Hannah & Tyler’s Oregon Wedding

A couple years ago, I had the great privilege of photographing Dan & Linda’s oldest son’s wedding. Last week, it was an absolute honor to photograph their youngest son’s wedding!

When the big day finally arrived, it was absolutely gorgeous. And Hannah was simply stunning in her wedding gown! Because she and Tyler love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, we had arranged for the wedding party photos to be done at Smith Rock State Park. What a dramatic way to start their day!

Hannah & Tyler’s amazing wedding was held at Dee Bar Ranch in Powell Butte, just outside Bend, OR. Family and friends had gathered from far and wide to help these two celebrate their marriage vows with a heartfelt ceremony in the great outdoors, which they love so much. Even Hannah’s brother, who was in the middle of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, took a break and rented a car to drive all the way home for the event!

CONGRATULATIONS Hannah & Tyler!!! You two are so perfect for each other! It was such a pleasure being a part of your special day and capturing all these beautiful memories for you. Cami and I wish you both all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together!!!


Sommer & Frank at Greek Orthodox Church of The Holy Trinity

It’s hard to put into words how special it was for us to be a part of Sommer & Frank’s AMAZING wedding celebration at the Greek Orthodox Church of The Holy Trinity!!!  Several years ago, we had the honor of photographing Sommer’s sister’s wedding with Trent at Old Wide Awake Plantation.  Their entire family has become very special to us over the years.  So you can imagine our excitement when Sommer and Frank asked us to photograph their wedding too!

With Sommer working in Japan for much of it, the planning and preparations for their wedding took over a year.  But the Big Day finally arrived…and it was gorgeous!  As the wedding party began getting ready, the excitement in the air was palpable.  I loved all the little details and special moments that made Frank & Sommer’s wedding unique…a first look with her dad, special gifts for the flower girl and ring bearer, the sword ceremony, and a huge wedding party that was so fun and supportive of these two!  The Greek Orthodox ceremony was also unique and afforded so many wonderful photo opportunities.  It’s such a beautiful church anyway…but it’s hard to get a bad shot with such an adorable couple, right?!?  Being a Citadel Grad, the wedding was followed by a traditional sword ceremony, performed by a great group of cadets.  Then it was off to the reception, which was held at the Daniel Island Club.  I love the beautiful “lowcountry” scenery behind the club.  Frank, Sommer, and I took advantage of the setting (and the setting sun) to capture some romantic photos of them.  Then it was inside for the PARTAAAY of the century!  Sommer had warned me to make sure I brought my “Greek dancing shoes”…and she wasn’t kidding!  A grand entrance, a delicious meal, touching toasts, and of course non-stop dancing all night long topped the day off in high spirits!

To see the rest of the photos, visit:  https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/sommerandfrankwedding.  Many thanks to my team, Cami & Robbin, to Lillie at Pop the Bubbly Events, to Cleo at the Greek Orthodox Church, to Erin at Daniel Island Club, to the ladies from Cloud IX Bridal, to Wimberly Fair Designs for the floral arrangements, to The Black Cab Co., to Nick with EPIC DJ, and to all the other friends, family, and vendors who helped make this dream wedding come true!

CONGRATULATIONS Frank & Sommer!  We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this exciting new journey together!!!

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Julie & Shawn’s Phoenix Wedding

When Shawn & Julie got engaged, everyone knew it was coming. They were just too perfect together for it NOT to happen! Cami and I were even more excited when they asked us to do the honor of photographing this special day for my nephew and his fiance!!!

Their wedding was held in Phoenix, a city that we’ve grown to love. When the big day arrived, Shawn & Julie got ready at the picturesque Talking Stick Resort, where they also shared a First Look before heading over to the wedding venue. The ceremony was held at this really cool rustic location called Desert Foothills Resort. It was an absolute dream location for photography, with an old wooden barn, beautifully decorated, and surrounded by wild cacti.

We had so much fun meeting Shawn & Julie’s friends and family who all came out to help them celebrate! Many thanks to Shawn’s brother, Tyler, who officiated the ceremony, to Anne and her family for all their hard work putting together the gorgeous decorations, to Dan & Linda for keeping everything running smoothly, to Lisa at the venue for all her help with planning, to Julian at Heidi’s Events and Catering, to DJ Eli for rockin’ the night away, and to Cami for all her help with navigating and being my lighting assistant!

