Maniesha & Travis Part 3: Folly Beach Rock-the-Dress Shoot

For the grand finale of Maniesha & Travis’ amazing Charleston wedding celebration, we met up at Folly Beach for an incredible Trash-the-Dress session!

Actually, we prefer the term Rock-the-Dress. Some even call it Rock-the-Frock.  Regardless of what you call it, I love the romantic notion behind this concept. When a bride elects to do a TTD session, essentially she’s saying “I have found the one true love of my life, and will never need this dress again!!!” Isn’t that sweet?!?  Of course most brides get it cleaned and sell it, or get it preserved in a shadowbox. But the best part is, they have all these AMAZING, creative, artistic, and unique images to hang in their home or preserve in their album to commemorate this special day when they said “I do”.

CONGRATULATIONS again to Maniesha & Travis! You are two very special people. Your son Dallas is lucky to have you. And I consider myself lucky to have met you!!!

P.S.  As soon as we finished shooting and got out of the water, a pod of dolphins came RIGHT UP to us…as if to investigate this strange shimmering gown that was so elegantly swaying in the waved!!!  How cool is that?!?  🙂

Tatjana & Scott ‘s Wedding at St. John’s Parish

The title of this story could be “From Germany with Love”. 🙂

Hailing from Deutschland, Tatjana has her masters degree in education, but also a minor in photography. So the two of us hit it off right away!!! She and Scott met in Greenville, where he was doing his medical residency. They soon fell in love! But his roots are right here in Charleston. Naturally, when he moved back to Charleston to work in the ER, Tatjana came with him and their relationship blossomed!

Tatjana & Scott were married in a beautiful and intimate wedding ceremony, led by Scott’s childhood friend, now pastor at St. John’s Parish. The flock of adorable flower girls nearly stole the show. But when Tatjana in her gorgeous gown entered on her father’s arm, with the magical afternoon sun glowing through the windows behind them, it was a heart-stopping experience!

A picturesque low-country reception followed at Scott’s family home on the banks of the Wadmalaw River. The setting sun, the clear-top wedding tent, the amazing band, the delicious food, and of course the delightful friends and family who came out to help these two celebrate their special day…all made for an INCREDIBLE evening!

Many thanks to my friends at Sposa Bella for recommending us to Tatjana and Scott. Also, a huge thank you to my amazing second-shooter Laura. To see some of Tatjana & Scott’s adorable Engagement Photos, check out: https://chrisandcami.com/tatjana-scotts-historic-charleston-engagement-shoot/. And to see the rest of Tatjana & Scott’s photos, visit: http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/tatjanaandscott.

CONGRATULATIONS Tatjana & Scott! Prost!!!

Möge dir dein Weg leicht werden
Möge dir der Wind immer von hinten kommen
Möge dir die Sonne warm ins Gesicht scheinen
Möge dir ein sanfter Regen auf die Felder fallen
und bis wir uns wiedersehen
möge Gott dich in seiner Hand halten.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Maniesha & Travis Part 2: Downtown After-Shoot

After their beautiful wedding, Maniesha & Travis met up with me for a fun After-Shoot in historic downtown Charleston!

We met at Waterfront Park, explored the old French Quarter, stumbled onto some cobblestone streets, found some black iron gates, and even hit up famous Rainbow Row. We had a BLAST, and came up with some really cool photos together. Both Maniesha and Travis are very creative and I loved all their amazing ideas!

CONGRATULATIONS to Charleston’s newest newlyweds!!! 🙂

Maniesha & Travis Part 1: Boone Hall Plantation Wedding

Maniesha & Travis are so in love!!!  It was an honor to be a part of their beautiful wedding yesterday morning at Boone Hall Plantation.  It was a simple, elegant affair in the picturesque courtyard behind the plantation house.  The touching ceremony included God’s Knot, for “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Many thanks to Cori of Reynolds Treasures for bringing all the details together!

Hailing from Colorado at the moment, Maniesha & Travis have traveled all over the country.  As a heavy equipment operator, Travis gets job opportunities both near and far.  Being a travel-junkie myself, I love that they are getting to see the world together.  Even their adorable son, Dallas, seem to be taking it all in stride!  🙂

After the ceremony we had a fun time exploring the plantation property, photographing beautiful images along the way.  Stay tuned for more awesome images of these two in Parts 2 and 3 of their epic elopement to Charleston!!!

