Loryssa & Tony’s Secret Proposal at Middleton Place Plantation

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing Tony’s surprise marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Loryssa, at beautiful Middleton Place Plantation!

Tony and I had been planning this surprise together for months! We had worked out every detail, and thought of every contingency…except the weather. The days leading up to the big event found torrential rains bombarding Charleston. But on the morning in question, the clouds magically drifted out to sea, and the sunshine rained down on a gorgeous spring day!

Arriving at Middleton Plantation extra early, I had time to set up a remote camera with a secondary angle to the one I was shooting from. Then I get hidden in place to wait for their arrival. Tony had done his research, and hit his mark perfectly!  It was a picture-perfect moment.  Hiding under my camouflage cover, my heart melted, and I may have shed a tear.  What a blessing to be able to witness this gesture of true love.

Here’s a little sneak peek of some of my favorite images. You can find the rest in their Online Gallery at: http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/loryssaandtony.

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!!!

Dr. Giep Proposes to Michelle at Anson’s Restaurant

It’s hard to imagine two people more in love than Michelle & Dr. Giep!

I had the distinct honor of secretly photographing their wedding proposal at the renowned Anson Restaurant in historic downtown Charleston this evening.  They were the sweetest, kindest, most adorable couple you could ever imagine!!!  What a privilege it was to capture this special moment in their lives!

CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle & Dr. Giep! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together…

Lacey & Paul’s Secret Proposal

Paul is the epitome of a true gentleman!

Evidence of that is the care and attention to detail he put into a beautiful weekend for his future bride. I was honored to be a part of his plans to propose to the adorable Lacey! We emailed ideas back and forth, figured out the perfect timing, and talked on the phone to fine tune each and every step.

This past weekend, Paul led Lacey into a private courtyard at the historic Mills House in downtown Charleston. With all the staff “in” on the secret, everything went off without a hitch…even when Lacey almost derailed it by asking one of the bell hops to take a selfie with her phone. 😉  Somehow, Paul got things back on track and in a touching moment, asked Lacey to be his wife!!! Celebrating with champagne, a private serenade, and a candlelight dinner, I left the two love birds to enjoy their evening.

The following morning we met up for a fantastic walk-about through our picturesque city streets. Lacey took over the engagement session with her gorgeous smile, bubbly personality, and creative eye. Paul was proud as could be, and happily put up with all our crazy ideas and fun poses!  To see the rest of their photos, head over to http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/laceyandpaul.

Many thanks to my good friend and amazing photographer, Roxy, for the kind referral.  CONGRATULATIONS Paul & Lacey! It was such a pleasure being a part of this special day for you both!!!

Chris & Mandi’s Secret Proposal at Middleton Place

I feel like a SPY!!!

Chris and I have been in cahoots for several weeks now, planning his really cool surprise wedding proposal to Mandi. Chris is an incredible guy! Everything he’s planned out, down to the finest details, has all been to make Mandi the happiest girl in the world. I think it’s so honorable when a man does that for his future bride!!!

Yesterday, the big day finally arrived! It was Mandi’s birthday. Chris had planned it that way so she wouldn’t suspect he was proposing until the last minute…pretty sneaky! They drove down for a fun weekend get-away to Charleston. The first stop on their list was to visit Middleton Plantation for a relaxing tour of the gorgeous gardens before their dinner reservations.

Before they arrived, I took all the picnic items, and the painted pumpkins, and set them up under the oak tree Chris had selected for “the spot”. With eyes on the target, I was able to follow the Mandi & Chris as they strolled around the grounds, sneaking a few shots as they went. Once they began approaching the picnic area, I got myself hidden and waited for them to come into view

With heart pounding and hands sweating, I gripped the camera and captured a ton of great shots as Chris asked Mandi to be his wife! Photographing all the cute moments of their picnic was a delight. Finally I came out of hiding so that we could create some beautiful engagement photos of them in the gorgeous “Magic Hour” right before sunset!

CONGRATULATIONS Mandi and Chris! May your lives be full of joys too numerous to count!!!

Christina & Jeff’s Secret Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

Jeff and I have been covertly corresponding about his Secret Proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Christina, since back in March!!! It’s been so much fun coming up with the perfect plan together. It really showed me how much he truly loves this amazing young lady!

The Big Day finally arrived yesterday. As they were enjoying the House Tour at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, I was getting the stage set and getting in my hiding place. When the tour was done, Jeff led Christina down a winding path and stopped underneath a gorgeous live oak tree. He read a wonderful speech he had prepared for Christina. Than got down on his knee to ask for her hand in marriage.

