McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects and Trident Construction

McMillan Pazdan Smith is a regional, studio-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm. Their purpose is to create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all. Their goal is to design a better future through thoughtful, creative, and purpose-driven solutions. Serving with integrity has always been at the heart of what MPS is about. Many projects stem from repeat clients, a testament to their focus on design excellence and customer service.

McMillan Pazden Smith recently moved their offices into the brand new and ultra-modern Morrison Yard building in downtown Charleston. One of my favorite clients, Trident Construction, was tasked with the uplift of the new office space. And I was honored to be selected to photograph it for them!

Headshots for McCabe Trotter & Beverly

Over the years, I’ve developed some wonderful relationships within the photography industy. Charleston…and South Carolina as a whole…has a wonderfully supportive cummunity of photographers. If a client contacts me and I’m not available, I find out what they are looking for and recommend several photographers who I know personally, and trust to do a great job for them. Frequently, that good karma comes back to me!

Last week, my friend and amazingly talented photographer, Clark Berry, passed along one of his clients for me. Clark is from Columbia, and photographs headshots for McCabe, Trotter & Beverly, P.C. But when they opened a new branch in Charleston, Clark’s schedule was too tight to drive all the way down here for one headshot. So he recommended me! He also sent me samples of how he photographed the ones in Columbia, what lights he used, and even a behind-the-scenes photo of his setup.

From that information, I was able to meet up with attorney Jim Lady at the new office, and capture a variety of headshots that mirrored the style Clark had used on the original photos!

Retina Consultants for Novus Architects

Novus Architects was founded 25 years ago by Tommy Smith in his living room, working for one client. It didn’t take long for the Novus family to expand, as the demand grew for Tommy’s creative process and commitment to exceptional customer service. That first client, and many others that followed, are still working with Novus Architects today. Many of the team members from those early days are still around as well. What started as a small family firm, has simply grown into a larger extended family.

It was a pleasure photographing the new revovations Novus Architect implimented at Retina Consultants in Mt. Pleasant!

Guy Family at West Ashley Park

I’ve enjoyed getting to know my friend Frank Guy of Francis West Studios over the years. It was an absolute honor to photograph his and Leah’s wedding, as well as Leah’s modeling photos last year. So when they asked me to photograph a fun family portrait session to kick off the New Year, I was all in! We met at West Ashley Park for an awesome mini-session, capturing a variety of beautiful images for them.  Leah’s two older kids live in New York.  So having updated photos of the whole family together will be extra special for her!  🙂

Greer Assisgnment for Seamon Whiteside (Pt 2)

I love working with Seamon Whiteside! They are a wonderful company that truly care about connecting with their clients…a value reflected in our business model as well.

When Landscape Architect Kenny Seamon & Civil Engineer Stuart Whiteside created a business partnership in 1985, the result was SW+, the only company in Charleston offering both services under one roof. This unique mix worked! With the goal of being the best design firm in the region, the SW+ leadership team continues to attract the brightest talent, each with a unique expertise in one of the many facets of land design.

“At SW+ we view ourselves as a partner in site design; working by our Clients’ side, with their goals in mind. This means we strive to fully understand their vision, approach their project with passion, continuously collaborate, produce quality plans, and engage in the construction process to help see the vision through.”

This week I had the pleasure of photographing two new assignments in Greer, SC, and Morganton, NC, for Seamon Whiteside. Here are a few favorites from the day…

Charlotte Projects for Seamon Whiteside

I love working with Seamon Whiteside! They are a wonderful company that truly cares about connecting with their clients…a value that perfectly aligns with our business goals.

When Landscape Architect Kenny Seamon & Civil Engineer Stuart Whiteside created a business partnership in 1985, the result was SW+, the only company in Charleston offering both services under one roof. This unique mix worked! With the goal of being the best design firm in the region, the SW+ leadership team continues to attract the brightest talent, each with a unique expertise in one of the many facets of land design.

“At SW+ we view ourselves as a partner in site design; working by our Clients’ side, with their goals in mind. This means we strive to fully understand their vision, approach their project with passion, continuously collaborate, produce quality plans, and engage in the construction process to help see the vision through.”

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing a number of recently completed Seamon Whiteside projects in and around Charlotte. Here are a few favorites…

Madi & Connor’s Wedding on The Carolina Girl

Love stories are often written against the backdrop of picturesque settings. In spite of the weather last weekend, Madi and Connor’s wedding on The Carolina Girl Yacht in Charleston was nothing short of a romantic masterpiece. I had the incredible honor of documenting their special day…and it was a breathtaking experience from start to finish.