Sam & James at St. Andrew’s Church

I love teachers. And I love computer geeks. So I was DOUBLE excited when Samantha & James asked me to be their wedding photographer!!! Cami & I owe a HUGE thank you to our friend, Sam’s mom Tricia, for steering them our way!  🙂

Sam & James tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in the old original sanctuary at St. Andrew’s Church. Sam’s wedding gown was absolutely GORGEOUS…she looked like a princess in a fairy tale.  James was looking pretty suave in his suit and suspenders too! One of my favorite moments in the whole day was when they turned around from the alter and took a moment to look back at all the friends and family that had come out to support and celebrate this special day with them!!!

After a quick stop for some fun wedding party photos at White Point Garden, the festivities continued with a fabulous reception at the Historic Rice Mill.  I always love shooting there.  What a cool venue! From the first dance to the dramatic sunset photos, from the cake “smashing” to the exciting glow-stick exit, the reception was a non-stop party like you’ve never seen before. Everyone had a BLAST!!!

To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/samandjames.

A big shout-out goes to all the vendors for helping make this day such a success. A giant hug goes to Cami for all her help and expertise. But most importantly, a huge CONGRATULATIONS goes to Sam & James! You guys truly have a love that is pure and true. We wish you all the best for a beautiful new life as you journey down this new path together…

Kathleen & Michael at the Francis Marion Hotel

I owe a HUGE thank you to the Lazicki family for recommending us to Kathleen’s Aunt and Uncle!
 
They put me in touch with Kathleen and Michael, and we began chatting, emailing, and Skyping over a year ago. We got together over coffee one weekend when they were in town, finalizing plans for their wedding day. I felt such an instant connection with this beautiful couple…I just KNEW their wedding was going to be a special one!
 
Last weekend the Big Day finally arrived…and I was BLOWN AWAY!!! My assistant, Laura, and I were accepted into the fold as if we were family. Nothing in the world could have dampened the spirit of this special day. The energy in the air was simply electric!
 
Getting ready at the Francis Marion Hotel, Kathleen was absolutely stunning, in a very unique dress that I absolutely LOVED!!! Michael was quite dashing and debonair, himself. My favorite part of the day was when the two of them shared a special moment together (on opposite sides of her door) to exchange gifts and tell each other how much they looked forward to marrying one another!
 
Following the beautiful ceremony in the Gold Ballroom at the old historic hotel, the families headed over to Marion Square for portraits. A chance encounter with a street performer prompted a vicious “Dance Off” with Michael, to which we’re all still bewildered as to who the victor was…it was THAT good!!! The wedding party then headed into the scenic College of Charleston campus, where we had a blast laughing and capturing tons of great photos while the students are away for the summer.
 
Returning to the Francis Marion Hotel, Gillian and the amazing staff had transformed the ceremony site into a romantic reception hall. Michael had planned a raucous sports-arena-style Grand Entrance that did not disappoint. And Kathleen’s eloquent Welcome Speech raised a huge round of applause. The food, the fellowship, and the fun went on and on, non-stop all night long!
 
To see the rest of Kathleen & Michael’s photos, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/kathleenandmichael.
CONGRATULATIONS Kathleen & Michael!!! May your love for each other grow ever stronger as you walk together along this new journey together!

Jennifer & Matt’s James Island Wedding

When Jennifer called to ask if I was available for her wedding date, I was so excited to say YES!!!

I had photographed her sister Ashley’s wedding several years ago and remembered how much I loved working with their family then. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Jennifer over the last few months as we ironed out all the details. Last weekend, the big day finally arrived!!!

Jennifer & Matt were married on her cousin’s lawn, on a gorgeous day, overlooking a beautiful creek on James Island Jennifer was absolutely stunning in her elegant wedding gown. It was an honor to finally meet Matt, who is an INCREDIBLE guy, and madly in love with Jennifer!

From the very first touches of makeup, to the grand finale when everyone jumped in the pool…it was clear that this was a match made in heaven! To see the rest of their photos, check out their gallery at http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jennandmatt.

CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer & Matt!!! May your lives continue to be blessed without measure…

Bekah & Casey’s Beautiful Wedding

When I lay hiding in the itchy bushes, heart pounding with excitement, photographing Casey’s secret proposal to Bekah several months ago…I had no idea that one day I’d also be photographing him placing the wedding band on her finger in marriage!

