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!
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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
Sarah and Alex’s summertime Wickliffe House wedding was an elegant affair that oozed Southern style and charm.
The day started with the guys and girls getting ready at separate private homes down the road from one another – the guys sipped whiskey while the girls were in hair and makeup. After a private first look between the columns at Cannon Park while the sun was shining and a light breeze picked up Sarah’s veil – we took some (read: a lot) of portraits in the beautiful mottled light of the park.
The ceremony was held at St. Luke’s chapel in downtown Charleston, and after the ceremony the guests were able to make a short, shaded walk to the ceremony reception, which sits just across the street: The Wickliffe House. Arguably one of my favorite venues – a grand, historic mansion with a sprawling double-height porch and a manicured lawn out front (and a spiral staircase, to boot!) – the Wickliffe House made an ideal location to host this beautiful wedding. The reception was full of personal touches from Sarah and Alex – the desserts were handmade specially by them, and they sipped champagne from heirloom glasses passed down to them.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this special Wickliffe House Wedding happen!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Reception Venue: The Wickliffe House
Ceremony Venue: St. Luke’s Chapel
………. Tissiana and John’s wedding at Pretty Place Chapel in Cleveland, SC was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever had the privilege of shooting.
………. I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a morning person, so when Tissiana told me that we needed to arrive at 5:30am I wasn’t completely sold on the whole thing. That was until I saw the venue.
………. I’ve heard a lot about Pretty Place Chapel from friends and other photographers who live in the Greenville, SC area so I knew that it was going to be pretty, but I honestly didn’t think it was going to be as gorgeous as it was. With a perfect view out over the Upstate of South Carolina and into North Carolina, the sunrise was about as good as I’ve ever seen (although admittedly I haven’t seen THAT many given my aversion to the wee small hours of the morning).
………. Following the ceremony, I was extremely glad that my clients trust me to the extent that they do because despite John not being the biggest fan of heights, he stepped over the railing to the edge of the cliff and got some beautiful portraits! In my defense though, Tissiana had more to do with than than me so you can’t blame me entirely.
………. From there it was a short drive back to the Highland Lake Inn for breakfast, a quick cake cutting and then portraits with their family and friends before we had to hit the road back to Charleston.
………. Really looking forward to having the opportunity to shoot here again!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Ceremony: Pretty Place Chapel
Reception: Highland Lake Inn
Dress: Maggie Sottero
……….Baley and Elliott’s Alhambra Hall wedding was the perfect balance of fun and elegance.
……….The day began at a relaxed pace with the girls getting ready while sipping mimosas. After loading into the car and heading to the ceremony venue around the corner – St. Andrews Historic Church – we headed straight into the couple’s first look. In the lush, shaded courtyard on the parish grounds, Baley and Elliott saw each other for the first time and exchanged meaningful letters afterwards (one of my favorite wedding day traditions.)
……….After the ceremony, cocktail hour began at Alhambra Hall for the guests while we headed out to take some portraits! Baley and Elliott were down for anything – they even climbed into a bush of weeds for one shot! We began at the Pitt St. Bridge, a place that holds special meaning to the Bride. The sky was beautiful and the weather was perfect for casual, romantic shots by the water. Sunset came and we kept on shooting – I even shot a couple rolls of film on my old Mamiya RZ67 film camera for a couple of poses (getting that film processed will be a whole other story!). Their adorable French bull dog made an appearance for some photos during cocktail hour – she’s a natural on camera.
……….Their reception included an (aggressive) tambourine solo to Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, a choreographed performance of the dance from Napoleon Dynamite, and a late-night delivery of 300 tacos from Taco Bell and a stack of Papa John’s pizzas. That last one in particular made me think that these two are the type of people I could definitely be friends with!
……….Thanks to all of the vendors who helped make this Alhambra Hall wedding day so much fun!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Ceremony Venue: St. Andrews Historic Church Mount Pleasant
Reception Venue: Alhambra Hall
Planning: Yoj Events
Florist: Frampton’s Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Paper Dolls
Rentals: Eventworks
Transportation: Charleston Style Limo
Catering + Bar: Sandlapper
Cake: ABCD
Entertainment: Midnight City
Tuxedo Rental: Charleston Tuxedo
…………Charleston, SC is the number one city in America AGAIN! For the 6th time in a row, Travel & Leisure has ranked Charleston the number one city in America which, let’s be honest, is pretty fantastic. Charleston is not only a great place to live and work, but we think it’s also the number one place in America to get married! Here’s a list of 10 reasons why a Charleston, SC wedding is the best in the country!
………..A William Aiken House wedding is one of my favorite things: a grand historic home surrounded by the hustle and bustle of King St that is host to many great locations to shoot (and party!). Even though this wedding was nearly 3 years ago, I’m still completely in love with it! It’s always incredible to have clients that trust me to make them look amazing and who are up for anything!
…………Travelling in classic Charleston style by vintage trolley (and leaving in a rickshaw), Paige and John oozed elegance from start to finish (even with a broken dress strap on the dance floor!) – the guys got ready and relaxed with some drinks beforehand at The Thoroughbred Club bar at the Charleston Place Hotel and the girls prepared for the day in the stately red-toned ready-room at the William Aiken House.
…………Paige and John’s elegant wedding was ideally suited to this venue – rich tones of red, yellow, and gold paired wonderfully with the couple’s neutral palette – black tuxedos, a hint of blush pink, and cream roses. The ceremony, held at St. Mary of the Annunciation (i.e. that Church with the best frescoes in town), was followed by plenty of portraiture and a glamorous reception.
…………Thanks to all of the vendors that helped make this William Aiken House wedding as amazing as it was! This really was a dream team wedding. From the fantastic planning by Janet from JVM Events to the videography, flowers and hair and makeup, I’d work with this team again any day of the week!
Remember to click the read more link at the bottom of the page for more photos!
Reception Venue: William Aiken House
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary of the Annunciation
Planning: JVM Events
Florist: Charleston Blooms
Hair & Makeup: Lashes and Lace
Lighting: Charleston Uplighting
Rentals: Snyder Events and Snyder Lounge
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston
Catering + Bar + Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group
Entertainment: Paul Matthews Entertainment
Getaway Transportation: Charleston Rickshaw
Videographer: Chap Films
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