I had so much fun photographing the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors 2023 Installation Luncheon at the I’On Creek Club this week! It was an exciting day…with fun fellowship, great food, excellent advice from all the speakers, and the swearing-in of next year’s officers. CONGRATULATIONS to all who were elected!!!
Today was a fun day, meeting lots of happy people. I had a great time photographing all the updated headshots for the team at Trident Construction!!!
(Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, Flashpoint strobes, Manfrotto stands, Westcott umbrellas, Lexar XQD cards)
I love working with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors!!!
When Jessie from CTAR asked me to cover their women’s conference at Hyatt House Charleston, I jumped at the chance! Not only were they going to be inducting new board members, but their keynote speaker was none other than Dale Smith Thomas. Her message of being a winner by choice is so powerful, and delivered with such great humor, it just sticks with you. Everyone left with that evening with smiles on their faces, and a real “go get-em” attitude! If you get a chance, check out www.winnersbychoice.com and go see this powerful motivational speaker any chance you get!
Many thanks to all the CTAR staff and all the vendors for making this event possible!
Anna went to Charleston Southern University and now works with Coastal Kids Dentistry. Christian is currently stationed with the Army on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. They went to the same high-school, but didn’t really hang out together at first because they were both dating different people. When those relationships ended, they started hanging out in group of singles where Anna & Christian made a real connection with each other. They started dating…and the rest is history!
Christian’s family is originally from Pittsburg. But they moved to Summerville years ago, which is where Anna and Christian ended up meeting at school. Anna’s family is full of educators. Her mom is a math teacher. And her grandfather is a retired Citadel professor in the Education department. Plus Anna’s dad is a Citadel alumni. So it was quite fitting that they had their ceremony at the beautiful Citadel Beach Club!
It was a gorgeous summer day, albeit a little hot outside. But that didn’t stop everyone from coming out and celebrating the love Anna & Christian have for each other! Anna was absolutely stunning in her cathedral-length wedding gown, complete with long flowing veil. Christian was smartly decked out in his blue suit and bowtie. The ceremony was heart-felt. And the reception afterwards was a joyful celebration like no other!!!
Many thanks to Anna’s mom for all her hard work and planning, to Jessica at Lowcountry Weddings for keeping everything organized, to Pastor Eric for the touching ceremony, Chris at Country & Lace for the floral arrangements, Flavours of Charleston for the delicious food, Mikey Lee for rocking the awesome tunes all night long, and all the other vendors who helped make Anna & Christian’s day a huge success!
CONTRATULATIONS Anna & Christian!!! We wish you all the best as you begin this beautiful new journey together…
After photographing their GORGEOUS wedding at the historic Wentworth Mansion last year, I was so excited to cover Becca & Matt’s delayed reception at Pineland Place last weekend! They had purposely planned their reception as a laid back “summer celebration” with all their friends, while keeping their winter wedding small and intimate with just immediate family.
Check out their amazing wedding photos at https://chrisandcami.com/becca-matts-wentworth-mansion-wedding/, and their beautiful surprise proposal at https://chrisandcami.com/matts-middleton-place-proposal-to-becca/.
Becca & Matt hosted their reception at Pineland Place in Moncks Corner, which is a fantastic venue on their family’s farm. The space has a “rustic barn” feel to it, with lots of the original wood interior, salvaged doors, and other decorations coming from the original farm. Without the anxiety of a formal wedding ceremony, the whole event had a very relaxed and joyful atmosphere to it. Highlights of the day included a lively photo shoot with close friends and family, Becca & Matt’s “Grand Entrance”, a touching welcome by Matt’s dad (Chris), delicious tacos for dinner, their cake cutting, a duet with Matt’s dad and sister (Jenny) singing “Sunrise Sunset”, a caricature artist doing his magic, a tarot card reader, and of course tons of dancing and mingling. Everyone had such a great time just hanging out and having fun! Eventually Becca & Matt shared a private last dance before heading out under showers of flower petals, through a line-up of their loved ones, sending them off into the night.
