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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Iva, SC

Home Care Iva, SC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ashtabula Historic House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Iva, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Iva, SC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. You could tell she loves her job. she started helping in the evenings, then on weekends. Mom's health got really bad and she was hospitalized and Trudy changed her schedule so she could stay up at the hospital all night with my Mom. I never had to worry because I knew mom was in good hands and that Trudy would te… See more”

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“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”

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“Great Place. Really caring people. would recommend if a friend of family member need non-medical care.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Iva, SC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Iva, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Iva, SC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Iva, SC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Iva, SC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Parker bowie pavilion with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Iva, SC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mama Minto's Pizzeria or visit Benjamin Mays Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Iva, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Iva, SC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Iva, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Iva, SC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your SC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Iva, SC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Iva, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Iva, SC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Iva, SC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Iva Post Acute
Home Care Iva, SC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Iva, SC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Iva, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Iva, SC

Latest News in Iva, SC

How Crescent stayed alive, forced deciding game for AAA high school softball state title

IVA, S.C. – Crescent softball senior pitcher Courtney Baldwin barely celebrated her biggest moment.Baldwin watched the final out, a ground ball to second, raised her right arm in victory, tossed her mask and glove aside, and started the line for postgame fist-bumps with Aynor’s team.Maybe she was already thinking about the possibility of a much bigger celebration.Crescent beat Aynor 1-0 on Wednesday night at Adams Field to force a deciding game in the ...

IVA, S.C. – Crescent softball senior pitcher Courtney Baldwin barely celebrated her biggest moment.

Baldwin watched the final out, a ground ball to second, raised her right arm in victory, tossed her mask and glove aside, and started the line for postgame fist-bumps with Aynor’s team.

Maybe she was already thinking about the possibility of a much bigger celebration.

Crescent beat Aynor 1-0 on Wednesday night at Adams Field to force a deciding game in the high school Class AAA best-of-three state finals.

The Lady Tigers (27-4), who lost the series opener 7-1, will try to add to a national-record 19 state championships Friday at neutral site to be announced. Crescent hasn’t been this far since 2017 and hasn’t won since 2013.

Baldwin, who will play at Limestone University, pitched a two-hit shutout. Aynor had runners in scoring position with one out in the fifth and sixth innings, but she shut it down both times.

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“Courtney was unbelievable today,” Crescent coach Jeff Craft said. “Aynor is, without a doubt, the best-hitting team we’ve played. … I knew at practice (Tuesday) she was ready. I didn’t know she was this ready.”

Aynor (29-2) came in having scored 63 runs in seven playoff games.

“I think going to Aynor for that first game, we were all a little nervous,” Baldwin said. “But at home, you’re always comfortable.”

Here are some other takeaways:

Crescent's Emily Blackwell on fire at the plate

Crescent senior second baseman Emily Blackwell (North Greenville) has been a hot all season. She’s batting .570.

Down the stretch in the playoffs, she’s really cranked it up.

Blackwell, in Crescent’s last five games, is 13-for-16 (.813) with 12 steals. She was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the first, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch but was on the move already, and scored on a sacrifice fly.

Crescent needs more offense than just Blackwell

The Lady Tigers will need more offensive contributors besides Blackwell to win the championship.

They have just four hits in the two games and Blackwell has three of those.

“I hope we can show up and make something happen offensively on Friday,” Craft said. “We’ve seen them now for two games and we have a better idea.”

Another eighth-grader steps up in big spot

Crescent already has three eighth-graders in the starting lineup.

The Tigers had another Wednesday, when shortstop JuJu Owens was a late scratch with a health issue and replaced with Caroline Grey.

“I think Caroline has played three innings of defense all year,” Craft said. “And she went out and played shortstop in the state championship.”

“I thought she did amazing,” Blackwell said. “She embraced it and did great.”

Anderson District 3: Iva Elementary School earns highest SC ranking ever. What to know.