CONGRATULATIONS Julie & Shawn! We wish you all be best as you begin your new journey together!!!

Marcella & Steve’s Cape Cod Wedding

Several years ago, I had the joy of photographing Roxann & Michael’s destination wedding on a beautiful beach in Charleston: https://chrisandcami.com/roxann-michael-on-sullivans-island/. I had so much fun capturing their special day, and getting to know their amazing children! Thus, you can imagine my excitement when their daughter, Marcella, asked us to be HER photographer too!!!

Marcella & Steve’s destination wedding was in Cape Cod, at the incredible Wynchmere Beach Club. Cami and I had flown up several days early to celebrate our own anniversary, and to scout out the area. When we saw the venue, we knew immediately why Marcella & Steve had fallen in love with the place! Marcella had always wanted to get married on the beach. And Steve had always wanted to get married in Cape Cod. This picturesque spot fit BOTH their dreams perfectly!!!

The day of the wedding was absolutely gorgeous with the sun warming our faces, and the love between Marcella & Steve warming our hearts.  Marcella was absolutely STUNNING in her elegant gown and long flowing train.  Steve was looking pretty suave himself, with the classy-but-casual “no-tie” look.  The two lovebirds shared a touching “First Look” before the ceremony, which was the first time I teared up. There were a lot of funny moments during the ceremony, like when they both did shots under the arbor. But the second time I teared up was when they exchanged their hand-written wedding vows. The third time was when Michael gave his heart-felt speach, honoring Marcella’s father who had passed away 4 years prior, and re-affirmed his love for his amazing new daughter.

With excitement and energy bursting throughout the venue, the reception carried on late into the night. Cami and I had so much fun capturing every moment of this wonderful wedding celebration! Many thanks to Brooke and all the other incredible vendors that helped this dream wedding come together so perfectly. And a HUGE thank you to Marcella & Steve for welcoming us in and making us feel like part of their family once again.

To see the rest of their photos, visit:  https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/marcellaandsteve.

CONGRATULATIONS Marcella & Steve!!! We love you guys and wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together…

Jennifer & Adrian at the Hilton Head Westin

It was such a beautiful afternoon when I arrived at the Westin on Hilton Head Island for Jennifer & Adrian’s AMAZING wedding last week!

Adrian and his gang of guys were relaxed and having a blast, while Jennifer and the girls were getting all dolled up while jamming to some great tunes. The atmosphere was one of fun and excitement!

After everyone was ready, Adrian and Jennifer met each other for a private First Look in the quiet courtyard by the coi pond. It was such a special moment! The way Adrian’s eyes lit up when he turned around and saw Jennifer in her wedding gown for the first time made my heart melt.

Their ceremony was held on the picturesque terrace overlooking the beautiful beach. I loved all the artistic details and special touches Jennifer thought of. The explosion of applause that erupted as they sealed their vows with a kiss was truly magnificent!!!

After a fun beach shoot with the newlyweds, Jennifer and Adrian entered the reception to more exciting applause. A grand party ensued, complete with cake cutting, fabulous toasts, and crazy dancing.

To see more of their photos, visit https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jenniferandadrian.

CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer & Adrian! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together!!!

Ally & Matt’s Celebration at Pawleys Plantation

Exactly one week ago today, Ally & Matt finally tied the knot!!!

I’d been looking forward to Ally & Matt’s wedding for a VERY long time! You see, I’d had the great honor of photographing Matt’s Secret Proposal to Ally way back in 2017: https://chrisandcami.com/ally-matts-surprise-proposal-at-magnolia-plantation/. Having been there at the beginning, when Ally said “Yes”, and Matt slipped her gorgeous engagement ring onto her finger, I was SUPER EXCITED to have been there at the end when Ally said “I Do”, while Matt placed her wedding band in its rightful place. 🙂

Matt & Ally’s wedding celebration was absolutely AMAZING!!! Ally and her bridesmaids got dolled up at her parent’s beautiful home in Myrtle Beach, while Matt and his groomsmen got their duds on at the Litchfield Golf and Beach Resort. It was a great honor for me to photograph their amazing wedding ceremony at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Garden City! It was a beautiful service, full of laughter and tears, attended by close friends and loving family. A joyful reception followed at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, where DJ Scott Reise cranked things up until we had a full-on mega party going!

