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…

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…

Nicki & Mark’s Maggie Valley Wedding

Love is a journey. For Nicki and Mark, that journey led them to the breathtaking Barn Star Event venue in Maggie Valley for their destination wedding. As a photographer, I had the incredible privilege of capturing the magical moments of their special day, where love, laughter, and natural beauty collided to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nestled on the outskirts of Maggie Valley, the Barn Star Event venue proved to be the perfect canvas for Nicki and Mark’s love story. Surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, the family-owned venue exuded rustic charm and natural elegance. The picturesque landscape provided a stunning backdrop for every photograph, from the intimate ceremony to the lively reception.

The ceremony was a symphony of emotions, set against the backdrop of the rolling hills and clear blue skies. Nicki, radiant in her elegant gown, walked down the aisle escorted by her best friend and soon-to-be-husband. Their spirit-led exchange of vows under the open sky, with the mountains as witnesses, was a truly magical moment that I was honored to capture.

One of the highlights of photographing Nicki and Mark was the opportunity to explore the venue’s scenic surroundings for stunning portraits. The couple’s genuine joy and love for each other were evident in every frame, whether against the rustic barn, under the arbor, or against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The natural light played its part perfectly. And as day turned to dus, we were able to create magical and timeless images that truly reflected the essence of their love.

Photographing Nicki and Mark’s destination wedding was a journey into love and beauty. The combination of a picturesque location, a wonderful couple filled with true love, and the unique details of their celebration resulted in a collection of images that will forever tell the story of their special day.  I’d like to give a HUGE Thank You to my cousin, Beth of Beth Brown Photography for capturing the drone photos during the ceremony!

CONGRATULATIONS Nicki & Mark!!! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together…

Emily & Halen’s Wedding at the I’On Creek Club

There’s an inexplicable joy in capturing the essence of love and commitment through the lens of a camera. As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and documenting numerous weddings, each with its own unique charm and beauty. However, Emily and Halen’s wedding at the I’On Creek Club last weekend stands out as an extraordinary celebration of love and happiness!!!

Nestled amidst the serene landscape overlooking lowcountry marsh, the I’On Creek Club provided an idyllic backdrop for this joyous occasion. From the moment I arrived, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The venue’s natural beauty, overlooking the glistening waters, set the stage for an enchanting ceremony that promised to be a photographer’s dream.

The day began with the pre-ceremony preparations, an intimate time filled with nervous excitement and laughter. Emily, adorned in her stunning gown, exuded elegance and grace, while Halen’s anticipation was palpable. Every moment was a canvas waiting to be painted.  And I was honored to capture the raw emotions and candid moments that made their story come alive.

As the ceremony commenced, the golden hour cast a warm glow, enhancing the enchanting ambiance. Against the backdrop of the Creek Club’s breathtaking views, Emily and Halen exchanged their vows, while I focused on immortalizing those heartfelt promises and the tears of joy that glistened in their eyes.

The reception was a jubilant affair, brimming with wonderful toasts, lively dancing, and unfiltered merriment. From their grand entrance, to their bubble-filled sendoff, every instance was a treasure trove of emotions and connections, waiting to be framed in a photograph.

What made this wedding particularly enjoyable to me was not just the stunning venue or the elegant decorations, but the genuine love and connection between Emily and Halen. Their affection was evident in every stolen glance, every tender touch, and every shared smile. It was a pleasure to freeze those moments in time, knowing that these photographs would become cherished memories for years to come.

The wedding at the Creek Club was not just an event; it was a symphony of emotions, a celebration of love and commitment, and an amalgamation of moments that will forever be etched in the hearts of everyone present. As I packed up my equipment that night and bid adieu to this remarkable day, I left with a heart brimming with contentment, knowing that I had the honor of documenting a love story so pure and beautiful.

CONGRATULATIONS Emily & Halen!!! Photographing your wedding was not just another job; it was a profound privilege to be part of. We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together…

Bri & Andrew’s Wedding at The Oasis

Cami and I have been looking forward to Bri and Andrew’s wedding for a long time!  Andrew is Cami’s awesome nephew. We were so happy when he found his soulmate in Bri. Together they have built a wonderful life together, which includes their adorable little daughter, Marley!

Their wedding day turned out to have the most perfect weather any bride and groom could ever hope for…sunny and seventies with blue skies and puffy white clouds. It was held at The Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, OH…a picturesque venue right on the golf course.

Bri was absolutely stunning in her cathedral length gown and flowing lace veil! My favorite part of her enseble was her cool blue Converse sneakers! Andrew was looking sharp too, in his charcoal suit and white bowtie.

The service was really special, and included a unique unity ceremony, where Bri and Andrew brought a sapling from their yard which was set on a table under their arbor. During the service, they each took turns pouring mason jars of soil from his family home and her family home, which they combined with the soil already in the pot from THEIR home!

CONGRATULATIONS Bri & Andrew! We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives!!!

Stacey & Parker at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club

Parker’s email said “When we were evaluating the IOP Exchange Club as a venue for our wedding, we searched for pictures online and found a recent wedding you had photographed there…which opened our eyes to the possibilities!”

