Jessica & Dan’s Surprise Proposal at The Ocean Course

Dan contacted me almost 2 months ago about photographing his Secret Proposal to his girlfriend, Jessica. They are both from Madison, WI, and have been dating for a year and a half now. Dan knew she was the girl of his dreams…and knew that it was time to pop the question!

Dan told me that The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island was a special place for Jessica. So we hashed out the perfect plan for him to surprise her there during an upcoming vacation they had to Charleston. However, when the big day arrived, a huge storm blew through the area, almost derailing our entire plan! With Dan keeping Jessica occupied, his sister-in-law, Brielle, frantically called to try and work out a “Plan B” with me. I was already driving out to Kiawah when the storm hit. It was INTENSE!!! But soon after I arrived at The Ocean Course Clubhouse, it began to subside. And Dan was still game for giving it a try!

I am SO GLAD he persevered…because the skies parted, and the storm moved off-shore just as they pulled into the parking lot. Dan NAILED his part of the deal…leading Jessica to the “X”, which marked the spot, then turning to her to ask if she would be his bride! Brielle and his brother then ran out to congratulate them. And we spent the rest of the evening on a super fun, authentic engagement session. The best part was, the skies opened up beautifully for a gorgeous sunset! WOW!!!

As the sun slipped behind the horizon, everyone headed into The Atlantic Room for a celebratory dinner. CONGRATULATIONS Dan & Jessica! We wish you all the happiness in the world!!!

Allison & Trent at Rainbow Row

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing these fun, colorful, romantic images for Amanda & Trey! We had so much fun exploring Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, and Adgers Wharf…before they headed off for a nice dinner date.  🙂

As I often do, I arrived early and found this beautiful heron hunting in the marsh while I waited for them.  Then heading home, I couldn’t help stopping to capture the sunset through the sailing ships moored on the Ashley River.

Jackie & Jason’s Engagement Photos at White Point Garden

I am so excited about Jackie & Jason’s upcoming wedding this November!!!

We’ve been talking, emailing, and planning for a couple months now. But yesterday was the first time I’d actually met Jackie & Jason in person! We met up at White Point Garden during late afternoon Golden Hour for their Engagement Session. We had so much fun getting to know each other, capturing their love for each other, and exploring the old historic downtown area around The Battery together.

Jason is a law enforcement officer with Isle of Palms. Jackie works in hospitality with Seabrook Island. They are absolutely ADORABLE together! And I can’t wait to be there for them on their Big Day!!! 🙂

Kate & Matthew’s Engagement Photos

I had so much fun photographing Kate & Matthew’s Engagement Photos at Hampton Park last week!

Matthew works at Westbrook Brewing. Kate works in the insurance industry at Park Circle. The two of them met online at the tail end of the Covid pandemic. Their first date was at Mellow Mushroom, just as restaurants were opening back up. They made an instant connection. And the rest is history!!! 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS Kate & Matthew! I can’t wait to be there for you two on your wedding day…

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…

Nicole & Julian’s Rainbow Row Engagement Session

Nicole & Julian scheduled their engagement session to be EXACTLY one year from the day of their wedding. How cool is that?!?

We had so much fun getting to know each other, exploring Waterfront Park, the French Quarter, and Rainbow Row, as we captured beautiful images together. I loved hearing about their wedding and how excited they are to be married. They truly are perfect for one another! After I sent them the photos, Nicole & Julian wrote such a kind and generous review:

“They are the best!! They edit the photos so quickly and are very responsive. Chris made the whole experience easy and fun (and this is coming from someone who hates getting their photo taken!) you will not be disappointed with them!”

I can’t wait to be there for Nicole & Julian’s wedding next year!!!

Madi & Connor’s Rainbow Row Engagement

Madi & Connor are ENGAGED!!!

I had so much fun catching up with them and photographing their engagement photos yesterday. Madi & Connor went to high-school together. He is now in his first year of medical school. And she is in her last year of dental school. They are an absolutely ADORABLE couple…about to embark on the biggest adventure of all.  I can’t wait to be there for them on their wedding day!!!

Please help share some love and encouragement for these two during this special time in their lives…

John & Shelby’s Surprise Proposal at White Point Garden

Pinch me!!!

