Ally & Matt’s Surprise Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

I woke up this morning before the alarm…butterflies in my stomach…excitement in my veins. It wasn’t for me. The anticipation of being a part of Matt’s Surprise Proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Ally, had my adrenaline pumping before my feet hit the floor. It’s hard to believe that 9 years of dating had finally led these two soulmates to this perfect moment!

Matt and I have been secretly corresponding for weeks…planning out every detail of this AMAZING day! We selected a gorgeous avenue of oaks at the picturesque Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Arriving early, I got all set up and settled into my hiding spot. A small group of tourists walked by and, hesitant at first, asked me why I was hiding in the bushes. After I explained my situation, the men wandered off slightly bemused, while the ladies burst into smiles and giggles, chattering among themselves as they strolled on: “isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard of?!?”

Matt and Ally arrived right on cue! The first shot of them walking towards “the spot” cracks me up. You can see Matt’s brain is on high alert as he scans the brush to get a bead on my location. But more importantly, I LOVE ALLY’S REACTION when Matt dropped to his knee and asked her to be his wife!!! 🙂

After she said “Yes”, the three of us enjoyed a wonderful stroll around the plantation, stopping to photograph authentic Engagement Photos along the way. It was a beautiful morning with perfect fall temperatures and gorgeous southern light.  We had a BLAST!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Ally & Matt! You guys are a very special couple. I am truly honored to be forever linked to this beautiful day in your lives!!!

Heather & Andrew at the The River House

Heather and I are inextricably linked!

A flight attendant from Texas, Heather happened to be in Charleston a little over a year ago. It truly was fate that drew her into the small art gallery in downtown Charleston where our wildlife photography was on display. She fell in love with one of my images of a white egret soaring overhead. Not having her size in stock, we custom ordered one for her.

After Heather and I connected over this simple picture of a bird, she met and fell madly in love with Andrew! They were a match made in heaven!!! And what better place to celebrate such love, than here in Charleston?!? After introducing Andrew to our beautiful city, he agreed, and plans began taking shape. I was deeply honored when Heather, remembering her “photographer friend from Charleston”, asked me to be their wedding photographer!!!

Fast forward to this past weekend when, on a gorgeous summer day, Heather & Andrew were married under a majestic arch of live oak trees, on a grassy hill, overlooking the Ashley River, in a beautiful section of Lowndes Grove Plantation, known as The River House. Heather was absolutely stunning! The talented Loraine of Invitations Only Charleston made sure every detail was perfect. And the eloquent Kasey King led a touching ceremony.

Later that evening, Heather & Andrew met up with me for a fun “After Shoot”.  We strolled around the old historic streets of downtown Charleston, capturing beautiful images of their love as we went! For a grand finale, we caught the setting sun over the Ashley River as sailboats bobbed in the distance.

CONGRATULATIONS Heather & Andrew! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together!!!

Laurie & Allen’s Charleston Elopement

Laurie & Allen are the sweetest couple in the world. Being a part of their elopement to Charleston last week was a real joy!!!

I met up with them at the Meeting Street Inn where they were staying. After a few photos, a horse-drawn carriage arrived to whisk them away to White Point Garden. Laurie & Allen were married on the bandstand gazebo in the middle of the park on a gorgeous afternoon. It was such a beautiful celebration of love and commitment!

After the ceremony, the three of us enjoyed a fun walk around some of the old historic streets near The Battery, stopping for gorgeous photos along the way. Getting to know these two, and capturing these special memories for them along the way, was a real pleasure!

CONGRATULATIONS Laurie & Allen! We wish you all the best for a beautiful new journey together!!!

Sarah & Oliver’s Pitt Street Pier Secret Proposal

Sarah lived in Charleston for a while, during which time Pitt Street Pier was one of her favorite spots in town. When her family decided to come down here to celebrate her mom’s 60th birthday this weekend, Oliver thought this picturesque pier would be the PERFECT place to propose to Sarah!!! 🙂

We lucked out with an empty pier because the tide was high and all the usual fishermen were further down the Ocean Walk, lined up in Pickett Park. The winds weren’t too high. The sky was clear. The late afternoon light was beautiful. And we even had gorgeous full moon rising in the east as the sun set in the west! Everything worked out absolutely perfect for Oliver’s Surprise Proposal!

Many thanks to my friends at Valerie & Co for the kind referral. And CONGRATULATIONS to Oliver & Sarah!!!

Lizzie & Frank’s Secret Proposal

No matter how many proposals I photograph, my heart races with each and every one!

