Vendor Spotlight Series: Red Fox Photo Booth

Sonya, how did Red Fox Photo Booth come to life, and what drew you to the photo booth and event fun business?

Red Fox Photo Booth was born out of a lifelong love for photography. I’ve been obsessed with capturing moments since I was a kid, developing film in a darkroom my dad built in our basement. After years in a career that didn’t feel connected to the human spirit, I wanted to get back to what lights me up: making meaningful, joy-filled images. The photo booth world was a perfect fit: its photography meets play, meets memory-making. It lets me combine technical skill with creative freedom, and it brings people so much joy in real time.

Why Photo Booths and Weddings Are a Match Made in Heaven

What sparked your love for adding photo booth magic to weddings, and what keeps you pumped to create those unforgettable moments?

I’ve always been fascinated by how a photograph can instantly bring a moment back to life. Weddings are full of these emotionally charged, beautiful in-between moments, and the booth captures a different, often sillier side of that magic. I love that I get to give people tangible memories they can take home that night, and that my work becomes a tiny part of the folklore of their lives.

What makes Red Fox Photo Booth stand out in the Greenville, SC area?

Red Fox Photo Booth stands out because it’s built on a lifelong passion for photography and visual storytelling. With decades of professional experience in photography, art, graphic design, and set dressing for commercial shoots in Hollywood and NYC, I bring both the trained eye of a photographer and the creative instincts of an artist to every event. I’ve spent years learning how to help people feel confident and look incredible in front of a camera, and I bring that same attention and care to the booth. From the lighting and backdrop to the atmosphere I create on-site, every detail is designed to help guests relax, have fun, and leave with photos they genuinely love.

The Red Fox Team and Their Party-Starting Powers

Tell us about the Red Fox Photo Booth team. How do they turn events into photo-filled parties?

Right now, Red Fox is small and intentionally so. It’s primarily me, with the support of a few carefully trained attendants who understand the value of presentation, timing, and connection. We’re not just there to push buttons; we’re there to help guests feel comfortable, stylish, and genuinely excited to take part.

Any fun secrets about Red Fox Photo Booth that couples might not expect?

People are always surprised by how good the photos turn out! I take the same care with photo booth lighting and framing that I would with a traditional portrait session. So, while people come expecting fun, they often leave saying, Wait… I actually love how I look in these!

What can couples expect when they book Red Fox Photo Booth for their wedding at The Venue at Cherokee Valley?

They can expect a seamless, stylish, and elevated experience that fits right into the natural beauty of Cherokee Valley. Whether it’s a romantic sunset backdrop or a modern glam setup inside, we match the vibe of the space and your aesthetic. I’ll work with them to tailor the booth’s look and style to match the energy of their wedding, and we handle everything, from setup to tear-down, so they can just enjoy themselves. Plus, their guests will walk away with beautiful keepsakes that actually feel personal and elevated.

How do you help couples pick the perfect photo booth style, like Glam or AI Portraits, to match their wedding?

It starts with a conversation! I ask about their style, color palette, and what kind of energy they want the booth to bring; are they going for elegant and classic, or bold and artistic? From there, I draw on my background in photography and design to guide them toward styles that will complement their colors and overall mood. Whether you want beautiful glam shots, sleek AI edits, or playful party pics, we’ll tailor the setup to reflect you.

What’s the most exciting part of watching guests dive into the photo booth fun?

It’s when people let loose and start getting creative, posing, laughing, and grabbing their best friend or grandma for a shot. You can feel the energy shift when the booth becomes its own little party within the party. That’s when I know we’re hitting the sweet spot. Every photo is a gift I get to give to someone. It really makes my job the best job in the world!

Take us behind the scenes—how do you create those stunning, instant photos?

Absolutely. Setup starts well before the event. I prep and test everything, from lighting to layout, to designing custom filters, then running test shoots with the backdrop choice and making test prints to be sure all the colors are coming out looking great together. At the venue, I arrive early and test everything again on the day of, to make sure the evening runs flawlessly. During the event, I stay on hand to troubleshoot, guide guests, and make sure the whole experience is engaging, smooth, and fun.

What do you love most about bringing Red Fox Photo Booth to The Venue at Cherokee Valley?