Casey & Bekah’s Secret Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

What an honor it was to be there for Bekah & Casey at their beautiful wedding in the lush countryside outside Mullins, SC. It was such an elegant affair, with the old rustic barn decorated with tasteful floral arrangements and antique lighting displays. Friends and family came from far and wide to witness the joy of this special day!

To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/bekahandcasey

Bekah was absolutely stunning in her whispy flowing gown and fairy-tale wreath. Casey was decked out in a handsome suit. Both of them wore their favorite shoes, which were also present on the day Casey asked for Bekah’s hand in marriage! It was so cool to know that those special shoes and I were the ONLY witnesses for both of these magical celebrations of their love for each other!!!

“My beloved is mine and I am his.” Song of Songs 2:16

CONGRATULATIONS Bekah & Casey!  We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together!!!

Sarah & Todd’s Shenandoah Wedding

Last week Sarah & Todd finally tied the knot on a beautiful hillside, overlooking a gorgeous lake, in picturesque Shenandoah Crossing Resort!

Sarah & Todd were a personal referral through Cami’s Aunt Marian, who is good friends with Sarah’s mom and Sarah’s aunt. Once we started talking to Sarah, everything just “clicked”, and we knew it was meant to be! Meeting with Sarah months ago during the planning stages of the wedding confirmed our feelings…THIS was going to be an amazing wedding!!!

The week before the wedding, Cami and I drove up with her Aunt Marian and Uncle Joe, to enjoy the history and beauty of Virginia. We had a wonderful few days, getting to know the area the wedding was in…lush vineyards, green hillsides, and curvy country roads.

The morning of the wedding dawned with beautiful sunshine and happy faces!!! Sarah was absolutely gorgeous in her fitted gown. And Todd was looking pretty dapper himself. 🙂

The ceremony was down right perfect…right down to the geese serenading guests as they whistled overhead! The reception was filled with excitement and energy all night long. Everyone had a BLAST…and we were know exception!!!  To see ALL the crazy fun photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/sarahandtodd.

“When in love, a cliff becomes a meadow.” – Ethiopian Wedding Blessing

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Todd!  May your lives be filled with nothing but meadows as you begin this new journey together…

Darcy & David at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Photographing Darcy & David’s AMAZING destination wedding in Augusta has been the highlight of our year!

Darcy & Cami are long-time “tennis gals”. And it’s always an EXTRA honor when good friends like Darcy & David ask us to be a part of their special day. We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to be there for them, and to capture all the fun and excitement of this beautiful time in their lives!!!

Darcy & David’s ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, while the reception was held at the Augusta Country Club. Both were absolutely gorgeous venues!  It seemed like all of Augusta turned out to witness this incredible day. And with so many fabulous friends and family in attendance…this classy affair turned into the party of the century! It was like having the best of both worlds!!!  🙂

To see the rest of their wedding photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidwedding.  To see all their rehearsal dinner photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidrehearsal.

CONGRATULATIONS Darcy & David! We wish you both all the joy and happiness your hearts deserve!!!

Charleston Trident Association of Realtors at Edmunds Oast

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing a fantastic corporate event at Edmunds Oast for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors! They are a great client, and we ALWAYS enjoy working with Claire and all the fabulous Charleston area realtors!!!

Volvo Car Open – VIP Welcome Reception at The Cedar Room

As the Official Photographer of the Volvo Car Open, my job isn’t just to cover on-court action! Here are a few scenes from this year’s amazing VIP Welcome Reception.

This was the first year it was held at the Cedar Room. I must say, this venue at the beautifully restored old Cigar Factory is absolutely incredible! Many thanks to Graham, Lauren, and all the talented folks that made this year’s event such a huge success!

Of course the usual VIP’s from Meredith came out in full force. This year also saw all the incredible folks from Volvo, as well as other great sponsors like Lisette, in attendance. Tennis celebrities like Pam Shriver, Cliff Drysdale, Rennae Stubbs, and Lisa Raymond were there. Even the one and only Martha Stewart made an appearance!

There are many behind-the-scenes parties and events that I have the pleasure of photographing…but the VIP Welcome Reception is always one of my favorites!