The choice of The Carolina Girl Yacht as the venue added an extra layer of magic to Madi and Connor’s nuptials. Docked in the charming city of Charleston, this luxury yacht offered a unique and intimate setting where they could exchange vows, with the stunning backdrop of the harbor and the city skyline in the distance. The gentle sway of the yacht created an atmosphere of tranquility, making it a fantastic experience.

Timing is everything in photography. Although the skies were overcast and dreary all day, capturing the beautiful “blue hour” on the water was a stroke of luck that added an ethereal glow to the couple’s portraits. As daylight turned to night, the gray clouds took on a magical blue hue. Using a warming gel, I contrasted the blue with a single off-camera flash to create a romantic warm light, embracing Madi and Connor for a few intimate portraits before darkness set in. The resulting photographs are nothing short of magical, with the couple’s love radiating against the breathtaking storm clouds.

Madi and Connor’s wedding was a celebration of nautical elegance, with the yacht’s sleek lines and classic design providing a sophisticated backdrop. The bride’s gown billowed gracefully in the sea breeze, and the groom looked dapper in his sharp suit. The details, from the maritime-themed decorations to the colorful floral arrangements, added a personal touch to the day, creating a visual feast for the lens.

One of the joys of photographing weddings is capturing the genuine emotions and candid moments that unfold throughout the day. From the laughter shared during the toasts to the tearful embraces between family and friends, Madi and Connor’s wedding was a treasure trove of heartfelt moments. These candid shots serve as a timeless reminder of the love and joy that surrounded the couple on their special day.

Photographing Madi and Connor’s wedding on The Carolina Girl Yacht was a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of a stunning venue, the natural beauty of the surroundings, the gorgeous couple, and the love in their eyes, all came together to create a visual narrative that will be cherished for years to come. It is indeed moments like these that remind me of the power of love, and of how privileged I am to be able to do what I love!

CONGRATULATIONS to Madi & Connor!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

Warehouse 13 for Trident Construction

You might think that photographing an empty warehouse would be kind of boring. On the contrary, it’s actually quite fascinating!!! I had the honor of photographing this brand new massive warehouse outside of Summerville for Trident Construction this week. Being the only person in this giant, empty space was quite overwhelming. But quitely capturing the repeating patterns of the steel beams, and all the graphical elements, without the distractions of fork lifts, workers, or piles of product, was kind of cool. Soon this place will be jam packed with goods, and filled with all the incessant noise that comes along with a busy warehouse in motion….constantly moving product in, out, and around the facility. So it was kind of cool to capture the calm before the storm!

Trident Healthcare Christmas Party at The Gaillard Auditorium

After ten years of hosting their annual Holiday Party at a well-known hotel in Charleston, Trident Healthcare finally outgrew the space. With over 350 guests attending this year’s event, the move to The Gaillard Auditorium was a good one!

As with previous years, I set up a portrait station near the check-in table, where couples could get their photographs taken in front of the Christmas tree. These were then printed as 5×7 portraits and mounted in an elegant black folio for them to take home has their party favor from the event. When I wasn’t photographing couples portraits, I captured candids of the evening, including the awards presentations for those who showed outstanding achievements within the hospital system.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! And Happy Holidays to all the attendees…

John & Shelby’s Wedding at Harborside East

As the official photographer of the Credit One Charleston Open for nearly two decades, it’s been an absolute pleasure to follow Shelby Rogers’ amazing tennis career! From starting out as a ball girl on the green clay of Charleston, to turning pro in 2009, and all of her amazing accomplishments on the courts since then, it’s been a thrilling ride. Her aggressive playing style and powerful groundstrokes contribute to her success on the court, which includes a thrilling quarterfinal run at the 2016 French Open!

I first met John the day before the 2023 Credit One Charleston Open.  He had reached out to me several weeks prior, asking if I would photograph his Surprise Proposal to Shelby!  It was so much fun getting to know him, and secretly planning that special day with him.  I could tell right away that he was an AMAZING young man, who truly wanted to make that day a special one for Shelby!  The photos from his proposal turned out wonderful:  https://chrisandcami.com/john-shelbys-surprise-proposal-at-white-point-garden/.

Last weekend was a tale of success on all fronts for this amazing couple! Shelby and John exchanged wedding vows in front of an intimate gathering of close family and friends. The picturesque charm of Charleston served as the enchanting backdrop for the union of John and Shelby, two amazing souls who are clearly meant to be together. I had the privilege of documenting their special day at the stunning Harborside East, nestled along the waterfront with the historic cityscape as a breathtaking panorama in the distance.

