Taj & Michael at The Lakehouse at Bulow

Taj & Michael contacted me back in January about photographing their intimate wedding at The Lakehouse at Bulow.

Bulow Plantation is a beautiful log cabin venue on a serene lake with a gorgeous bridge extending out to an island covered in pine trees. Because they love nature and the great outdoors, Taj & Michael had initially thought about a beach wedding. Then they fell in love with the idea of getting married amongst the majestic pine trees. But Michael took it one step further and had some beach sand brought in so they could still get married in bare feet on a mound of soothing sand…the best of both worlds!

Taj & Michael were an absolute joy to be arround! Their positive energy and kind spirits made it evident why they had so many close friends who had traveled far and wide to celebrate with them. Their love and connection to one another shone in their eyes. I had so much fun capturing all the special moments of their Big Day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Taj & Michael! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together, with or without shoes…

ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit

Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is singularly focused on supporting sound policy development and pro-farmer legislation to support long-term profitability for corn growers. ICGA works to support state and federal policy on increasing blends and access to renewable fuels, decreasing regulatory burdens on Iowa’s livestock industry, improving Farm Bill programs, promoting trade policies and so much more.

It was a real honor to photograph this year’s ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit, which is one of the many opportunities for delegates to get involved and make their voices heard. Attendees get an in-depth look at the issues facing the corn industry, debate key policies that impact their farm, help set the direction for the organization moving forward and get to know other corn growers from across the state. This year’s event was held at Prarie Meadows Hotel & Casino in Altoona, IA. Keynote speakers included Secretary Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds!

Many thanks to Shannon, Amanda, and Rachel from the ICGA communications team for bringing me on board to capture all the energy and excitement of this amazing conference!!!

US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Reception at Hogle Zoo

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Day 3

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Day 2

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Day 1

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

Kelsey & Evan’s Wedding at Alhambra Hall

Last weekend, I had the incredible pleasure of photographing Kelsey and Evan’s stunning wedding at Alhambra Hall in picturesque Mt. Pleasant, SC. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Charleston’s cityscape across the harbor.

Kelsey was absolutely gorgeous in her exquisite gown. If you haven’t already, check out the beautiful portraits from her Bridal Shoot here: https://chrisandcami.com/kelseys-bridal-portraits-at-waterfront-park/. After her mom and maid of honor helped get her ready, Kelsey had a private First Look with her dad, and her step-dad…followed by a fun “reveal” to the rest of her bridesmaids. Evan looked quite dashing in his suit classic navy suit as well.

Their love and excitement were palpable throughout the day, from the tender moments during the ceremony to the lively celebration with family and friends during the reception.  As a wedding photographer, my goal is always to not only document the events of the day but to also capture the emotions and atmosphere that make each wedding unique. Kelsey and Evan’s wedding was a photographer’s dream, with plenty of candid moments and genuine expressions that truly reflected their love story.

One of the highlights was photographing the couple during sunset. Hidden behind low-hanging clouds for much of the afternoon, the fiery sun revealed itself for a brief moment through a sliver in the sky just as it hit the horizon near the famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge. This creating a dramatic backdrop for their final portraits before the party kicked into top gear.

The reception was an absolute BLAST!!!  From their grand entrance to the heartfelt toasts, from the anniversary dance to the bouquet toss, from the cake cutting to the final sparkler exit…it was an absolute joy to witness Kelsey & Evan’s excitement as they danced and celebrated this milestone surrounded by their loved ones.

I’m grateful to have been a part of Kelsey and Evan’s special day. It’s weddings like theirs that remind me why I love what I do—capturing true love, eternal joy, and new beginnings.

Congratulations Kelsey & Evan! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife!!!

MUSC Doctor of Surgery Graduation Gala

It was an absolute pleasure photographing the annual Graduation Gala for the esteemed Medical Universary of South Carolina newest surgeons! This was my second year covering this amazing event.  And I’m so glad I got to be a part of it!

Many thanks to Diana for hiring me, and for sharing these kind words with me after she received the photos:
“Thank you so much!! You were great and everyone raved about you from the event. I couldn’t be more pleased with your services and the beautiful photos.”

PNC Bank Elite Awards Banquet – Westin Savannah Harbor Resort

It was an absolute pleasure photographing the PNC Elite Awards Banquet at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort earlier this week!

Because all the Elite Awards Winners were going to be receiving complimentary headshots during cocktail hour, my good friend and amazing photographer, Jason, joined me so we could double the pace. We set up two identical shooting stations on either side of a Savage Studio Gray backdrop. This allowed us two have two shooting stations going full tilt so we could get everyone photographed before the awards banquet began.