I’m so glad Stacey & Parker found those photos. And I’m so glad they ended up hiring me for their wedding!

Stacey and Parker live in Carmel, Indiana. Their first meeting was a pandemic-inspired date the day after Thanksgiving of 2020. They had met online and decided to get together for a brief outdoor walk, bundled in full winter gear. Eight miles later, they both knew that something special was a real possibility. They’ve been together ever since!!! Parker proposed to Stacey on New Years Day. 🙂

This adorable couple have family and friends that live on Isle of Palms. They visit the area regularly. They love it here, and hope to retire on IOP one day. So they decided to have a nice intimate wedding with their families and a few close friends. It was absolutely delightful! And I’m so honored they asked me to be a part of it!!!

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

Anna and Christian at The Citadel Beach Club

Anna went to Charleston Southern University and now works with Coastal Kids Dentistry.  Christian is currently stationed with the Army on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.  They went to the same high-school, but didn’t really hang out together at first because they were both dating different people.  When those relationships ended, they started hanging out in group of singles where Anna & Christian made a real connection with each other.  They started dating…and the rest is history!

Christian’s family is originally from Pittsburg.  But they moved to Summerville years ago, which is where Anna and Christian ended up meeting at school.  Anna’s family is full of educators.  Her mom is a math teacher.  And her  grandfather is a retired Citadel professor in the Education department.  Plus Anna’s dad is a Citadel alumni.  So it was quite fitting that they had their ceremony at the beautiful Citadel Beach Club!

It was a gorgeous summer day, albeit a little hot outside.  But that didn’t stop everyone from coming out and celebrating the love Anna & Christian have for each other!  Anna was absolutely stunning in her cathedral-length wedding gown, complete with long flowing veil.  Christian was smartly decked out in his blue suit and bowtie.  The ceremony was heart-felt.  And the reception afterwards was a joyful celebration like no other!!!

Many thanks to Anna’s mom for all her hard work and planning, to  Jessica at Lowcountry Weddings for keeping everything organized, to Pastor Eric for the touching ceremony, Chris at Country & Lace for the floral arrangements, Flavours of Charleston for the delicious food, Mikey Lee for rocking the awesome tunes all night long, and all the other vendors who helped make Anna & Christian’s day a huge success!

CONTRATULATIONS Anna & Christian!!!  We wish you all the best as you begin this beautiful new journey together…

Becca & Matt at Pineland Place

After photographing their GORGEOUS wedding at the historic Wentworth Mansion last year, I was so excited to cover Becca & Matt’s delayed reception at Pineland Place last weekend!  They had purposely planned their reception as a laid back “summer celebration” with all their friends, while keeping their winter wedding small and intimate with just immediate family.

Check out their amazing wedding photos at https://chrisandcami.com/becca-matts-wentworth-mansion-wedding/, and their beautiful surprise proposal at https://chrisandcami.com/matts-middleton-place-proposal-to-becca/.

Becca & Matt hosted their reception at Pineland Place in Moncks Corner, which is a fantastic venue on their family’s farm.  The space has a “rustic barn” feel to it, with lots of the original wood interior, salvaged doors, and other decorations coming from the original farm.  Without the anxiety of a formal wedding ceremony, the whole event had a very relaxed and joyful atmosphere to it.  Highlights of the day included a lively photo shoot with close friends and family, Becca & Matt’s “Grand Entrance”, a touching welcome by Matt’s dad (Chris), delicious tacos for dinner, their cake cutting, a duet with Matt’s dad and sister (Jenny) singing “Sunrise Sunset”, a caricature artist doing his magic, a tarot card reader, and of course tons of dancing and mingling.  Everyone had such a great time just hanging out and having fun!  Eventually Becca & Matt shared a private last dance before heading out under showers of flower petals, through a line-up of their loved ones, sending them off into the night.

CONGRATULATIONS Becca & Matt!  We are so excited for you two as you continue your beautiful journey together…

Amanda & Bryan at Summerall Chapel

Amanda & Bryan are the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet!

Bryan graduated from The Citadel back in ’96. He and Amanda now live in Ohio. When they decided to get married, all he wanted was to be able to return to The Citadel and marry the girl of his dreams in the iconic Summerall Chapel! So Amanda planned a beautiful destination wedding to Charleston with just a few close friends and family. Bryan and Amanda each have kids. Which made it extra special as their blended family came together and made the long trip in support of this amazing couple!

Amanda and her girls got ready in the adjacent Mark Clark building before being picked up by a Rolls Royce to drive her around the quad to the wedding. Bryan got ready at Summerall Chapel, where he was able to greet guests and welcome everyone. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, including a special sand-ceremony at the alter, and a spectacular sword arch at the end. Afterwards, Amanda had arranged for a private photo session in Bryan’s old barracks! How cool is that?!? We then returned to their families back at the church for group photos. And finally, we headed over to Hampton Park where the newlyweds could enjoy a few minutes together before joining everyone for dinner.