I’d like to send out a huge thank you to Annie, Chantel, Peggy, Scott, and all the other amazing vendors who came to gether to make Ally and Matt’s big day so perfect. Many thanks also to my good friend Robbin, for helping me capture all the special moments of their beautiful day.  To see the rest of their photos, visit:  https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/mattandally.

CONGRATULATIONS Ally & Matt!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new and exciting journey together!

Katie & Tom’s Tampa Bay Wedding

Early in the spring of 2018, a young man by the name of Tom reached out to me:
“My girlfriend and I will be visiting Charleston in early February, and I am planning on proposing to her…are you available February 9th?”

Tom spent the following weeks corresponding with me and planning every detail of his surprise proposal to Katie. I could tell he was an amazing guy, and that he wanted everything to be perfect for the girl if his dreams! It was. She said yes. And it was my distinct honor to capture that special moment when he slipped the engagement ring on her finger: https://chrisandcami.com/katie-toms-secret-proposal-at-white-point-garden/.

It was so much fun getting to know Katie & Tom through that experience. Imagine my excitement when several months later they also asked me to photograph their wedding in Tampa!?! Having been there for them in the beginning when Katie said “YES”, it was such a joy to be there on this special day in the spring of 2019 when she said “I DO”!!!

Katie & Tom’s wedding celebration was absolutely perfect. With a rehearsal dinner at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, wedding day preparations starting off at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, and the wedding/reception held at the Davis Island Garden Club, I couldn’t have asked for more picturesque locations.  The sun was shining, the ocean breezes were blowing, and the temperature was absolutely perfect.  Katie was absolutely stunning in her gorgeous wedding gown and colorful bouquet.  Tom was quite dashing in his blue suit with choral necktie and complimentary boutonniere.

Throughout their special day, the energy was palpable, and the excitement ecstatic! I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much at a wedding. It was like every member of the wedding party was hand-picked to fit a perfect cast of comical characters with charisma and charm to boot. Everyone had so much fun…and I had so much fun capturing every moment of it all!!!

Many thanks to Katie’s Mom Sherry for all her hard work in pulling everything together.  I am so grateful to Christi Windsor of Windsor Events, everyone at the Davis Island Garden Club, Olympia Catering, FH Events, DJ Kevin Cramer, UDream Events, West Palm Wines, Femme Akoi, Tampa Lights, Connie Dugin Linens, OMG Trolley Company, and everyone else who played a part in making this amazing day come together so beautifully for Katie & Tom.

To see more of their photos, visit:  https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/katieandtomwedding.

CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Tom! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together.

Travel Tips for Photographers

As a destination photographer, I often get asked how I travel with all my equipment!

In this behind-the-scenes video, I share a few tips I’ve learned that help ensure my equipment gets to my destination safely and efficiently. I also share details about the equipment I travel with, what I pack it in, and how I carry it.

Whether you’re weaving your way through TSA, hustling to get to your gate, or dealing with diminishing overhead space on your flight, lots can go wrong. Don’t end up at your shoot with stolen or damaged gear!

If you have any questions, comments, or travel stories to share, please post them below! I always respond. ENJOY!!!

GEAR FOR THIS VIDEO:
ThinkTank Airport TakeOff – https://amzn.to/2T3FrqN
ThinkTank My 2nd Brain 13 – https://amzn.to/2IC72um
Sandisk Extreme 64GB MicroSD – https://amzn.to/2SWX4o8
GoPro Session 5 – https://amzn.to/2RP7Jnv
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Nikon D5 – https://amzn.to/2SAbPfO
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Nikkor 10.5 f2.8 Fisheye – https://amzn.to/2T3FGSJ
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Nikkor 16-35 f4.0 VR – https://amzn.to/2H3uDSe
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Nikon SB-5000 – https://amzn.to/2BYNP0m
Manfrotto 055XPro4 – https://amzn.to/2BTzwKo
More Gear at – https://chrisandcami.com/events/gear/

STAY CONNECTED:
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MUSIC:
The Big Conference
Licensed under YouTube Audio Library

DISCLAIMER:
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

AnnMarie & Mark’s Mountain Top Wedding

Earlier this year, Mark proposed to AnnMarie at the bottom of the ocean on a scuba diving expedition. How fitting it was that they decided to tie the knot at the top of a mountain during a snow-boarding expedition!!!

