Michelle and Caulen had a beautiful, classic Southern wedding in the Cedar Room in Downtown Charleston. Lucky for us, the rain held off until sunset where there was an amazing – and slightly strange – orange glow in the sky.
I’ve known Sam for a long time now; we met at the College of Charleston almost ten years ago – so when she asked if I could shoot her wedding, I jumped at the chance. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to shoot Her and Jeffrey’s wedding.
Kelly and Phillip were almost rained out of their outdoor ceremony location – but with all hands on deck for a quick wipe down (and a lucky break in the rain), they were able to hold their wedding in front of the beautiful brick facade of the Historic Rice Mill.
In a wonderfully non-traditional ceremony, Sarah and Jeff were married on the private rooftop of the beautiful Restoration Hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston.
A fusion of American and French cultures set within a classic Charleston waterfront estate.
Working with current and former wedding industry professionals like Maggie and Matt (makeup artist and wedding photographer, respectively) always makes for a streamlined, intentional day. We were privileged to be present to capture their emotional first look, smoky ceremony – thanks to a controlled burn across the river – and heavenly-scented exit involving handfuls of thrown lavender.
Over the course of the past 6 years splitting time between Charleston, SC and New Zealand I thought I’d seen all of the incredible locations that New Zealand had to offer, but this was a hidden gem that I truly wasn’t expecting. 10 minutes from the tourist destinations of Whakatane and Ohope Beach, a short path off the main road (that wasn’t so short on the way back) opened up into the half mile stretch of completely deserted perfection that is Otarawairere Beach.
With Boone Hall Plantation in full bloom, Josh and Andrea were married under the oaks in absolutely perfect weather, followed by a candle lit reception under a canopy of hand crafted paper butterflies.
This was a wedding that proves good things come to those that wait. Taylor REALLY wanted a sunset shot, but when both her bridal session and their engagement session failed to produce so much as a hint of color in the sky, it all came down to her wedding day.
Heavily in their favor though was the fact that Taylor and Brett selected one of the best locations in Charleston to view the sunset. Harborside East is perfectly positioned to catch the sun setting just behind the Ravenel Bridge, but mother nature had to cooperate first.
The morning didn’t look good. When we started shooting at the girls getting ready location a few miles away in Old Town Mount Pleasant it was absolutely pouring with rain. To the point where I kind of gave up hope of getting any real color. But Charleston is known for it’s weather that can change in an instant.
And change it did. While the guests were enjoying dinner, we all trudged through the mud and muck from the earlier rain storm, through a construction zone, to the absolutely perfect location to watch the sky absolutely explode with color. We got the full spectrum too as the orange of the day faded into reds then pinks and finally the cool blue of twilight.
I’ll be honest, normally I wouldn’t ask my clients to walk through the mud, but Taylor kept urging us on because she HAD to have a sunset shot and I’m so glad that she did! This is why Harborside East is one of the premier locations in Charleston, SC for an amazing sunset over the water!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Venue: Harborside East
Ceremony Location: St. Luke’s Chapel
Planning: Lowcountry Weddings by Jessica
Hair & Makeup: Carolyne Simms
Dress: Justin Alexander
Bridal Shop: Bridal House of Charleston
Shoes: Alex Marie
Florist: Pretty Petals of Charleston
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Ring Designer: Tacori
Jeweler: Polly’s Jewelry
Catering: Jim N Nicks
Cake: Cakes by Kasarda
Band: Emerald Empire Band
Transportation: Lowcountry Trolly
……….A romantic Boone Hall wedding is always a treat to shoot – everywhere you turn is a beautiful scene, an ancient oak tree, or a bursting sunset. This is the second time I’ve shot a wedding at Boone hall that’s held the ceremony under the avenue of oak trees, and I think it’s my new favorite spot!
……….The day began with a private first look between the historic gates of the mansion at Boone Hall. Nestled quietly beneath the live oaks and Spanish moss, Amanda and Phil then tied the knot in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. With thunder rumbling in the distance and the occasional lightning bolt illuminating the dark skies we headed off to take some portraits during golden hour. Everyone was constantly checking the radar and hoping we weren’t going to get rained out but luckily for all of us we were graced with no rain and an INSANE sunset. Coupled with a super high tide at the cotton dock, the reflections on the water were unlike anything I’ve shot before at this location.
……….The neutral color palette allowed the beauty of the location to shine through at Boone Hall – a pop of color from burgundy dahlias and blush roses was all that was needed to showcase the lush green surroundings while guests to nibbled, mingled, and enjoyed the sights, all while having a refreshing drink under the shade of the oaks.
……….Thanks to all of the vendors who helped make this Boone Hall wedding possible!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Venue: Boone Hall Plantation
Planning: Peper Events
Florist: Frampton’s Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Wild Ivory Beauty
Officiant: Richard Burton