Giving Thanks

At Chris & Cami Photography, we like to pause this time of year to give thanks to all our amazing clients!

It’s been an honor and a privilege to photograph your weddings, events, headshots, business photos, family portraits, maternity sessions, boudoir shoots, high-school seniors, promotional images, aerial drone photos, sporting events, interior/architecture photos, engagement sessions, corporate conferences, and more.

We value your business, and your friendship. We look forward to working with you again soon!!!

Buss Family at Waterfront Park

Thanksgiving time is a time for family!

This morning it was such a pleasure to meet up with the Buss family at Waterfront Park with that beautiful rising sun, to photograph a fun session together! Here on vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday, it was so much fun showing off our gorgeous city to them. We had a BLAST exploring the beautiful backdrops of the park, the harbor, and the surrounding French Quarter.

Thanks for the good times, Erin, Steve, Audrey, and Owen. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all!!!

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!!!

Lee & Accociates at The Cedar Room

The Cedar Room at Mercantile & Mash is a beautiful, elegant, and rustic, event space at The Cigar Factory that I absolutely LOVE shooting in!

Normally the spacious room is used for weddings, receptions, and corporate events. But this week I had the pleasure of using the venue to photograph corporate team photos, executive portraits, and head-shots for Lee & Associates. We took a lot of serious ones. But of course we couldn’t help but have a little fun as well!!! 🙂  Here are just a few samples from the hundreds of images shot throughout the day.

Many thanks to Lizzie and all the wonderful folks at Lee & Associates for always being so much fun to work with! And many thanks to Graham at The Cedar Room for coordinating the space for us!

Elika & Jonathan at White Point Garden

It’s been a real joy getting to know Elika & Jonathan via email. But that doesn’t even compare to what a pleasure it was to meet them in person and hang out with them downtown on one of the most beautiful days so far this year!!!

Starting at the gazebo in the park at White Point Garden, we walked around the old historic part of downtown Charleston, ending up along The Battery for a dramatic sunset. Along the way we laughed and chatted non-stop. I felt like we were old friends re-united!!!

Many thanks to Rachel at www.eleventsandco.com for referring Elika & Jonathan to me. They are such an AMAZING couple! I can tell we are an absolutely perfect fit.

CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement, Elika & Jonathan! I can’t wait to be there for you guys on your wedding day… 🙂

Christopher Teves Strikes a Chord

Working with a fellow artist like Christopher Teves always inspires me!

I’ve known Christopher for a long time. I remember photographed images for the cover of one of his first CDs many years ago. We often bump into each other at weddings when he’s playing the processional, or at recitals where he’s a featured musician. But spending quality time with him the other afternoon was a real honor!

Christopher is the kind of gentle old soul that resonates with me. We could have been brothers in another lifetime! His passion for his art runs deep. He loves what he does. And he works REALLY hard to be the best that he can be at his craft!

If you haven’t had the pleasure, I highly recommend seeking out Christopher’s next performance, booking a guitar lesson, or crashing the next wedding he’s playing! 🙂 Check him out at www.christopherteves.com.

Erika Lynn Handmade Handbags

The other day I had a really cool product shoot with an incredible Charleston artist, designer, and producer of fine handmade purses, handbags, shoes, bow ties, and accessories!

Erika Lynn has been nominated to the “Best of Charleston” this year. She’s in the top 5 and could win her category!!! If you know Erika and would like to vote for her, here’s the link: http://charlestoncitypaper.secondstreetapp.com/l/Best-of-Charleston-2016-1/Ballot/ShopsandWares.

Also, check out her website at www.erikalynn.com…you might find something you’d like to order!  🙂

Tatjana & Scott’s Historic Charleston Engagement Shoot

Many thanks to our friends at Sposa Bella Photography for recommending us to Tatjana & Scott! They are such a fun and charismatic couple. Their energy is contagious. And their love is a joy to behold!

Here are a few favorites from their beautiful Historic Charleston Engagement Shoot. We started out at Washington Square Park, worked our way down the famous Chalmers Street, hit the dramatic Dock Street Theater, and caught the haunted Philadelphia Alley before working our way back up Broad Street.

I can’t WAIT to be a part of their beautiful wedding day!!! 🙂

Angelique Kerber

Congratulations to 2015 Family Circle Cup Champion, and now 2016 Australian Open Champion, Angelique Kerber!!!

Less than a year after winning in Charleston, Kerber stunned Serena Williams down under in a 6-4 3-6 6-4 thriller. This is her first grand slam title! The big-hitting lefty’s accomplishment deprived the American of a 22nd major title, which would have tied Kerber’s fellow German, Steffi Graf, for the lead in the Open Era.

Kerber sunk to her knees when Williams sent a forehand volley sailing long on match point. Emotions soon manifested themselves in tears as the gravity of what the 7th seed had accomplished finally sunk in. Later, the legendary Steffi Graf, one of my personal favorites of all time, called Kerber to congratulate her.

Hopefully we’ll see Angelique Kerber back this year at the newly renamed Volvo Car Open!!! 🙂

Kristen & Michael on the Carolina Girl

After last weekend’s wedding, I felt like I had been given a golden ticket to the party of the century!!!

I had so much fun getting to know Kristen & Michael, and photographing all the special moments of their beautiful day! Kristen was absolutely stunning in her beautiful gown. And Michael was the kindest gentleman you could ever hope to meet.

Their ceremony and reception took place on the amazing Carolina Girl Yacht while we all cruised peacefully around Charleston Harbor. Kristen & Michael exchanged their own hand-written vows, including touching words from Kristen to Michael’s two boys. Captain Bob and his crew did an amazing job of avoiding the afternoon showers, and finding the most amazing backdrop for our portrait session on the bow. Duvall Events catered an amazing meal for all. And as the final rays of sunlight faded from view, DJ Bobby got the party rockin’!

Many thanks to my associate, Laura, for helping me cover all the angles. We both loved how everyone welcomed us into the family. It truly blessed us to see so much love and support for Kristen & Michael, who are clearly very special people!

CONGRATULATIONS Kristen & Michael!

“The winds have welcomed you with softness
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.”
~ Balloonist’s Blessing

Five Year Follow-Up

It’s been about five years since I photographed James & Ashleigh’s wedding.  What a joy it was to bump into them as guests at Ashley & Sherrod’s wedding just a few weeks ago.  And even MORE exciting was the honor of meeting their beautiful daughter and getting to photograph yet another chapter in their lives.  J