CONGRATULATIONS Becca & Matt! We are so excited for you two as you continue your beautiful journey together…
I love it when the weather forecasters are completely wrong…in my favor! 
Last night I had the pleasure of photographing a fantastic reception and awards banquet for AIG Insurance at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Earlier that day, I spoke with Erika, the amazing event planner from Destination South. It looked like the cocktail hour on the Harbor Lawn was going to be completely rained out. Luckily, the wet weather went around us…and we had a lovely evening with gentle breezes flowing across the Savannah River.
AIG is the American International Group, a leading global insurance organization providing a wide range of property casualty insurance and other financial services. They offer world-class products and expertise to businesses and individuals in approximately 70 countries and jurisdictions. The organization is committed to using their insights and leadership to not only manage risks, but to make real positive differences in every community they serve.
This reception marked the conclusion of the final full day of informative meetings and insightful presentations. It was fun to see everyone relax and enjoy the company of the new connections and lasting friendships they had made throughout the week!
* DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8, Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8, Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, Flashpoint flashes (x6), Manfrotto supports, ThinkTank bags, and Sony XQD cards *
It was an honor photographing portraits for The Citadel Foundations Annual Sponsor Donor Dinner at The Gaillard Auditorium. With almost 600 cadets and their sponsors in attendants, it was a fantastic event!
* Shot with Nikon D5, Nikkor 24-70 f2.8, Sony XQD cards, Lenovo laptop, Darkroom software, DNP printer, Flashpoint transmitter and speedlights, Westcott umbrellas, Manfrotto stands, Savage backdrop *
I got to know Evan & Brianna last year when he contacted me to secretly photograph his surprise proposal to the love of his life!!! It was AMAZING: https://chrisandcami.com/evan-surprises-brianna-with-his-proposal/. So when they called to ask if I would also capture their wedding, I was elated!
Although rain threatened us for a minute, it actually ended up being the perfect weather…not too cold, not too hot, with a little bit of cloud cover. The guys started out at Haberdash…hanging out and having fun while they got ready. Evan was looking pretty dashing by the time they got done with him! Then it was over to The Cottages at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Brianna’s “reveal” to the girls was a highlight! She was an absolutely STUNNING bride in her elegant gown!!! 🙂 Finally we all headed back over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to The Historic Rice Mill for the main event!
The lively and humor-filled ceremony was led by Brianna’s half-brother, Seth. At one point I think I saw a tear in Evan’s eye…which was so touching. Then it was on to wedding party photos while guests enjoyed cocktails with views of the sailboats bobbing in the Ashley River. I was worried that the low-lying blanket of clouds was going to ruin our plans for some gorgeous sunset photos of Brianna & Evan. But just 15 minutes before sunset, a sliver of sky opened up on the horizon to reveal the most amazing sunset for us to work with!!!
A warm welcome by Brianna’s dad, and a delicious meal awaited everyone at the reception. Lively chatter and fun festivities carried on throughout the night. Cake cutting, signing the marriage license, and touching toasts also ensued. Eventually, The Vistas band started jamming and the party kicked into high gear! Everyone was dancing and singing and having a BLAST!!! But finally it was time to bid Brianna & Evan a fond farewell. We closed the night out with a big group photo featuring the entire band…before this amazing couple headed off into the night!
Many thanks to Alyssa and her team at www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com for making sure everything went off perfectly. And a huge shout out to all the vendors who made this special day possible.
CONGRATULATIONS Brianna & Evan!!! Having been there from the “I Will” to the “I Do”, it was an absolute honor to capture all the beautiful memories of this special day for you. We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together.
When Pam wrote to let me know she and Mike were getting married, the first thing she told me was that her cousin had recommended us. I was elated to learn that her cousin was Jan Truesdale, a longtime friend and favorite client of mine!!! So of course I was super honored and very excited to be a part of Pam and Mike’s special day!!!
