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…

Kyra & Jake’s Engagement Session

Kyra & Jake met when she started working at an Outback Steakhouse about two weeks before he left for Navy Nuclear Power School. Luckily, he was smart enough to get her number before he left!!! 🙂

They’ve been together about 2 years now. But they still act like they just got together…young, vibrant, and full of love! You can just tell they are a match made in heaven.

I’ve known Kyra for a while now that she manages The Art Mecca of Charleston, a wonderful art gallery in downtown Charleston that sells some of our fine-art images. She’s beautiful, full of life, and a real go-getter! Although I’ve met Jake, we haven’t had the chance to hang out. It was so much fun getting to know him as we explored some cool, iconic areas of downtown Charleston.

Starting out at White Point Gardens, we strolled through the French Quarter. We then went deeper into the hear of the city for a few shots along the historic Chalmers Street. And finally we headed over to the new Dewberry Hotel. The Living Room at the Dewberry is Kyra & Jake’s new go-to hangout spot. We had so much fun, and the staff was fabulous…even bringing them some Champagne for a toast.

To see the full session, visit: http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/kyraandjake.

It was such an honor spending the morning getting to know with these two AMAZING people! We had a BLAST, and captured some wonderful images to showcase this special time in their lives. CONGRATULATIONS Kyra & Jake!!!

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!!!

Toni & Billy’s Wedding Celebration

Cami & I have been friends with Toni…well…forever! 🙂 So it was with great joy that we got to photograph her and Billy’s beautiful wedding celebration last weekend at the West Ashley Outboard Motor Club!!!

It was such a fun, intimate affair, with close family and friends gathered around to support Toni & Billy’s love for each other. Their joy and happiness was truly self-evident throughout the evening. And I must add, Toni was absolutely stunning in her coral wedding gown.

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

Katie & Grayson at Magnolia Plantation

Last weekend, Katie & Grayson’s dream of a picture-perfect southern plantation wedding came true!!!

The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and excitement filled the air! Magnolia Plantation was the gorgeous backdrop for the day. And Katie was absolutely stunning in her gown. What more could a photographer ask for?!? 🙂

To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/katieandgrayson.  And to see some of Katie’s beautiful bridal portraits, check out https://chrisandcami.com/katies-bridal-portraits-at-charlestowne-landing/.

Originally from Arkansas, Katie & Grayson are the most amazing couple you could ever hope to meet! Katie is a stunning lawyer and athlete, with an infectious laugh, and a fun mischievous streak. Grayson’s devilish good looks and strong-but-quiet demeanor could land him on the cover of GQ magazine someday. Together they are a match made in heaven!

Many thanks to my amazing second-shooter, Robbin, to Leanza at Magnolia Plantation, to Loraine at Invitation Only Charleston, to Angela at First Impressions, to John at Watering Hole, to Thomas at 326 Films, to Janice at Pretty Petals, to Steve at Coastal Hospitality, to Andrew at Classical Charleston, to Monica at Cake Sablee, to Ron at RCB Audio, and to the many other helping hands and smiling faces of friends and family who helped make this day so special!

CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Grayson!!!

“Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead
and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion,
and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
– Apache Wedding Blessing

Katie’s Bridal Portraits at Charlestowne Landing

Now that Katie & Grayson are married, I’m SO EXCITED to be able to finally reveal a few images from her fabulous Bridal Shoot!!!

Katie, her Mom, and her Maid of Honor all met up with me one afternoon last week at the picturesque Charlestowne Landing. This historic state park preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas! How cool is that?!?

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. The light was amazing. And Katie was absolutely STUNNING in her wedding gown! We had a blast and came away with some wonderful images to honor her beautiful dress and to commemorate this special time in her life!

Reid & Paul’s Halloween Shoot at Bethany Cemetery

This morning I had one of the coolest, most unique photo shoots I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing!!!  🙂  I met up with Reid & Paul and their amazing kids for a fun After-Shoot at historic Bethany Cemetery.

A HUGE thank you goes out to the super creative Reid for all her creative stylized ideas, props, and pets. A special thanks also goes to the rest of the family for braving those CRAZY mosquitoes…HA!

CONGRATULATIONS Reid & Paul! You guys are so perfect together!!!

Elika & Jonathan at Boone Hall Plantation

You won’t believe it…but Elika & Jonathan finally tied the knot this weekend!!! 🙂

I’ve been looking forward to this wedding with much anticipation ever since the fabulous we had together at their engagement session. Elika & Jonathan are the warmest, most caring, downright lovable couple on the planet! Just being around them makes you want to be a better version of yourself. The joy they emanate, and the love they share, is truly special!!!

Their ceremony was held at the picturesque Boone Hall Plantation on a day that couldn’t have been any prettier. Guests marveled at the beauty of the venue…until Elika walked down that aisle in her Cinderalla gown. After that, all eyes were on her! Even their adorable dog, Kato, couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off Elika. But my favorite part was how Jonathan’s smile was filled with pure love and total adoration for his stunning bride!

The rustic Cotton Dock was the location of their reception. It had been decorated so elegantly! Delicious food, incredible music, and joyful laughter made the scene complete. The whole affair was an AMAZING celebration and I’m so honored to have been a part of this special day! Many thanks to Rachel at El Events for the kind referral and for her undeniable gift. Many thanks also to Laura, my incredible second-shooter.

Check out the rest of the photos at http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/elikaandjonathan.

CONGRATULATIONS Elika & Jonathan! Wishing you all the best as you begin your new lives together. God has so many more wonderful things in store for your future together!

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!!!