Last school year, Iva Elementary School scored a record-low 144th out of 644 in South Carolina. In one year, the school improved its ranking to 101 out of 644 South Carolina elementary schools, its highest ranking ever, according to schooldigger.com.The Schooldigger website ranks schools based on test scores supplied by each state's education department. The scoring is based on standardi...

Last school year, Iva Elementary School scored a record-low 144th out of 644 in South Carolina. In one year, the school improved its ranking to 101 out of 644 South Carolina elementary schools, its highest ranking ever, according to schooldigger.com.

The Schooldigger website ranks schools based on test scores supplied by each state's education department. The scoring is based on standardized test scores in reading, math and language arts. Other factors such as demographics and poverty level also are considered.

The last time Iva received a ranking this high was in 2007 when the school scored in the top 20% of the state's elementary schools. After advancing 43 spots from last year's ranking, Iva Elementary is now in the top 16% of all elementary schools, according to Schooldigger.

Iva Elementary serves 380 students from preschool to fifth grade. According to the ratings, 67% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 52% scored at or above that level for reading.

The school's minority student enrollment is 21%. There are 31 equivalent full-time teachers and one school counselor. As a Title One school, Iva Elementary receives federal assistance due to its poverty level. According to last year's data, the school poverty rate was 85%, one of the highest in the district and Upstate.

How has the COVID pandemic affected Iva's test scores?

In 2018, Iva ranked 156th, while in 2019 Iva placed 137th. During the COVID-19 outbreak that began in 2020, students worked from home. When the students returned in 2022, Iva ranked 173rd, according to schooldigger.com

Kathy D. Hipp, superintendent says, "Over the last five years, Iva has consistently shown substantial gains in student performance. I am proud of the teachers and staff providing a high-quality education for our students. Iva has proven that with pride, purpose, and passion, anything is possible."

How Iva improved its test scores after COVID

The Iva staff implemented new strategies across all grade levels for innovation time to focus on "vertical planning" between grade levels to keep students on track year after year and build a solid foundation.

At the primary grade levels, reading was one of the main concerns. As an in-school program for every grade level, Iva includes a 30-minute session that allows teachers to stop regular daily instruction and focus on students' individual needs, their strengths to their weaknesses.

In order for this program to succeed, Principal Austin Powell says. "It takes all hands on deck. Reading coaches, the assistant principal, the school counselor, and our reading interventionists all contribute to this effort."

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].

County Receives a $500,000 CDBG Grant for New Iva Branch Library

Anderson County, in partnership with the Town of Iva and the Anderson County Library System, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grant will be used to develop a new Iva branch library location.“This new facility will be a welcome addition to this wonderful community, and we expect that it will serve to encourage further redevelopment and renewal in the Town of Iva”, said Anderson County Councilmember Ray Grah...

Anderson County, in partnership with the Town of Iva and the Anderson County Library System, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grant will be used to develop a new Iva branch library location.

“This new facility will be a welcome addition to this wonderful community, and we expect that it will serve to encourage further redevelopment and renewal in the Town of Iva”, said Anderson County Councilmember Ray Graham. “We’d all like to thank SC Commerce and the CDBG program for their invaluable assistance in support of this effort.”

CDBG funds will be used to renovate an existing storefront location in the Iva town square on East Front Street, directly across from the gazebo. The space the library will occupy was once the home of the Iva Fire Department. The building has extant architectural features in place from that time, and these elements will be incorporated into the design of the new library where feasible. Their presence will help provide the type of unique environment and historical reference that makes for a very unique and special public space.

“The development of the new library branch in the facility will ensure that the old fire station continues to serve as a community benefit” said Iva Mayor Bobby Gentry. “The project enhances our ongoing efforts to revitalize our town square and offer a wide array of services and activities to area residents.”

In addition to enhancing the Iva downtown, the project will serve to promote efforts by the Anderson County Library System to offer upgraded facilities which better serve the current needs of its clientele.

“In the digital age, the public library is called upon to serve as much more than a repository for books”, said Julie Hart, Chair of the Anderson County Library Board. “The new Iva branch library will serve as a ‘community commons’ and provide a variety of multimedia tools for people who want to explore alternative modes of accessing information. We believe our local libraries can, and should, function as vibrant hubs of activity and be prominent social centers in the communities they serve.”

