I frequently have the privilege of traveling to other cities to photograph weddings. I enjoy the change of scenery and the chance to work in NEW venues that I haven’t photographed in before. It keeps my photography “fresh” and helps prevent me from getting complacent or stuck in a creative rut. Last weekend I was in Columbia, SC at the historic Rutledge Chapel for Carolyn & Bill’s BIG DAY! Named after South Carolina statesman John Rutledge, and located in USC’s famous “Horseshoe” area, this was the first building built on the campus.

Having photographed Carolyn’s Bridal Session, I already knew how beautiful, witty, and full of life she was. What I didn’t realize was that Bill was going to be JUST as much fun to work with. He’s easy going, quick to laugh, and does a FANTASTIC “Blue Steel” pose! Needless to say, we all had a BLAST throughout their wedding day.

Their reception was held at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce…a beautiful red brick building on a well manicured lawn. The food was delicious, the cake was a delightful creation, and everyone danced so hard the make-shift dance floor started coming apart! As the evening came to an end, everyone cheered the newlyweds off with sparklers held high. I love that last shot as they stopped for one last kiss before heading off into the night.

Bill & Carolyn, all I can say is THANK YOU! Thank you for reminding me that life is too short NOT to find JOY and EXCITEMENT in every moment of every day…even when it’s 104 degrees in the shade on your wedding day!

See the rest of the photos in their Online Gallery…

Anchor Commercial has been a favorite client of mine ever since I first photographed them for the Charleston Regional Business Journal years ago. They use an all-white background which I think has a clean, dynamic look to it. I set up the background, studio lights, and laptop in their lobby. That way, each team member can pick out their favorite shots and then go back to work while I’m photographing the next person. It really works out great! This shot is of Jessica from a follow-up shoot I did this week. She’s SO AWESOME, TOTALLY ORGANIZED, and ALWAYS UP-BEAT! I don’t know what Bob’s been putting in the water over there. But his team is always a WONDERFUL group to work with!!!

Abby & Dan picked Charleston as kind of a Destination Wedding for them and their families. They are from Philadelphia and almost everyone you see in that enthusiastic group photo came from SOMEWHERE out of town! That’s GOT to show Abby & Dan how much their friends and family love and support them. But if that isn’t enough of a demonstration, you should have heard all the heartfelt toasts given by everyone at the reception! I could just tell in hanging out with these two, plus mingling and talking to their friends, that they “got it”! They truly understood that life is about relationships. The relationships they have with their family and friends are very deep. And the relationship they have with each other is TRULY special. With this kind of a support group around them, these two really don’t need any well-wishing from me. But Abby & Dan, I DO want to wish you guys all the love and all the laughter your heart’s can hold. And I DO want to challenge you to always look at each other the way you looked at each other this night!!! (I LOVE that shot of you guys in the stairwell before being introduced into Alhambra Hall.)

I also really like the last shot with your rings in the sand. Each ring is kept in perfect alignment by leaning on the one next to it. So always remember to lean on each other and trust one another to keep each other in perfect alignment.

See the rest of the photos in their Online Gallery…