There’s something really special about the atmosphere at The Venue at Cherokee Valley; it has a beauty that makes weddings feel intimate and elevated at the same time. I love how the natural surroundings create a stunning backdrop. It gives me so much to work with visually, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how the photo booth fits into that magic.

How do you use The Venue’s gorgeous features to enhance the photo booth experience?

The Venue at Cherokee Valley is full of natural light, sweeping views, and that peaceful mountain energy that makes everything feel extra special. I love how the space allows for both indoor setups and open-air backdrops. It’s incredibly versatile and always photogenic. The open, airy layout makes it easy to integrate the booth into the event without it feeling out of place, so the booth feels like an extension of the couple’s design, not an afterthought.

What photo booth trends are you seeing for 2025 weddings?

AI-enhanced portraits are gaining steam. People love the hyper-polished look they can get instantly. At the same time, there’s a growing trend toward minimal, studio-style setups with clean backdrops and timeless glam lighting, solid pastel color backdrops, and subtle styling that feels both fresh and familiar. We're also seeing a nod to the past with vintage-style photo strips, in black and white with that nostalgic, grainy film look. Couples are moving away from gimmicks and leaning into a “classic with a twist” aesthetic, elevated and intentional.

Any tips for couples thinking about adding a photo booth to their wedding?

Be strategic about where it goes. A lot of people make the mistake of tucking it into a quiet corner or out-of-the-way hallway, thinking it’ll be less disruptive, but that’s exactly what limits how much it gets used. The booth should be in the flow of the party; near the dance floor, the bar, or wherever guests are already gathering. When it’s part of the action, it gets tons of use, and that’s the real goal: to walk away with hundreds of fun, candid, joy-filled photos from your night.

What’s one sneaky detail couples might overlook?

The timing of when you open the booth can make a big difference. If it starts too early (before guests have loosened up) it might get overlooked. But if you time it to open right after dinner or once the dance floor gets going, you catch people at their most relaxed and playful. That sweet spot in the timeline can turn the booth into a major highlight of the night.

Got a favorite memory where your photo booth stole the show?

Yes! At one wedding, the entire bridal party kept coming back to the booth, getting progressively sillier with each round. Their energy was infectious. Soon, a line had formed, and every session just got goofier and more fun. By the end of the night, even Grandma was doing duck lips for the camera. That’s the magic of a photo booth. The candid shots taken throughout the day are beautiful and essential, but the booth captures a completely different layer, the unscripted joy, the inside jokes, the personalities unfiltered by formality. It gives you a fuller, more playful portrait of your wedding day and all the people you love.

Dream up the ultimate photo booth setup inspired by The Venue at Cherokee Valley. What’s it like?

I’d love to create an open-air booth timed perfectly for golden hour, right as the sun begins to dip behind the mountains. The soft background lighting would add a warm glow to every frame.

Then maybe some type of floral installation framing the shot, wild vines, delicate blooms, or dried grasses, depending on the time of year. The frame would feel natural but intentional, like it grew right out of the landscape. The overall vibe would be elegant, ethereal, and just a little bit enchanted!

What do you do when you’re not snapping photos or wowing guests?

I’m honestly always thinking about it, constantly dreaming up ways to make it better! That’s the small business owner’s brain for you. But when I do manage to step away, you’ll probably find me surrounded by my cats, tinkering with a new art or design project (painting, drawing, calligraphy, needle felting...), puttering around in the garden, or treasure-hunting at antique malls. I’ve always been drawn to things that are hands-on, creative, and a little offbeat—it’s where I recharge and find inspiration.

You can find all the details at redfoxphotos.com or connect with me on Instagram @red.fox.photos. I’m always happy to chat, brainstorm ideas, or help bring your vision to life.

Ready to add some photo booth magic to your wedding at The Venue at Cherokee Valley? Red Fox Photo Booth is here to make your celebration pop with joy, style, and memories you’ll treasure. Book them today for a party within your party!

Stay tuned for the next feature in our Vendor Spotlight Series, where we’ll introduce another excellent Greenville vendor to make your day at The Venue at Cherokee Valley truly unforgettable.

Warmly,

The Team at The Venue at Cherokee Valley