Alison & Kevin at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian

Alison & Kevin had a GORGEOUS ceremony last Saturday!  The sky was blue, the temperature was perfect, and Alison & Kevin were a BLAST to hang out with!!!

I met up with them at Alhambra Hall where the wedding party was getting ready.  Kevin & Alison shared their “First Glance” shortly after that, giving us time to get some fun wedding party photos before heading to the church.  Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian has a beautiful historic sanctuary that I love photographing in.  We always obey each church’s protocol, even if it means no photography inside the sanctuary during the worship service.  But I was kindly allowed to polish the glass windows at the back to shoot through them from the foyer, and also mount my fisheye remote camera on the balcony for some unique shots.

After the ceremony, Alison & Kevin burst from the church to an excited gathering of friends and family clapping and blowing bubbles as they rode off on their horse-drawn carriage.  The reception followed at the always-popular Alhambra Hall.  It was an EXCITING party with lots of laughter, emotional toasts, crazy dancing, and a beautiful sunset for some of my favorite shots of the day.  Later, a full moon rose in time for me to grab a couple dramatic images before Alison & Kevin made their grand escape among waving multi-colored glow sticks.  What a FANTASTIC day!   To see the rest of their photos, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com.

Alison & Kevin, may the joyous glow of your love for each other never fade…


Patricia & Michael at Summerall Chapel

Last weekend Tricia & Mike tied the knot at Summerall Chapel on The Citadel!  Their reception followed at the Carolina Yacht Club in downtown Charleston.

Tricia is a 1st Grade teacher…and we all know I have a big heart for teachers since my parents were educational missionaries and still teach even now that they are retired!  Mike traveled a lot since his Dad was a contractor for the Army… Guam, Puerto Rico, and all over the US.  So we had a lot in common too.  But what really struck me about these two is just how much IN LOVE they are!  J   I could tell they were close during their engagement session.  But even on their wedding day, with all the secret letters and gifts going back and forth…Tricia & Mike are soul mates indeed!  I love the story of how Mike proposed.  After picking out her ring all on his own, he planned a really amazing proposal at Waterfront Park as they watched their first sunrise together, then arranged to meet ALL their family and friends that he had secretly invited to join them for breakfast afterwards.  Isn’t that cool?!?

Check out their fun Music Video at www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery.

Tricia & Mike, I absolutely LOVED being a part of your special day.  Remember to CHOOSE to make each new day special for each other!!!

 

Light Bending 411 Encore

I’ve been getting such WONDERFUL feedback from the Wireless Lighting Workshops I’ve been teaching.  THANK YOU to everyone that has participated and made it such a success.  I’ll be teaching my “Light Bending 411” course again on November 6th!  I’ve been asked by The Aroostook F-Stops, an extremely active photography club in northern Maine, to come do a full-day program for them.  The club’s fearless leader, Tom, has been so organized and fun to work with.  His wife is a fellow alumni from The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK)…so we’ll have lots of catching up to do!  Since Cami spent several summers in Maine and has many fond memories from this beautiful part of the country, we’ll be going up early and taking some much anticipated R&R.  We’ll fly into Portland and wind our way up to Aroostook, hiking and sightseeing in places like Acadia National Park, and staying in quaint B&B’s along the way.  I’m truly excited and look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with these wonderfully talented photographers in Maine!!!

Tamarae & David at Fort Johnson Baptist

Tamarae & David finally tied the knot last weekend after about 6 years together.  They met freshman year at George Mason, where Tamarae may or may not have stalked David until he made her his girlfriend.  J  She is such a bubbly, fun-loving extrovert, has a flare for the dramatic, and enjoys drama and art.  While he is quiet and reserved…that is until you get to REALLY know him.  He sings, writes music, and plays in a band.  In fact, he recorded and sang the song they did their first dance to.  They complement each other so well.  Which made their wedding day a true joy for me to be a part of!  

