Green + Gold Inspiration Amidst Southern Church Ruins

Graceful, evocative, and full of heritage, this green + gold styled shoot among the ruins of South Carolina's Old Sheldon Church reminded me of why ruins hold a special place in my heart and why I think they're one of the loveliest settings for weddings.

Ruins generally offer an aesthetically appealing fusion of nature and architecture, as the structural details give way to layers of new life, much like how a marriage might look decades down the road having endured the tumult of time. The presence of ruins reminds us that though the details and aesthetics may crumble away, a strong foundation and structural form can remain in tact and be as beautiful as ever. Ruins remind us of the beauty that comes with imperfection, and that longevity is resplendent.

Vale + Vine has featured a number of weddings + inspirational shoots set among ruins, including this real wedding at the ruins of a Trappist monastery in Manitoba, this collection of versatile bridal styling in British Columbia, and this gorgeous Rocky Mountain ruins shoot. Enjoy!