Concepts for the new facility emphasize a design and facility strategy tailored to meet users’ increasingly social approach to accessing information. The facility will offer large public tables and couches to create comfortable, collaborative spaces, and it will meet the most rigorous of ADA-accessibility standards.

Renovation work is scheduled to begin by early summer 2023.

TikTok Stars Taylor and Soph Are Married! Inside Their 'Timeless' South Carolina Wedding

Taylor Watts and Sophia Hill, who got engaged in November 2022, exchanged vows Saturday at a sprawling tree farm in front of 250 guests, including some of their YouTube subscribersTaylor Watts and Sophia Hill are officially husband and wife!The Christian TikTok stars known as Taylor and Soph exchanged traditional vows at Heyward Manor, a 650-acre tree farm ...

Taylor Watts and Sophia Hill, who got engaged in November 2022, exchanged vows Saturday at a sprawling tree farm in front of 250 guests, including some of their YouTube subscribers

Taylor Watts and Sophia Hill are officially husband and wife!

The Christian TikTok stars known as Taylor and Soph exchanged traditional vows at Heyward Manor, a 650-acre tree farm in Iva, S.C., on Saturday during their "classy and timeless" ceremony.

Ahead of their nuptials, the pair told PEOPLE they couldn't wait for their big day.

"I'm most looking forward to Sophia walking down the aisle," says Watts, 21. "First seeing her I feel like the moment of realization like that, 'Wow, we're about to be united into one. We're about to become one.' "

In a dress by Stella York, from Tiffinie Bleu Bridal, the bride walked down the aisle to "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake on her way to the altar, where she joined Watts and their 12 bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Following the ceremony, a buffet style dinner of house and Caesar salad, antipasto, beef, grilled chicken and three different types of pastas were served before the couple cut into their four-tiered vanilla and buttercream wedding cake.

Wedding Planner Designs Her Own Glamorous Yet Sustainable Big Day — See Her Photos and Top Tips

In posts leading up to wedding day, the couple told social media followers that subscribers to their YouTube channel could get an invite. "We're so excited. You'll literally be able to come from the start of the wedding to the end," Hill said in a post urging people to subscribe. "We'll see you at the wedding."

The couple first connected in February 2020. "We were in our hometown, and we met through some mutual friends," says Hill. "Taylor and I, we started chatting and then we were dating within a week."

Watts popped the question with a ring by Helzberg Diamonds on Nov. 28, 2022.

Nurses Marry in Emotional Wedding After Epic Engagement at Hospital Where They Fell in Love During Pandemic

"We saw no benefit in having a long engagement and we had no true reason to wait," says Hill. "I've looked forward to wedding planning my entire life. I always knew I wanted to do a fun wedding. With it being such a short period of time to plan, it was stressful at times. But overall, it was just really fun. And we wouldn't change anything about having a short engagement."

Hill did the bulk of the wedding planning but says her husband offered his input in one department.

"I helped pick the food," he says. "I picked Italian. That I had a big hand in, but other than that, colors or schemes or anything like that, not my thing."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Now that they're setting into married life, Hill and Watts are looking forward to their future and sharing a home once he finishes classes at the University of Georgia.

"I'm super excited to just be able to live together," says Hill. "Right now, it's not crazy long distance but with him being at school — it's only an hour and a half away — it's somewhat of a long distance."

Watts is also ready to move in with his new wife — and perhaps start a family soon. "I'll just be excited when we can live together and have our own house and be able to do routines together and everything and life together," he says. "And I'm also just very excited to have lots of babies. When we get married, I don't think we'll wait very long. And then once we start, we'll probably keep going for a couple!"

Wrapping up small towns in South Carolina

Within the gentle embrace of South Carolina’s landscapes, a collection of small towns beckon with their unique stories, vibrant communities, and heartfelt charm. These towns offer more than just residences; they offer a slice of Southern hospitality, a sense of belonging, and a connection to history and tradition. In this article, we’ll journey through the 9 small towns in South Carolina discovering the experiences, attractions, and warm ambiance that make each of these towns a haven worth exploring. 1....