The wedding was held at the gorgeous Fort Johnson Baptist Church.  Afterwards we went downtown for a fun photo shoot, where they were picked up by Palmetto Carriage for a quiet ride to the historic Francis Marion Hotel for their reception.  I got to work with some of my favorite vendors, including Jeff Bradt Video, Cakes by Kasarda, Jay Maxwell’s Music by Request, the Mike Wolk Jazz Group, Seithel’s Florist, and of course the fabulous Caroline Bean from the Francis Marion.  Tamarae’s dress came from Blush, the bridesmaids dresses were from the amazing LulaKate, and the gentleman were outfitted at Berlin’s Tuxedos.  Everything went as smooth as could be.  After watching the fun Music Video at www.chrisandcami.com/blog, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their photos.

Tamarae & David, it was such an honor and a pleasure being part of your special day!!!


 

Jessie & Phil at DeBordieu Colony

It was a peaceful, sunny drive to Pawley’s Island last weekend to photograph Jessie & Phil’s wedding.   I first met Jessie & Phil at Julie & Howie’s wedding last year where they were guests.  We hit it off right away partly because Jessie is the owner of Pawley Paws Grooming & Supplies and loves animals as much as Cami & I do.   

They met each other through Howie and mutual friends.  After dating for a while, Jessie took Phil with her on an annual trip to visit her friends in New Jersey.  They all knew she was serious about him when she did that.  But they had no idea Phil had plans of his own…he asked her to marry him that weekend!  J  As they say, the rest is history.  The amazing pair were married at the picturesque Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.  And their reception was held at the gorgeous DeBordieu Colony Beach Club.  Blossoms Events provided the beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.  Incredible Edibles created a fabulous wedding cake.  Cape Fear Photo Booth company brought lots of fun entertainment.  And the Triple Lindy Band, one of my favorite for sure, filled the air with foot-stompin’ tunes all night long!  After watching their Music Video at www.chrisandcami.com/blog, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery. 

CONGRATULATIONS Jessie & Phil!  You guys inspire me to be a better person and a better husband.  YOU ROCK!


Mihaela & Vicintiu’s Romania Wedding

Yesterday I had the pleasant surprise of a wonderful phone call from Mihaela, who’s wedding to Vicintiu I photographed in Romania back in July.  She was in the US visiting friends and family.  I was so honored that she would take the time to reach out and thank me again for being a part of their wedding!  What a sweetheart!!!

So I thought I’d post a few photos from their gorgeous day.  I have to say, this was by far the most surreal wedding I have ever had the privilege of photographing!  It was on a beautiful, pristine, mountainside near Campulung.  A light afternoon shower had cleansed the landscape and brought a crisp freshness to the air.  A dreamy mist was rising from the valley below.  And we weren’t alone…wild horses had also discovered the picturesque meadow we were in.  They pranced and played in the background throughout the service.  Then just as magically as they appeared…wandered off to an adjoining hill side just before we left.  It was one of those serendipitous experiences I’ll never forget for as long as I live.

Congratulations again to “Miha & Vic”.  Always remember the magic moments of your life!!!

Kelly & Christopher at First Baptist Church

As the doors slowly opened, a hushed reverence fell over the sanctuary where everyone had gathered to share in the uniting of Kelly & Christopher.  Their eyes locked.  And as I quietly captured each of their expressions, I knew in my heart that I was witnessing a public profession of true love this day!  Kelly & Christopher were married at the First Baptist Church.  Between the beautiful colors of the bridesmaids dresses and the bouquets, the intimate moments between father and daughter, mother and son, husband and wife, all the rich historic backdrops of downtown Charleston, and the burst of drama while photographing these two in their first sunset as a married couple, I felt like I was being handed beautiful image after beautiful image.  I had waaay too many favorites to fit in this blog post.  J  So enjoy the music video with even more favorites at www.chrisandcami.com.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see even more.

 Kelly & Christopher, I was truly blessed during my time with you on your wedding day.  May God bless you as you seek His will through your new life together! 



Amanda & Tim at Planters Inn

She’s an OT.  He’s a PT.  They work for the same company.  They have a chocolate lab.  They drove all night to get here from Ohio.  They are TOTALLY IN LOVE!!!  Amanda & Tim, along with their closest family and friends, came to Charleston for a beautiful, elegant, and intimate Destination Wedding one week ago today.  Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous courtyard at the historic Planters Inn.  The always amazing Christy Loftin directed and officiated the service.  While the one and only Nikolai Svishev provided acustical accompanyment on his magical 8-string guitar.  Laughter and lively conversation filled the room during Amanda & Tim’s Peninsula Grill reception.  The food was AMAZING!  Plus the center piece at each table was an original cake from Kaminski’s “most excellent” desserts…yummm!!!  Visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog to check out the Music Video of Amanda & Tim’s Big Day.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery.  CONGRATULATIONS Amanda & Tim!

