what I have to say about Pretty Place and Mountain Bridge Wilderness!
Ready for the best day ever?
My name is Christine (Scott) Gow and I’m an elopement photographer based out of Greenville, South Carolina. I’m a wife and a beagle mom. The three of us have visited beautiful places in every corner of South Carolina, to include all 48 of our state parks. We love finding new outdoor places to visit, but we also love hanging out on the couch and watching Pixar.
One thing I love about South Carolina is that it’s not just the beaches and colorful houses that you imagine when you picture it. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or anything in between; I can help you find the perfect place for the two of you and make it as smooth of a day as possible. No matter how you two choose to spend your day, I’m happy you’re doing it the way that you want.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Planning Resources
Tips for taking wedding or engagment photos when there’s a chance of rain | Elopement photographer in Greenville, South Carolina.
Here are some places to elope in South Carolina that aren’t the beach! Greenville, South Carolina is close to some amazing places to elope- mountains, waterfalls, gardens, lakes, and more!
What to do near Greenville, South Carolina - recommendations for nature walks, sports, hiking, restaurants, and more!
More Photos from Pretty Place
Elopement at Pretty Place Chapel in Cleveland, South Carolina with photos afterwards at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Jesse and Jami’s engagement photos at YMCA Camp Greenville and Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, South Carolina.
Jake and Linzi’s engagement photos at YMCA Camp Greenville and Caesars Head State Park in the mountains of South Carolina.
Alex and Sandi’s spring engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel and Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, South Carolina.
Ashley and Dan's engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel, in the mountains of South Carolina.
Bre and Eric's engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel in the mountains of South Carolina.
Dylan and Caitlyn's engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel and Caesars Head State Park, in the mountains of South Carolina.
Melissa and Tim's summer engagement photos at Pretty Place and Caesars Head State Park, in the mountains of South Carolina.
Caleb and Hannah’s spring engagement photos at Pretty Place and Caesars Head in the mountains of South Carolina.
Fall engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel and Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina
Everything to know about Sola Wood Flowers, an alternative to having fresh florals.