CTAR Leadership Conference at Founder’s Hall

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors has served as the “Voice of Real Estate” in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina for more than 100 years, issuing statistical analysis of market conditions, offering legislative support to its members, and serving as the premier resource for all things real estate. This slideshow is a vignette into the story of the CTAR Leadership Conference, held at Founder’s Hall, located in Charles Towne Landing

Austin Asked, Courtney SAID YES!!!

This morning was a magical start to my day! Not only was it a crisp, fresh, glorious spring day, but I got to do one of my absolute FAVORITE things in the whole wide world…photograph two young people giving their hearts to each other!!!

Austin and I have been secretly planning behind Courtney’s back for months. We were making plans for his Secret Wedding Proposal to Courtney, his girlfriend of 2 years. Courtney is a bit of a history buff. And Austin wanted a majestic Avenue of Oaks. The majestic and historical Charlestowne Landing turned out to be the ABSOLUTELY PERFECT location!!!

After Courtney had caught her breath from all the excitement, we had a wonderful time exploring the grounds as we photographed their authentic Engagement Session. Courtney and Austin were so much fun to work with! I just loved how they melted into each other’s arms and couldn’t stop kissing. 😉  You just couldn’t imagine a sweeter couple!

CONGRATULATIONS Courtney & Austin! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you embark on this new journey together!!!

Charlestowne Landing Bridal Portrait

Waiting…

That’s the one thing I can’t stand about photographing Bridal Shoots!   🙂

I’ve been dying to share images from Catie’s beautiful Bridal Session last month. But of course her gorgeous wedding gown had to be kept a secret until the Big Day. Now that her and Justin tied the knot this weekend, I can finally show off how amazing Catie looked in her elegant and unique wedding dress.  The waiting is over!!!

I love this southern tradition of photographing Bridal Portraits about a month before the wedding. It’s quite likely that this is the most expensive garment a young lady will ever own in her life! Sure she’ll have a few shots of herself in the dress on her wedding day. But with the hustle and hurry of that stressful day, there just isn’t time to truly do it justice.  I always encourage my brides to schedule a Bridal Shoot to truly document how gorgeous they look in the gown of their choice.

These fun “fashion style” photo shoots are scheduled for a more relaxed time and place. Hair and make-up is fresh. It can be planned around the best light of the day (instead of being squeezed in wherever it fits among the zillions of other pictures to be taken on the wedding day). Due to time constraints, all the photos on wedding day are done at the wedding or reception venue. Bridal Sessions allow brides to pick a totally different location. Maybe it’s somewhere special to them (where they had their first date?). Maybe their wedding is downtown, but they want some photos at a plantation? A Bridal Shoot is a great time to be creative and come up with some cool and creative wedding photos that simply can’t be done on the wedding day due to the constraints of time and space.

Catie & Justin LOVE the many beautiful plantations around Charleston! After all, their wedding was held at the historic Boone Hall Plantation. However, leading up to the wedding, they also had photo shoots with me at Runnymede Plantation, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and finally these inspirational images from Charlestowne Landing.

Catie…you were absolutely STUNNING!!! What a pleasure it was to share this afternoon with you and your parents, capturing your amazing spirit, and documenting the spirit of your stunning wedding gown.

Olman & Craig at Charlestowne Landing

What a joy it has been to get to know Olman & Craig over this past year! We absolutely LOVE these guys!!!

Olman & Craig met through work, where they are execs at AT&T in Atlanta. They were looking to for a spot to have a nice destination wedding that had a beautiful courtyart surrounded by nature and greenery. They couldn’t have picked a more AMAZING location than Charlestowne Landing!

Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous courtyard at Founder’s Hall in this beautiful historic plantation. But we took advantage of other scenic locations around the grounds as well! In spite of the threatening weather, the ceremony went off without a hitch. Plus Olman & Craig bravely indulged my “creative geekiness” for a few dramatic shots in the misty sprinkle afterwards. 🙂

Many thanks to everyone who helped make their wedding such a huge success! And a special thank you to Jessica for referring these two beautiful soul-mates to us! What a special priviledge it was to capture all the excitement of their wedding day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Olman & Craig! May your life hereafter be filled with happiness and delight.