AnnMarie & Mark are close friends of Molly & Justin, who’s beautiful destination wedding we photographed several years ago in Charleston. We can’t thank them enough for the kind referral!

To make things even more interesting, AnnMarie & Mark planned their wedding for New Year’s Eve. So on the last day of the year, Cami and I met up with everyone at their rented cabin on the tip top of Beech Mountain, NC. Bringing just a core group of their closest family and friends, we could tell everyone was having a BLAST!!! The boys had already been out snowboarding that morning. The girls had been shopping and primping. Spirits were high, and excitement was in the air!

With a glowing fire in the fireplace, the intimate wedding took place under a beautifully decorated arbor in the great room. AnnMarie was absolutely STUNNING in her wedding gown. You could see the depths of the love between these two as Mark’s emotions poured out during the service, which AnnMarie’s sister conducted beautifully.

Following the ceremony, this crazy, adventurous couple, braved the bitter winds and heavy fog for some epic photo ops. At 5500 feet, their cabin was perched above Avery, the highest town east of the Rockies! The rugged landscape, biting winds, and dramatic fog made it feel like we were on the set of Game of Thrones!!!

It was an experience Cami and I will never forget! To see the rest of the photos, visit: https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/annmarieandmark.

CONGRATULATIONS AnnMarie & Mark! You two are so perfect for each other. We wish you all the best as you begin this new amazing adventure together!!!

Audrey & WD at The Island House

Audrey is one of the fabulous members of the Education Team at the Center for Birds of Prey. I’ve had the privilege of working with her many times at various events over the years. She’s super smart, crazy fun, loves the outdoors, has a big heart, and plays soccer. I love her to pieces and was absolutely honored when she asked me to be her wedding photographer!

I met William (or “WD” as his friends call him) for the first time at the wedding rehearsal. It was like bumping into an old friend. He is so laid back, easy going, accepts you for who you are, and loves to laugh. WD shares so many things in common with Audrey…he’s passionate about fishing, being outdoors (especially if it’s on the water), and oh yeah…he plays soccer! These two are a perfect match made in heaven!!!

Their beautiful wedding and reception were held at The Island House, a picturesque venue overlooking the Stono River. Everything was delightfully decorated with a bohemian fall theme. Even the weather cooperated with temperatures dropping pleasantly into the high 60s, down from the oppressive heat of the high 80s it had been in weeks prior.

Audrey was just stunning in her gorgeous gown with its intricate lace backing.  WD was quite dashing in his gray suite and bow tie. One thing I absolutely LOVED (and that you’ll notice in the progression of photos) is how the low lying layer of clouds lifted RIGHT AT THE END of the ceremony as these two beautiful souls exchanged their vows! It was truly magical how the sun popped out, shining on their smiling faces, right at that moment. Like I said, these two are a match made in heaven!!! 🙂

To see the rest of their wedding photos, visit https://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/audreyandwd.

I also loved how they incorporated Audrey’s Scottish heritage into their celebration. From the bagpipe processional, to special family members flying over all the way from Scotland to be here for their special day, it was really neat to have that international touch.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Audrey & WD’s wedding so special!

Lynn at The Island House
www.islandhouseevents.com

Jayme at Brand Bars & Events Wedding Planner
www.brandbars.com

Keith at Café Catering
www.cafetogochs.com

Sierra at BevSafe
www.bevsafe.com

Mary & Kit at Lotus Flowers
www.lotusflowercharleston.com

Nick at Lowcountry Entertainment
www.lowcountryentertaimentsc.com

Ashley at ABCD Cakes
www.abcdcakes.com

Eden at Snyder Rentals
www.snydereventrentals.com

Shauna at Moxie Salon
www.facebook.com/Moxiesalonmtp

Lowcountry Valet
www.lowcountryvalet.com

Jim Saint John
Family friend and Officiant

CONGRATULATIONS Audrey & WD! We wish you all the best as you begin your amazing new journey together!!!