In case you missed it, Cami and I had the UNBELIEVABLE HONOR of photographing Shelby Rogers’ beautiful surprise proposal by her incredible boyfriend, John. I can’t begin to explain how touching it was to be there and capture this special moment for these two amazing humans!!!

Please help me in CONGRATULATING them, and wishing them all the happiness in the world as they begin this new journey together…

Emily & Halen are Engaged!!!

It was a pleasure photographing Emily & Halen’s beautiful engagement session yesterday!

We met up at The Post House in the old historic downtown Mt. Pleasant area. It was so much fun exploring the area. Plus they brought their adorable 2-year old beagle, Cooper to be in some of the shots! As an added bonus, their good friends Kelly & Chris joined us to help with Cooper. I owe them a huge “Thank You” for not only helping with Cooper, but also for recommending us to Emily & Halen!!! 🙂

After a few shots downtown, we headed over to the park at Pitt Street Pier. It was a gorgeous evening! The sun set was awesome, and the moonrise was surreal. We came away with some AMAZING photos showcasing Emily & Halen’s fun-loving personalities, and their love for each other.

I can’t wait to photograph their wonderful wedding this fall!!!

Morgan & Ryan’s Engagement Session at Hampton Park

I met Morgan’s parents at a fun event I was photographing for the Aucoin Family. When they asked me to photograph their daughter’s wedding, I was absolutely DELIGHTED!!!

With an unseasonably gorgeous 70-degree day yesterday, we headed out for a fun engagement shoot at Hampton Park. But not just your average engagement shoot, I was so excited when they brought their new baby boy, Wyatt to join us! The light was amazing. Wyatt was adorable. And we all had an amazing time exploring the park and capturing a wide variety of images to preserve this special time in their lives!

CONGRATULATIONS Morgan & Ryan! I can’t wait to be there for you guys at your wedding in just a few short months. 🙂

James & Sadaf’s Surprise Proposal at White Point Garden

James and Sadaf have been together for almost exactly one year. When James called me several weeks ago, I could just hear it in his voice…he KNEW Sadaf was the right girl for him!!!

Together we came up with a beautiful plan to surprise Sadaf during their weekend get-away to visit Charleston. Thinking they were meeting a guide at White Point Garden to take them on a short historic walking tour, Sadaf was totally unaware of the secret plan James had in store for her!

Leading his gorgeous girlfriend to a spot under the avenue of oaks, James dropped to one knee and asked her to be his wife. It was such an incredible moment that I could feel all the other tourists around me collectively holding their breath as soon as they realized what was going on. When Sadaf said “YES” and gave him that big hug, everyone burst out in enthusiastic applause!!!

I got to know James and Sadaf a little bit that afternoon, as we spent some time together wandering the historic downtown streets, creating some magical engagement photos for them.  And I can truly say, they are absolutely perfect for each other.  CONGRATULATIONS James & Sadaf! We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives together…

Branden & Kendelle’s Surprise Proposal on Kiawah Island

When Julia told me Branden & Kendelle’s story, and explained that he was going to propose to her beautiful daughter the day before Thanksgiving, I knew right away that Cami and I needed to delay our travel plans by a day so that we could capture this moment!!!

Julia and I concocted the ruse that she hired me to photograph family portraits during their visit to Kiawah Island. We all met up at The Ocean Course.  I loved the colorful outfits they had all chosen.  And we had a blast, capturing a variety of shots, including their Christmas Card photo. Then towards the end of the shoot, I suggested some candid “walking on the beach” photos of each couple. When it was Branden & Kendelle’s turn, he took her hand, led her down the beach for a little privacy, dropped to his knee, and ask her to be his wife. It was SUCH a special moment!!!

Afterwards, everyone congratulated the newly engaged couple with hugs and high-fives. The others went inside for drinks at the Ryder Cup Bar while Branden & Kendelle did some engagement photos with me before meeting up with them in the Atlantic Room for dinner. As soon as the rest of the gang left, the overcast skies cracked open a sliver of light at the horizon, allowing the AMAZING sunset to shine through for the amazing couple!

CONGRATULATIONS Branden & Kendelle!  You have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…