Once everyone had gotten their portraits made, Jason and I quickly repurposed several of the off-camera speedlights to use as spot-lights on the stage. As each award winner was called up, I photographed the formal shot of them receiving the award, while Jason coverd the podium and candids of the crowd cheering and clapping for their friends. It was a fun and exciting night!

Many thanks to Laura at KLH Group, as well as Margeaux & Danielle at PNC Bank, for trusting us with this assignment and keeping everything organized.

Chelsea & Trey’s Wedding at Pametto Dunes Resort

As a photographer, every wedding tells a unique story, and Chelsea and Trey’s special day at Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island was no exception. Despite unexpected rain showers challenging their plans for a beach ceremony, their love shone brighter than the sun, creating unforgettable memories against the stunning backdrop of this coastal paradise.

The day began with an air of anticipation as Chelsea prepared for her big moment at the Windsor Place condos. The excitement in the air was palpable, with laughter and joy filling the room. Meanwhile, Trey, no doubt equally eager and nervous, awaited the moment he would see his bride. The beautiful couple met in the private garden for their First Look, exchanging some personal vows they had written for one another. Just as they finished this touching moment, family began to arrive for some fun group portraits!

Although they had hoped for a beach wedding with sand under their feet, and blue skies above…Mother Nature had other plans. As raindrops fell, the dream of exchanging vows on the sandy shores seemed to drift away. But Chelsea and Trey weren’t about to let a little rain dampen their spirits. With grace and flexibility, they embraced the change, moving their ceremony to the exquisite Centre Court Pavilion, a setting just as enchanting as the beach itself. Against the backdrop of an elegant arbor, draped in white linens and palmetto greens, Chelsea and Trey exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The love and warmth that filled the air were a testament to the deep bond shared between the couple and their loved ones.

Following the ceremony, dinner, and a warm toast by the father of the bride…the skies cleared and the sun made a triumphant appearance! I had the privilege of capturing some breathtaking portraits of Chelsea and Trey in the surrounding woodlands and trails. The golden hour bathed them in a warm, ethereal glow, lending an extra touch of magic to their already radiant smiles.

The magic didn’t stop there. As evening descended, the celebration kicked into high gear, marking the beginning of a joyous evening ahead. After their First Dance, and parent dances, just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more enchanting, Chelsea’s family from Jordan took center stage, leading everyone in lively Middle Eastern dances that brought the house down. It was a beautiful fusion of cultures and traditions, a testament to the power of love to unite people from all walks of life. As I watched Chelsea and Trey twirl and laugh, surrounded by their loved ones, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be a part of such a special moment.

In the end, Chelsea and Trey’s wedding at Palmetto Dunes Resort was a reminder that love is not just about perfect moments, but about embracing the unexpected twists and turns that life throws our way. As their photographer, I was honored to capture each and every precious moment, preserving their love story for generations to come.

Please help me send a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Chelse & Trey as they begin this new journey together!!!

The Citadel Foundation Campaign Launch

Sometimes I get to photograph the COOLEST events!!!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing The Citadel Foundation’s annual Campaign Launch. It was an AMAZING evening! After cocktails on the lawn at Johnson Hagood Memorial Stadium football field, welcome speeches and toasts were made. A delicious dinner was followed by an incredible live band under the big white tent. Everyone partied and danced the night away!

(DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Nikon Z9 with Nikkor 24-120 f4 VR, Nikon Z9 with Nikkor 14-24 f4, 6 Speedlights)

Carolyn & Colin’s Wedding at I’On Creek Club

As a wedding photographer, I often find myself privileged to capture the love stories of couples like Carolyn and Colin. Their recent wedding at the picturesque I’On Creek Club was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the serene ambiance of the venue, nestled along the tranquil water’s edge. The natural beauty of the surroundings served as a perfect backdrop for their special day.

Carolyn and Colin’s love for each other was palpable throughout the entire event. From the tender moments shared during their intimate ceremony to the joyous celebrations that followed, every photograph captured reflected the depth of their connection. It was evident that their family and friends played a significant role in their lives, as laughter and heartfelt embraces filled the air.

As an added bonus, my good friend and amazing photographer, Mic, agreed to second-shoot their wedding. His daughter is best friends with Carolyn’s sister, the maid of honor. So their two families already shared a wonderful connection. Many thanks to Mic for capturing some amazing moments!

Carolyn and Colin’s wedding at the I’On Creek Club was a beautiful testament to love, commitment, and the joy of starting a new chapter together. It was an honor to document their special day. And we wish them a lifetime of happiness and adventure ahead as they begin this new journey together!