Within the gentle embrace of South Carolina’s landscapes, a collection of small towns beckon with their unique stories, vibrant communities, and heartfelt charm. These towns offer more than just residences; they offer a slice of Southern hospitality, a sense of belonging, and a connection to history and tradition. In this article, we’ll journey through the 9 small towns in South Carolina discovering the experiences, attractions, and warm ambiance that make each of these towns a haven worth exploring.

1. Due West, SC

Median sale price: $454,000

Walk Score: 31

Nestled in South Carolina’s scenic beauty, Due West welcomes residents with a peaceful retreat that evokes a sense of serenity. The town’s historic charm is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and tree-lined streets. Due West boasts a close-knit community that gathers for local events, farmer’s markets, and gatherings, fostering connections that make the town truly special.

Median sale price: $112,500

Walk Score: 40

Living in Johnston provides a Southern experience with a strong neighborhood bond. Residents often gather at local spots like Calhoun Park for picnics and leisurely afternoons. The nearby annual Ridge Peach Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage, showcasing local produce, arts, and crafts.

3. Saluda, SC

Median sale price: $269,900

Walk Score: 56

Saluda’s allure lies in its blend of old-world charm and modern delights. The town’s arts scene thrives through galleries, studios, and live performances that celebrate creativity. Visitors and residents can explore local shops, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and immerse themselves in the culture that defines Saluda.

4. Manning, SC

Median sale price: $286,000

Walk Score: 62

With its proximity to Lake Marion, this small town in South Carolina is brimming with waterfront beauty and outdoor adventure. Boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics are part of the town’s everyday life. Manning’s downtown offers local businesses and eateries that cater to a variety of tastes, while its community events create a sense of togetherness that resonates with both residents and visitors.

5. Newberry, SC

Median sale price: $187,250

Walk Score: 67

Newberry is a town where tradition and progress coexist. The town’s historic opera house, local theaters, and cultural events provide a taste of the arts. Newberry’s downtown is dotted with boutique shops, charming cafes, and a strong sense of unity. The town’s natural beauty and cultural offerings create an environment where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.

6. Edgefield, SC

Median sale price: $338,250

Walk Score: 43

Edgefield’s historic charm and Southern hospitality come together to create a town that’s steeped in heritage. The town’s preserved architecture, local museums, and historic sites offer a journey back in time. With dozens of quaint shops, galleries, and annual festivals, residents always have something to do in Edgefield.

7. Hampton, SC

Median sale price: $202,000

Walk Score: 32

Placed in the heart of the Lowcountry, Hampton offers an easygoing retreat where nature’s beauty and small-town comforts converge. The town’s relaxed pace of life is complemented by its parks, nature trails, and nearby wildlife refuges. Hampton’s local businesses and eateries provide a touch of charm, while its community events foster connections among neighbors.

8. Clinton, SC

Median sale price: $180,750

Walk Score: 63

Clinton’s historic downtown exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Residents often enjoy strolling through the historic downtown, stopping by specialty shops or indulging in Southern comfort food at popular eateries. Located in Clinton, the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site provides visitors the chance to delve into Revolutionary War history, adding to the town’s unique appeal.

9. Iva, SC

Median sale price: $210,000

Walk Score: 53

Iva captures the essence of Southern comfort and community, inviting residents to embrace a slower pace of life. Residents often gather for events like the annual Iva Reunion, where old friends and new acquaintances come together to celebrate their shared heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Lake Secession for fishing and boating, while the nearby Sadlers Creek State Park provides hiking trails and picnicking spots.

South Carolina’s small towns offer a variety of experiences, from historic elegance to natural beauty, and from Southern heritage to artistic vibrancy. You can find plenty affordable places to live in South Carolina, no matter your budget. These towns provide more than just houses; they offer a lifestyle that celebrates community, tradition, and the simple joys of life.

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