Frank and I worked hard to plan out every detail of his surprise proposal to long-time girlfriend, Lizzie. But when the big day arrived, there were “issues” with the spot we had picked. With my heart pounding, I texted Frank to let him know. He was AMAZING…able to think quickly on his feet so that we could shift the location for an even more beautiful moment!

Frank asked Lizzie to be his wife underneath a gorgeous avenue of live oaks at White Point Garden. It was such an honor to capture this special moment for them! Afterwards, we had a BLAST walking around old historic downtown Charleston, photographing some authentic engagement photos for them.

It was great to get to know this kind, caring, and wonderful couple. CONGRATULATIONS Lizzie & Frank!!!

Andrew & Melissa’s Kiawah Island Proposal

CONGRATULATIONS Melissa & Andrew!!!

 I had so much fun yesterday, capturing Andrew’s surprise wedding proposal out on the beach in front of The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day to get engaged.  Andrew & Melissa are the sweetest, kindest, happiest couple you could ever hope to meet.  We had a BLAST hanging out and creating some fun images after she said “YES”!!!  🙂  What an honor and a privilege it was to be there for these guys, preserving this special moment in their lives forever!

Many thanks to Delaney and Jacob for all their hard work planning and organizing every detail.  You guys are THE BEST!!!

Tani & Scot’s Wedding on the Carolina Girl

Tani and Scot were classmates at Pelham Road Elementary back in the 70’s. Scot played football for the Mustangs, and Tani was a cheerleader. It’s the classic American sweetheart story!  Scot asked Tani to wear his jersey one week and Tani happily accepted.  🙂  Scot and Tani both attended Greenville Middle School as well as Eastside High School. As they got older, the bond of the “Pelham Road Mustang Jersey” faded and, as often happens in high school, their lives took different paths. After High School Graduation, Tani went on to college at USC, and then to Furman for her Masters. Scot joining the Marine Corps, and studied at Lander University and Greenville Tech. After a deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Scot went on to a 15 year career in the golf industry.  Tani got married and had two wonderful children, Brooke and Garrett, while parenting a step child as well.  Years later, Tani and Scot re-ignited the flame of the “Pelham Road Mustang”, and have been inseparable ever since!

It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know Tani & Scot as we planned, prepared and finally got to photograph their beautiful wedding last weekend!  The pure joy, and beautiful energy both of them put out into the world is such a breath of fresh air.  The way they laugh, cry, hug, and hold each other lets you know that they are TRULY living life to the fullest.  In the worries and woes of today’s crazy world, being around these two put peace in my mind and hope in my heart.  The world is a better place with these two in it…ESPECIALLY now that they have found their way back to each other!!!  🙂

I met up with Tani & Scott for their First Glance in a beautiful clearing surrounded by trees near the Ripley Point Marina.  What a joyful way to start off their celebration!  Family and friends joined us for a fun photo shoot soon after.  Then it was on to the one and only Carolina Girl.  I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings and receptions on this beautiful yacht!  Ashley and the rest of the staff had prepared everything down to the last detail.  Breezes swayed the sweet grass back and forth as we cruised through the low-country waterscape surrounding historic downtown Charleston.  Tani & Scott exchanged their vows on the upper deck as the serene scene floated by.  After a perfectly timed sunset photo-opp, the party kicked into high gear with dinner, dancing, and LOTS of celebrating!

At the end of the evening, a special surprise awaited Tani.  Scott had secretly arranged for an 8-man company of marines to perform the traditional Saber Arch as the two of them dis-embarked from the Carolina Girl.  It was quite a site, and quite an emotional moment!  To welcome her to the Marines, Tani received the customary “sword swat” on the derriere, to everyone’s applause.  Hand-in-hand, Tani & Scot then made their way down the dock, lined with excited friends and family, all blowing bubbles and high-fiving the newlyweds as they made their way off into the night!

CONGRATULATIONS Tani & Scott!  May your hearts forever be full and free!!!

April & Ed

April & Ed are married!  🙂

They got married a couple weeks ago in a private ceremony, with an intimate group of close family and friends, in the back yard of their beautiful California home. Instead of wedding photos, they decided to have “honeymoon photos” done while they were here in Charleston! It was an honor and a pleasure meeting these two, and capturing some great memories for them while we walked around the old historic downtown.

CONGRATULATIONS April & Ed!!!

Marri & Aldo’s Minnesota Wedding

 

“We’re all a little weird, and life’s a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

– Dr. Seuss

 

I love this quote from one of my all-time favorite writers! I’m not calling Marri & Aldo “wierd”. But they are most definitely, one hundred percent, head-over-heals IN LOVE!!! 🙂

Having worked with Marri for many years (she was one of the decision-makers who hired me to photograph my first corporate event with the US Grains Council), it was such an honor when she asked me to photograph her wedding! I’ve come to think of her as not just a colleague, but as a friend…which made being a part of their celebration extra special for me.

