Kai’s & Savannah’s Surprise Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

Over the last 30 years as a professional photographer, I’ve discovered that photographing surprise proposals is one of my absolute favorite things to capture. There’s something incredibly special about documenting such a genuine, life-changing moment, and Kai’s surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Savannah, was a perfect example of why I love these shoots so much.

Kai and I spent several months carefully planning every detail to make sure the moment unfolded perfectly. He chose the iconic white bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens as the setting, which couldn’t have been more romantic. On the big day, I hid behind a tree at the far end of the pond so Savannah wouldn’t suspect a thing. From there, I photographed the moment with a dual-camera setup using two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 400mm f4.5 S lens to capture the proposal from a distance, and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f2.8 lens to showcase more of the scene.

Kai and I had created a schedule, and mapped out a route for him to lead her to the bridge. Even though she had no idea what we were up to, and he had never been there before, Kai somehow managed to get her to Magnolia Plantation right on schedule, and lead her right down the path I had told him to take. Kai had cleverly told her he was there on a work trip and had to make a presentation to his team. He asked if they could get to the plantation early so that he could practice his speach! Arriving at “the spot”, he handed her a copy of the speech so she could read along. Only instead of a work speech, it was his declaration of love and devotion to Savannah. I could see the emotions welling up as she read along. Then he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She said YES!!!

After the excitement settled, we spent some time strolling around the beautiful grounds creating authentic engagement portraits. Using the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S lens, and occasionally adding some off-camera flash, we captured a wonderful collection of images celebrating the beginning of their next chapter together.

Please help me in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Kai and Savannah!!! We wish you all the best as you start this new journey together…

Caroline & Erik’s Surprise Proposal on Kiawah Island

There are few moments as electric and intimate as a surprise proposal — Erik’s for Caroline was one of them. Erik and I had been secretly planning for two months, coordinating timing, vantage points, and small details to make the moment feel effortless. He chose the Butterfly Garden at The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island, where they were staying for the weekend, and golden hour wrapped the scene in a warm, honeyed glow.

My camera of choice was the Nikon Z9 — its autofocus speed and high-resolution files let me move between wide environmental shots and close emotional frames without missing a beat. Some moments that stuck with me: the quiet build of anticipation as they wandered through the garden, Erik’s nervous smile just before he knelt, Caroline’s joyful surprise, and the expression on her face after he pointed me out…snapping away from the other corner of the garden!

Afterwards, we had a fun time on an “authentic” engagement session around the property and onto the beach. Golden hour really worked its magic: soft, flattering light filtered through leaves and blooms, giving everything a cinematic, romantic quality. To keep detail in the shadows and make sure her ring and the smiles on their faces read crisply and clearly, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash. The flash provided subtle fill and rim light without overpowering the natural mood.

Photographing surprise proposals is about more than gear; it’s about reading people, staying invisible until the right instant, and anticipating the emotion. Two months of planning paid off in a collection of images that feel honest, tender, and timeless.

Please help me CONGRAGULATE Erik and Caroline!!! We wish them all the best as they begin their new journey together…

Maddie & Mark’s Engagement Session on Kiawah Island

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Maddie and Mark’s engagement session in the picturesque Cassique neighborhood on Kiawah Island. The evening was perfect, bathed in the warm glow of golden hour, creating an enchanting atmosphere for capturing their love story.

As I arrived, the stunning scenery of lush landscapes and charming Southern architecture set the stage for a great session. My camera of choice wsa the Nikon Z9! It’s exceptional image quality and fast autofocus, ensuring that every candid moment reflected Maddie and Mark’s genuine joy and connection. I used the Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II and the Nikkor Z 70-180 f2.8 for their incredible sharpness and beautiful bokeh. To add depth and dimension to certain shots, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash, creatively enhancing the images without overpowering the natural light. Plus a few shots on the DJI Mini 3 Pro added a unique perspective!

We explored different nooks and crannies of Cassique, from tree-lined pathways to waterfront vistas…ending up on a really cool wooden bridge over the marsh. I encouraged Maddie and Mark to interact naturally, allowing their personalities to shine through the lens. Their laughter and loving glances documented not just the moment but their deep connection to one another. The session culminated in a stunning sunset, with the sky painted in shades of orange and pink, resulting in breathtaking images. Each photograph not only captured a moment in time but also a reflection of their love, and their future together.

I felt a real connection with Maddie and Mark’s…and I loved hearing about their love story. I am honored to have been a part of this memorable experience and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Brandy & Dan’s Hampton Park Engagement Photos

WOW!!! What an amazing sight greeted me at Hampton Park when I arrived for Brandy & Dan’s engagement session. The rains had just passed through Charleston, the sun was out, and a gorgeaous rainbow stretched across the sky!

Brandy & Dan arrived shortly thereafter. And we had an AMAZING time exploring the park, getting to know each other, and creating beautiful images together. As we returned to our cars, we realized there was a great chance for a brilliant sunset. So we zipped over to Brittlebank Park to capture a few dramatic silhouettes against that colorful sky!

CONTRATULATIONS Brandy & Dan! I can’t wait to be there for you guys on your wedding day!!!

Kaitlin & Stevie’s Engagement at the Lagare Waring House

I’ve known the Petit family for a long time. It’s been my honor to photograph Chris & Shelley’s wedding, as well as Jody & Gerald’s wedding. So imagine my excitement when I found out I’ll be photographing their brother Stevie’s wedding to his beautiful fiance, Kaitlin!!!

Kaitlin & I have been emailing each other over this winter, working out details and plans for their wedding in the fall. One of the things she wanted to schedule fairly soon was their engagement photos. In fact, we originally had it scheduled for last week when that crazy winter storm blew through Charleston!!! Kaitlin & Stevie are so adventurous that they were totally game for having their photo shoot in the rare snowfall. But sadly, Charles Towne Landing closed due to the weather. So we rescheduled, and it turned out to be an absolutely GORGEOUS 70-degree day with beautiful afternoon light streaming throught he trees!

I had so much fun getting to know Kaitlin & Stevie. I can’t wait to meet her amazing family, and reconnect with the Petit family! Their wedding at Founder’s Hall inside this State Historic Site is going to be absolutely AMAZING!!!

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!!!

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…