On this date last year, I was in Greenville, SC for my goddaughter’s graduation from Furman University. One of my bucket list photo locations was an hour away, but did I have the time and energy to travel to Fred W. Symmes Chapel (aka Pretty Place) in Cleveland, SC for sunrise? I left my hotel at 4 am to make the hour-long journey up the mountain to this special place I had seen in so many photos. This outdoor chapel at the YMCA Camp Greenville offers a breathtaking view from the top of Standing Stone Mountain.  As I traveled on the winding narrow road in the darkness, I questioned my sanity. What sane person skips hours of sleep in hopes of capturing a photo? However, the closer I got my adrenaline kick into high gear. I started my mental checklist of equipment settings for sunrise photos as I hoped the location would not be crowded with like-minded folks. I was happy to see only a couple of cars in the parking lot. There were a dozen young folks waiting for sunrise. A couple of them told me that they visited every Saturday for sunrise. Sunrise was not as picturesque as I’d hoped but I decided to stick around to enjoy the view and wonder how it would be to regularly worship in front of God’s creation. I’m fortunate to have visited some of the beautiful historic churches around the world but the natural view of Pretty Place is special.   I’m glad I stayed because I was able to take a few photos of Zach proposing to Blake. They were kind enough to mention me in their proposal blog (see link below). Knowing I’d helped someone capture their special occasion made the effort worthwhile. To top it off, I did capture some cool photos.  Energized, I hurried down the mountain in time to take a few cap and gown photos of Leah before graduation.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalm 121:1

Blake and Zach