Having grown up internationally, I was even MORE thrilled when I found out the man Marri had fallen in love with was Panamanian!  Aldo runs his own business in the shipping industry in Panama City, where Marri is now based. I finally got to meet him in February when we photographed their Engagement Session in Casco Viejo, the beautiful old historic part of Panama City. We got to meet his wonderful family there as well. It was truly special to see how happy Marri is when she’s around Aldo!

Fast forward to last weekend when Marri & Aldo’s destination wedding took place at her father’s farm in Marshall, MN. Family and friends came from far and wide! Friends from grade-school, co-workers, and so many of Aldo’s family from Panama that they even hired professional translators, Chris Dimmick and Isabel Rodriguez, to translate the beautiful ceremony!

The family farm was decorated beautifully! In a natural setting surrounded by tall pines, under a rustic arbor on a carpet of lush grass, Marri & Aldo exchanged their vows. Emotions swayed the gamut…solemn words from the heart cascading into bursts of joy and laughter. I was glad I had my cameras to hide behind when tears welled up…and just as glad when they were wiped away by a spontaneous giggle.

I didn’t think anything would top that amazing ceremony! But I was warned that Panamanians KNOW HOW TO PARTY!!! The reception that followed is certainly one that will go down in my mind as the greatest one in my long career! From the amazing toasts (some of which couldn’t even be translated!!!), to the fresh-from-the-farm dinner, to the bottomless ice-cream cart, to the all-night-dance fest, to the bonfire after-party with s’mores…it truly was a night to remember. I finally hitched a ride to the hotel at 2:00am.  Easily the longest I’ve ever partied at a reception…THAT is how much fun it was! 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Marri & Aldo!
Ahora no sentirán ninguna lluvia, porque cada uno será el amparo del otro.
Ahora no tendrán frío, porque cada uno le dará calor al otro.
Ahora no habrá más soledad, porque existirán como compañeros.
Aunque sean son dos individuos, un solo destino los espera.
Vayan ahora a su hogar para continuar su vida juntos.
Y que sus días en esta tierra duren y quesean prósperos.
– Unknown Wedding Blessing

Here are a few of my favorite images below.  To view the rest of their wedding gallery, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/marriandaldowedding.

 

 

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.

#LittleDittyBoutJeffAndDiane

Diane was a former co-worker of Cami’s, a neighbor of ours down the street, and a close friend to both of us for many years. Getting to know Jeff through Diane has meant a lot to us. He is such an amazing and kind gentleman.  And he is so good to Diane! We could NOT be happier for the two of them!!!

Cami & I were absolutely over the moon when Jeff & Diane asked us to be their wedding photographers! It’s a real joy to be invited to capture any wedding. But when that special day belongs to a couple that is so close to our hearts, it makes it EVEN MORE special!!!

The morning of their wedding opened with a beautiful clear blue sky as we made our way to Wild Dunes, where Diane was getting ready. She was absolutely stunning in her simple, elegant wedding gown. I particularly loved her father’s expression when she came downstairs and he saw her for the first time!

The ceremony was held at Goldbug Island, on a picturesque lawn overlooking the inter-coastal waterway. Our friend Sue officiated the ceremony with some sweet words. The recessional, with bubbles blowing in the breeze, was a particularly exciting time for all…clapping and cheering the newlyweds all the way!

After some fun family photos, Jeff & Diane joined me on Sullivan’s Island for a few romantic shots on the beach. Then it was back to Goldbug Island for a wild and crazy reception. Lauren Moniz of Serve Catering delivered delicious treats to eat. Rob Duren, our fantastic DJ and MC, rocked the tunes that carried the chatting, dancing, and partying long into the night!

To see the rest of the images, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jeffanddiane.

CONGRATULATIONS Jeff & Diane!!! We wish you all the love and happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together!  🙂

Amy & Adam at Middleton Place Plantation & Garden

I’ve known Amazing Amy for several years through the hair salon she manages. She is super fun, full of energy, and loves life to the fullest! Adam is her rock. He comes from a family with a history in law enforcement, and works for the Sheriff’s Department. He’s the strong silent half of Amy & Adam!  🙂

Yesterday we met up at the always-picturesque Middleton Place for their engagement shoot. The soft glow of late afternoon light was absolutely perfect! Playing tourist in our own town, we explored every corner of this amazing Charleston plantation, capturing the love these two share for each other.

We had an absolute BLAST together!  And we even got ourselves a rainbow!  I can’t wait to photograph their awesome wedding celebration this fall!!!