SHE SAID YES!!! 🙂

Afterwards we spent some time walking through the gardens, photographing fun engagement photos, and enjoying the evening together. Christina was so excited. She could hardly keep her eyes off her amazing new ring.  And she couldn’t stop hugging and loving on Jeff the whole time!  🙂

It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this special occasion for Christina & Jeff. CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!!

Meredith & Peyton’s Secret Proposal at White Point Garden

It’s been a looong time coming!!!

Peyton, with the help of his incredible family, has been secretly planning his proposal to Meredith in the heart of beautiful downtown Charleston for months! Yesterday, the big day finally arrived. The dreary weather had finally cleared away, leaving us the perfect day for him to ask for her hand in marriage.

But when I got to the spot we had so carefully picked out at The Battery Park, the city of Charleston had roped it all off to let the grass grow in!  After a flurry of frantic texts back and forth, we had an excellent “Plan B” in place. Fortunately, Meredith still had no clue what was in store.  So everything turned out PERFECT!!!

After she said “Yes”, the three of us had a wonderful time strolling through the park, around the old historic district, and along The Battery, capturing amazing engagement photos as we went. Returning to the park, his family was there to congratulate the newly engaged couple, before sending them off on a romantic carriage ride.  To see the rest of their images, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/p393066554

Longtime sweethearts from ECU (and recent graduates I might add), Meredith and Peyton are absolutely perfect for each other!!! I was so honored, and had so much fun capturing this exciting once-in-a-lifetime event for them.

CONGRATULATIONS Meredith & Petyon! We wish you all the best for a beautiful new life together…

Jessica & Joseph’s Secret Proposal at Charlestowne Landing

I have a confession. Joseph and I have been in cahoots for several weeks! We’ve been sneaking around behind Jessica’s back, sending cryptic messages and false emails to throw her off our trail. Why? Well, we’ve been planning this AMAZING secret proposal for the love of his life!!! 🙂

This morning, the big day FINALLY arrived! It was so cool to watch Joseph lead his beautiful girlfriend down the elegant avenue of oaks at Charlestowne Landing, where he asked her to marry him on bended knee under a cathedral of giant trees.

To our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has captured a proposal this magical place. Many thanks to Courtney and the fine folks at Charlestowne Landing for all their help in making this happen!

CONGRATULATIONS to Jessica & Joseph! You guys are amazing together! eHarmony should be VERY proud!!! 🙂

Casey & Bekah’s Secret Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

It’s rare to find true love as genuine as Casey & Bekah’s!!!

A few days ago I had the pleasure of photographing Casey’s secret proposal to Bekah. He and I had been diligently planning every detail of this special moment for months! Finally the big day arrived…and it turned out absolutely PERFECT!!!

Casey had a full day planned out for the two of them, involving sight-seeing together, a picnic at the beach, and eventually a tour of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. The grand finale of their fairy-tale day was him asking her to be his wife, on bended knee, under this beautiful cathedral of oaks.

“May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.”
– Irish Blessing

CONGRATULATIONS Casey & Bekah!

Caroline & Matt’s Secret Wedding Proposal

“I am stationed at the Navy Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek. I will be graduating on March 20th, and I plan on proposing to my girlfriend downtown later that afternoon.”

WOW!!! Matt wrote this to me back on February 5th! I think it is SO COOL when guys make such special plans, so far in advance, to capture all the excitement of their marriage proposal. It really takes a special kind of guy to recognize the importance of the occasion, and to want to preserve it for his future fiance to be able to remember it through beautiful photographs!

Matt & I became great pen-pals over the ensueing weeks, as we discussed locations, times, and logistics…finally settling on a great game plan. After graduation, he and his family, along with Caroline, would have lunch downtown at Cru Cafe. He and Caroline would then take a nice stroll down to The Battery while his parents went on a carriage tour. Once they got to White Point Garden, we had a special spot all picked out, where he would take a knee and ask Caroline to be his wife!

I arrived early and got everything staged for their arrival. Entering the park right on cue, everything went down absolutely perfect! Oh, and as if you can’t tell by the photos, Caroline said “YES”!!!  🙂

CONGRATULATIONS Caroline & Matt! In the brief moments we shared together, I could tell you are two souls who are beautifully and wonderfully made PERFECT for each other. We wish for you all the love and happiness that you deserve!!!