“A thousand welcomes to you with your marriage kerchief,
May you be healthy all your days.
May you be blessed with long life and peace,
May you grow old with goodness, and with riches.”

~ Gaelic Wedding Blessing

Jamie & Brian’s Fendley Farmstead Wedding

One day, about 8 years ago, Jamie was at work processing client invoices when the phone rang. A nice man on the other end of the line had called to pay his bill. But by the end of the phone call, they’d had such a nice conversation that Brian, the man on the other end of the line, told Jamie she sounded so nice on the phone that he’d love to get her number and call again! She agreed. And the rest, as they say, is history.  🙂

About 7 years ago, Jamie was the Maid of Honor in Melissa & Kevin’s beautiful wedding, which I was honored to photograph at Middleton Place Plantation. Jamie & Meilissa have been best friends since forever! As the girls continued to hang out, Brian and Kevin soon developed a lasting friendship as well. Thus I thought it was so fitting that Brian eventually asked Kevin to be his Best Man!

Jamie & Brian’s beautiful fall wedding was held at Fendley Farmstead in the foothills of Canton, GA. The cool fall weather made for such a cozy experience, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the lives of these two AMAZING people, and the love they shared. It was such a joy for Cami and I to be there to capture all the exciting moments of this wonderful day!

CONGRATULATIONS Jamie & Brian! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together!!!

Tani & Scot’s Wedding on the Carolina Girl

Tani and Scot were classmates at Pelham Road Elementary back in the 70’s. Scot played football for the Mustangs, and Tani was a cheerleader. It’s the classic American sweetheart story!  Scot asked Tani to wear his jersey one week and Tani happily accepted.  🙂  Scot and Tani both attended Greenville Middle School as well as Eastside High School. As they got older, the bond of the “Pelham Road Mustang Jersey” faded and, as often happens in high school, their lives took different paths. After High School Graduation, Tani went on to college at USC, and then to Furman for her Masters. Scot joining the Marine Corps, and studied at Lander University and Greenville Tech. After a deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Scot went on to a 15 year career in the golf industry.  Tani got married and had two wonderful children, Brooke and Garrett, while parenting a step child as well.  Years later, Tani and Scot re-ignited the flame of the “Pelham Road Mustang”, and have been inseparable ever since!

It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know Tani & Scot as we planned, prepared and finally got to photograph their beautiful wedding last weekend!  The pure joy, and beautiful energy both of them put out into the world is such a breath of fresh air.  The way they laugh, cry, hug, and hold each other lets you know that they are TRULY living life to the fullest.  In the worries and woes of today’s crazy world, being around these two put peace in my mind and hope in my heart.  The world is a better place with these two in it…ESPECIALLY now that they have found their way back to each other!!!  🙂

I met up with Tani & Scott for their First Glance in a beautiful clearing surrounded by trees near the Ripley Point Marina.  What a joyful way to start off their celebration!  Family and friends joined us for a fun photo shoot soon after.  Then it was on to the one and only Carolina Girl.  I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings and receptions on this beautiful yacht!  Ashley and the rest of the staff had prepared everything down to the last detail.  Breezes swayed the sweet grass back and forth as we cruised through the low-country waterscape surrounding historic downtown Charleston.  Tani & Scott exchanged their vows on the upper deck as the serene scene floated by.  After a perfectly timed sunset photo-opp, the party kicked into high gear with dinner, dancing, and LOTS of celebrating!

At the end of the evening, a special surprise awaited Tani.  Scott had secretly arranged for an 8-man company of marines to perform the traditional Saber Arch as the two of them dis-embarked from the Carolina Girl.  It was quite a site, and quite an emotional moment!  To welcome her to the Marines, Tani received the customary “sword swat” on the derriere, to everyone’s applause.  Hand-in-hand, Tani & Scot then made their way down the dock, lined with excited friends and family, all blowing bubbles and high-fiving the newlyweds as they made their way off into the night!

CONGRATULATIONS Tani & Scott!  May your hearts forever be full and free!!!