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…

Alex & Hannah’s Surprise Proposal at White Point Garden

Alex’s heartfelt email arrived on my desktop back in July: “I’m looking to propose to my girlfriend on the evening of either 11/11/22 or 11/12/22 and would love to have the surprise proposal photographed.”. (I owe my good friend and amazing photographer, Michael Cyra, a HUGE Thank You for recommending us to him!)

This contact sparked a wonderful series of emails and phone conversations with Alex, in which we concocted a secret plan of action. Alex & Hannah were going to be visiting Charleston that weekend. We decided that after a fun tour of The Aquarium, he was going to let her know he had arranged for a private walking tour around historic Downtown Charleston for the two of them. And they had to meet their “tour guide” under a certain tree at White Point Garden.

When the big day arrived, I got to the park ahead of schedule, and set up my spot. Due to the wind (remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole that had passed through days before), Alex and I had to call an audible. We needed to reverse their positions so that Hannah’s hair wouldn’t be blowing in her face! 🙂 Alex handled the change of directions with confidence and discretion…expertly guiding Hannah to a beautiful spot on the lawn, underneath the avenue of oaks that line the edge of the park.

Dropping to his knee, Alex delivered a beautiful speech, and asked Hannah to be his wife. SHE SAID YES!!! The park was filled with tons of tourists, who all noticed what was going on, and broke out in applause afterwards! It was such a special moment.

Following their surprise proposal, Alex, Hannah, and I enjoyed a wonderful stroll through the park, into the surrounding old historic district, ending up along The Battery for some dramatic shots with the sun setting in the distance over the Ashley River!

CONGRATULATIONS Alex & Hannah!!! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…

Izzy & Stephen’s Surprise Proposal

It was such an honor being a part of Stephen’s Secret Proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Izzy, last night!

Stephen & Izzy have been together for 3 years now.  Although her family now lives in Florida, her dad is originally from Colombia, which explains her gorgeous Latin complexion.  His is lives in North Carolina.  The two of them met at a college in NC and have been dating ever since.  They live near Charlotte, where she works for a marketing agency, and he works for the Whitewater Center (like a Theme Park for outdoor enthusiasts).

When his company purchased the gorgeous Middleburg Plantation in Huger, Stephen knew EXACTLY where he wanted to propose!  So he called me and we came up with a plan.  Because his company has had surveyors, maintenance workers, photographers, influencers, and marketing teams out at the new property to get it ready for launch, he said it would be easy to pretend that I was out there to photograph the grounds for the company brochures.  We agreed on the perfect spot under the long avenue of amazing oak trees for me to photograph his surprise proposal.  And sure enough, it worked like a charm!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Stephen & Izzy!  We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together…

Lindsey & Brock’s Rehearsal Dinner Party

My heart is overflowing! This weekend was filled with palpable excitement, heartfelt tears of joy, and a fairytale story of true love!

It all started with Lindsey & Brock’s Wedding Rehearsal at Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. After rehearsing their vows for the day ahead, we strolled through the park, capturing a few beautiful portraits of this amazing couple as the sun’s final rays of golden light sifted through the trees.

The ensuing Rehearsal Dinner Party at 700 Drayton Restaurant was the perfect cap to a delightful day together. Everyone was in high spirits with anticipation of the day to come. And there was a palpable buzz of excitement in the air, as everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship and celebration for Lindsey & Brock.

With dreams of the big day ahead, here are a few favorite images from Lindsey & Brock’’s Wedding Rehearsal.  I can’t wait to share their amazing wedding photos as soon as they are done! Stay tuned!!!  🙂

Caroline & Andrew’s Rehearsal Dinner Party

The monsoon rains cleared up just in time for Caroline & Andrew’s awesome rehearsal dinner party!

Although the ground was wet, and there was plenty of flooding around downtown, spirits were high as everyone toasted and celebrated this beautiful couple and the special day that lay ahead. Caroline and Andrew’s rehearsal dinner was held at the private room behind Leon’s Oyster Shed. Afterwards, everyone jumped on the trolley and headed over to Edmunds Oast. The outdoor event space had been reserved for all their friends to join the family, nibble on some treats, share in lively conversation, and party the night away. The rains held off as the amazing Southside 17 Band kept the tunes rolling, and kept the energy going!

CONGRATULATIONS Caroline & Andrew!!!

Matt’s Middleton Place Proposal to Becca

Becca & Matt are the most adorable couple ever!!!

When Matt called to ask if I would capture his surprise proposal to his girlfriend, Becca, I was super excited. He had already put so much thought into how he was going to propose, and had so many fantastic ideas. I could tell he was head-over heals in love. And I couldn’t wait to be a part of it!  We spent the next few weeks planning out every detail.

Matt knew how much Becca loved gardens and flowers. So he had chosen the Octagonal Garden at Middleton Place as the spot where he would ask her to marry him. Isn’t that awesome! I arrived at “the spot” a little early that morning to get in place. Right on cue, Matt led Becca around the corner and over to our pre-chosen location. Taking a knee in front of the girl of his dreams, he asked Becca to be his wife. She said YES!!!  🙂  I could hardly contain my emotions, as I witnessed the whole thing from inside my viewfinder.

Afterwards, we had so much fun, exploring the gorgeous grounds at Middleton Plantation, getting to know each other, and photographing a variety of authentic engagement photos for them to commemorate this special day! CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Becca!!!

Silverio Family at Hampton Park

A gentle breeze and soft lighting gave us the PERFECT evening for a summer family portrait session! I met up with the Silverio Family at the picturesque Hampton Park. They were in town enjoying their bi-annual family reunion. It was especially neat to have grandma Jean with us, celebrating her 83rd trip around the sun!

Many thinks to Cynthia for helping organize everyone. We had a BLAST and came away with some wonderful images!

(Nikon Z9, Nikkor 24-120 f4S, SB-5000 Speedlight, Lexar XQD Cards, Manfrotto supports)