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

Liza & Joe’s Destination Wedding in Madison

Joe is Cami’s second cousin. So, when Joe and Liza contacted us to ask if we would photograph their wedding, we were elated! We were excited to be going to Madison for a destination wedding. Cami spent several summers in that area while growing up, visiting her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Port Edwards.

It was a beautiful day for the wedding. We were happy that it took place inside the Goodman Community Center where Liza works, as it was a 90 degree day! The guys started getting ready on the top floor, while the ladies were in a room on the main floor. Joe looked very handsome in his suit. Liza looked stunning, with her amazing daughter, Lily helping with makeup. Liza’s wedding gown was absolutely elegant! After everyone was dressed to the nines, Liza & Joe had their first glance on a beautiful lawn across from the wedding venue…followed by family and wedding party photos.

The wedding was led by Joe’s mother, Susan, and included a touching hand binding ceremony. The flower girl, Emilia, drew lots of smiles as she walked down the aisle, throwing the flower petals up behind her back. After the ceremony, we captured some fun photos of Joe & Liza, their first shots as a married couple, while everyone else headed to the Brassworks Building for the cocktail hour and reception.

A warm welcome by Joe’s dad, Don, and a delicious meal awaited everyone at the reception. Lively chatter and fun festivities carried on throughout the night. Cake cutting, and touching toasts also ensued. Eventually, James, with the Juke Box Bandstand started jamming and the party kicked into high gear! Everyone was dancing and singing and having a BLAST!!! But finally it was time to bid Eliza & Joe a fond farewell.

Many thanks to all of the fine folks from the Goodman Community Center for all of their help in making the wedding a huge success. Also, a huge shout out to all the vendors who made this special day possible.

CONGRATULATIONS Liza & Joe!!! It was an absolute honor to capture all the beautiful memories of this special day for you. We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together.

Morgan & Ryan’s Wedding at The Citadel Beach Club

What a GORGEOUS day for a wedding!!!

I got to know Morgan & Ryan, and their adorable son, Wyatt, at their fabulous engagement shoot last year:  https://chrisandcami.com/morgan-ryans-engagement-session-at-hampton-park/.  So I was super excited to be covering their amazing wedding at The Citadel Beach Club!

With blue skies, puffy white clouds, a gentle ocean breeze, and perfect temperatures, you couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.  Surrounded by close family and friends, they tied the knot on the grand lawn with pelicans soaring overhead, and the southing sounds of the ocean in the distance.  A lively reception with great food, friendly fellowship, and crazy dancing followed inside the ballroom.  Bruce even sang a surprise solo to his beautiful daughter during the toasts!  But my favorite part was when Morgan, Ryan, and I snuck out to the beach for some sunset photos with a bottle of bubbly!  😉

Many thanks to Keri of Keri Seay Events for all her help keeping everything on track.  And a huge shout out to all the other vendors for making Morgan & Ryan’s day so special!

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

Brianna & Evan’s Wedding at Historic Rice Mill

I got to know Evan & Brianna last year when he contacted me to secretly photograph his surprise proposal to the love of his life!!! It was AMAZING: https://chrisandcami.com/evan-surprises-brianna-with-his-proposal/.   So when they called to ask if I would also capture their wedding, I was elated!

Although rain threatened us for a minute, it actually ended up being the perfect weather…not too cold, not too hot, with a little bit of cloud cover.  The guys started out at Haberdash…hanging out and having fun while they got ready.  Evan was looking pretty dashing by the time they got done with him!  Then it was over to The Cottages at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.  Brianna’s “reveal” to the girls was a highlight!  She was an absolutely STUNNING bride in her elegant gown!!!  🙂  Finally we all headed back over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to The Historic Rice Mill for the main event!

The lively and humor-filled ceremony was led by Brianna’s half-brother, Seth.  At one point I think I saw a tear in Evan’s eye…which was so touching.  Then it was on to wedding party photos while guests enjoyed cocktails with views of the sailboats bobbing in the Ashley River.  I was worried that the low-lying blanket of clouds was going to ruin our plans for some gorgeous sunset photos of Brianna & Evan.  But just 15 minutes before sunset, a sliver of sky opened up on the horizon to reveal the most amazing sunset for us to work with!!!

A warm welcome by Brianna’s dad, and a delicious meal awaited everyone at the reception.  Lively chatter and fun festivities carried on throughout the night.  Cake cutting, signing the marriage license, and touching toasts also ensued.  Eventually, The Vistas band started jamming and the party kicked into high gear!  Everyone was dancing and singing and having a BLAST!!!  But finally it was time to bid Brianna & Evan a fond farewell.  We closed the night out with a big group photo featuring the entire band…before this amazing couple headed off into the night!

Many thanks to Alyssa and her team at www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com for making sure everything went off perfectly.  And a huge shout out to all the vendors who made this special day possible.

CONGRATULATIONS Brianna & Evan!!!  Having been there from the “I Will” to the “I Do”, it was an absolute honor to capture all the beautiful memories of this special day for you.  We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together.