Earlier in the day, I met up with John and his groomsmen at the nearby Embassy Suites where they were getting ready. The air was full of excitement and anticipation as they prepared for the big day ahead. After leaving the guys to finish up, I headed over to The Cottages, where Shelby and her bridesmaids were making their final preparations. Shelby was absolutely STUNNING in her elegant gown! Eventually we all converged at the wedding venue, where Shelby & John shared a private moment of prayer and reflection together before guests started to arrive.

The processional started off with John being escorted by their adorable dog, Tilly, which brought smiles to everyones faces! But the real highlight was when Shelby started down the aisle to the acoustic resonance from her friend Brian’s guitar! She looked AMAZING…and John could scarcely contain his emotions!!! John and Shelby exchanged their vows underneath a beautiful cross, adorned with delicate blooms. The natural light streaming through the open windows highlighted the joy and emotion reflected in the couple’s eyes, making for truly authentic and heartfelt moments.

After the ceremony, family and wedding party photos ensued. Then, with the encroaching fog and waning twilight, we zipped off to capture a few romantic shots of John & Shelby down by the water. Meanwhile, guests encircled the patio in anticipation of John & Shelby returning for their First Dance as husband and wife. As the celebration shifted inside to the reception at Harborside East, the venue transformed into a haven of exuberance and joy. From the lively dance floor to to constant laughter, every moment was an opportunity to document the energy and love radiating from the newlyweds and their guests.

Photographing John and Shelby’s wedding was not just about capturing images; it was about preserving a story—a story of love, commitment, and the timeless devotion. As a witness to this unforgettable day, I am grateful to have been entrusted with the responsibility of freezing these moments in time.  It was wonderful how John & Shelby’s friends and family opened up to me, and made me feel like I was one of them. The images I captured serve as a testament to the enduring love between John and Shelby, forever etched against the backdrop of Charleston’s warmth and charm.

Many thanks to my friend Sarah Goldman for helping me cover this beautiful celebration.  And a huge shout out to Loraine of Invitation Only for helping make sure everything ran so smoothly in spite of the difficult weather.

CONGRATULATIONS John & Shelby! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

Sam’s Senior Portraits at The Citadel

It was a pleasure photographing Sam’s Senior Portraits at The Citadel yesterday afternoon!

Sam is a fine young man who is following in his father’s footsteps. His dad attended The Citadel before him, and then had a long career with the Army. Sam is in his last year at the military college, and plans to go into the Army as well. He’s hoping to become a helicopter pilot!

CONGRATULATIONS on surviving your time at The Citadel…and best wishes for your future success!!!

Andrew’s Surprise Proposal to Sarah at Waterfront Park

I’ve had so much fun getting to know Andrew while we secretly planned his proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah. Andrew had gotten my name from his cousin, John, who’s surprise proposal I’d photographed to Sarah Rogers earlier this year. And in fact, Andrew & Sarah were in town to attend John & Shelby’s wedding, which I had the pleasure of photographing the day before. So it was kind of neat to be able to photograph proposals for both of these very kind and thoughtful young men!

I could tell Andrew was truly smitten by the way he wanted to make sure everything was absolutely perfect for Sarah on the big day! We went back and forth about a number of ideas, finally settling on the Public Pier at Waterfron Park as the best place for him. He loved the idea of having nothing but the pier and the open water of Charleston Harbor behind them.

Rain was forecast on the day of his proposal. But we just forged forward and the “gods of love” kept the rain away so that we could capture this beautiful milestone for Andrew & Sarah. Andrew had arranged for a carraige tour right before the photo shoot. Afterwhich they walked over to the pier for the surprise of Sarah’s life. There had been a couple people sitting at the end of the pier when I arrived to set up. Politely explaining the situation, they were kind enough to continue their walk so that Andrew & Sarah could have the entire pier to themselves. Wasn’t that nice?

Arriving right on cue, Andrew led Sarah to “the spot”, took a knee, and asked her to be his wife. I could tell by the look in her face that she was totally surprised! I mean, her friends were always asking her “do you think Andrew will be packing something expensive with him on this trip?” every time they went somewhere for a weekend getaway. But she clearly wasn’t expecting it to happen at that particular moment. It was AWESOME! And Andrew nailed it!!!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a fun “walk-about” up to Rainbow Row, down S. Adgers Wharf, and over to the Pineapple Fountain for some authentic engagement photos. But Andrew had another surprise up his sleeve for Sarah. Unbeknownst to her, he had secretly arranged for her parents to drive all the way down from Michigan so that they could surprise her at the fountain. It was such a neat moment to see the expression on her face when her parents walked around the corner!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Andrew & Sarah! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…