 “It has been said that we need just three things in life: Something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love.”   – unknown 



Ashley & Sherrod at Trinity UMC

The hot, sticky, summer heat gave way to a gentle respite last weekend…just in time for Ashley & Sherrod’s Big Day!  J  I met up with Ashley at the historic Wentworth Mansion, where Sherrod had proposed to her in early November.  Fittingly, we had also photographed their Engagement Portraits in this picturesque B&B.  Sherrod met up with us there the two of them exchanged their First Glance before the mayhem of the wedding day began.  Then it was off to Trinity United Methodist Church, the oldest in South Carolina, where they were married in a beautiful service.  Their reception was held at the South Carolina Society Hall, a venue with great character that I always love working in! 

To see the fun slideshow of their day, visit www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  And to see the rest of their Online Gallery, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com.  

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley & Sherrod!  May you forever stick to each other like glue…



Bethany & John at the I’On Creek Club

Last weekend, Bethany & John were married at the picturesque and peaceful I’On Creek Club in Mt. Pleasant.  They had the good luck of a little rain on their wedding day.  But it certainly didn’t dampen any spirits and cleared up in plenty of time for us to zip downtown for a fun photo shoot with the weddig party before the reception.  Bethany & John are from Ohio.  And they are major Dog Lovers.  So when we first started talking back in February, we had that much in common!  But then…Bethany told me how important getting great photos of her wedding day were to her…I was hooked!  J  We had a FANTASTIC time finding some really cool “Iconic Charleston” locations to get some great photos in.  Then it was back to the Creek Club for a really fun, laid back, northern style party!

Check out the fun Music Video of their day at www.chrisandcami.com/blog.  Then head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their Online Gallery. 

CONGRATULATIONS Bethany & John!  We wish you all the best for a beautiful new journey together…

 

Jennifer & Robert’s Storybook

“All I can say is WOW!!!!! It looks amazing!!!! It is above and beyond what I had expected. We are extremely pleased with what you have done.”Cami & I finished designing another beautiful Storybook the other day for Jennifer & Robert.  This was Jennifer’s reaction.  J  I had such a wonderful time at their wedding.  Jennifer & Robert are just the coolest couple in the world!  Sometimes when we’re in the design stages, pages just seem to connect and the story of their day just flows together beautifully.  See more from their wedding at https://chrisandcami.com/blog/2010/05/05/jennifer-robert-at-the-unitarian-church/.  Here are a few pages from their book.

 

See the Difference

It’s not uncommon for Cami & I to hear of someone that’s decided to let their friend, uncle, or cousin photograph their wedding.  This might be due to budgetary concerns or that the friend or relative wants to break into the photography business and needs portfolio material.  While we totally understand these reasons, we encourage couples to consider all possible outcomes and be truly certain that this is what they want before making the final call. 

There are definitely some wonderfully talented friends and relatives out there.  Plus advancements in camera technology make it easier for part-timers to get descent shots on occasion.   Just know that there IS a difference in hiring a full-time professional to cover a once-in-a-lifetime event!  While both can certainly point and push a button.  Only a professionally trained full-time photographer is going to create a high percentage of visually stunning images every single time.   Put the most advanced camera in front of an untrained eye and you get cave drawings.  Put a point-n-shoot into a master’s hands and you end up with a Rembrandt!

We are long-time members of the Professional Photographers of America.  Check out this PPofA video featuring Jeff & Julia Woods.  Cami & I frequently attend lectures, do workshops, and train with high-end professionals from around the country like Jeff & Julia in order to hone our craft.   Simply having professional photography degrees isn’t enough.  We are constantly striving for perfection and pushing to fill our pool of knowledge to overflowing.

Here are the 10 Toughest Questions to ask your photographer:  http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/10_things.php