Before heading to the church for the ceremony, I met up with Pam and her best friend, Ann, who was helping her get ready. We captured some fun shots of them leaving the house. And we stopped by the reception venue for a few beautiful bridal portraits of Pam in her stunning wedding gown! While the ladies were touching up their makeup one last time, I headed over to The Citadel, where I caught up with Mike for a few portraits of him and his ushers. Guests began arriving and taking their seats inside. And I was so excited that my good friend, Jennings King, was one of them! Aside from being Mike’s niece, Jennings is a fabulous photographer in her own right!
The ceremony was absolutely perfect!!! I love the intimacy of the sanctuary inside Summerall Chapel. With 75 close family and friends, gathered closely around Pam & Mike with love and support in their hearts, it felt even more intimate than usual. The processional began with five very special ladies, each carrying a white rose. Bagpiper Jack Farrell then entered and filled the halls with his magical notes. Pam was escorted down the aisle by her two brothers, who were beaming with pride. Reverend Bland led a heartfelt ceremony. And when it was all over, Pam & Mike sealed their vows with a kiss!!! 🙂
After a few gorgeous photos of Pam & Mike inside the historic chapel, we headed over to the new Swain Boating Center for the reception. This is a new event space in the corner of campus, overlooking the Ashley River. The décor was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the Fireball dance was hilarious, and the toasts were delightful. Everyone had so much fun fellowshipping, sharing stories, and celebrating the undying love that Pam and Mike have found in each other!!!
Many thanks to Caroline at Goldbug Events for all her help keeping everything running smoothly! And Kudos to all the great vendors for making Pam & Mike’s Big Day a huge success…Magnolia Bride for Pam’s wedding gown, Sarah at Dodeline Design for the invitations and seating chart, Vanity Salon for her makeup, Azure Salon for her hair, GTC Rentals for the transportation, Michael Varnadore for the ceremony music, Lee Edwards for the reception music, Flavours of Charleston for the food, Top Shelf for the bar, and The Cake Stand for the wedding cake. Pam did her own flowers and greenery…which were beautiful!
CONGRATULATIONS Pam & Mike! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…
When Mr. & Mrs. Aucoin asked if I would photograph their combined 150 Year Birthday Celebration, I was absolutely DELIGHTED!!!
I had been recommended to them by their good friend Elizabeth Gardner, who’s son’s wedding I photographed last year in Florence. Bryant and Mary Beth’s wedding was so much fun. So I knew the Aucoin’s birthday bash would be as well! 🙂
The celebration took place at The Lake House at Bulow. I remember photographing the property for the original owners, Bill & Coy, before they sold it to the James Island County Park system. It’s a gorgeous property with a huge log cabin, nice lawn, and wrap-around decks, overlooking a pristine lake. They’ve also built a picturesque bridge that goes over to an island covered in tall pine trees. I’ve photographed weddings held on that island, surrounded by those majestic trees.
With close friends and family coming from far and wide, the festivities began on a gorgeous spring afternoon. The air was filled with chatter and laughter as people reconnected, played games, enjoyed good food and drinks, and celebrated this amazing couple. As day turned into night, the party continued with music and dancing, toasts and roasts, and so much more!
It was an absolute pleasure being a part of this special celebration. CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. & Mrs. Aucoin!!!
I’ve been photographing Trident Healthcare’s Christmas Party for almost a decade now…sheeesh that makes me sound old. 🙂
Held at the old historic Francis Marion Hotel, I set up a portrait station by the Christmas Tree just outside the banquet hall. This includes a Nikon D5, 4 Flashpoint Speedlights, Manfrotto supports, and Westcott umbrellas. As soon as each couple gets checked in, I snap a photo of them, which is instantly transferred to the laptop, where Cami fine-tunes the image if needed, and sends it to the DNP DS40 5×7 printer. Within seconds, their print comes out and is slipped into an elegant black 8×10 folio. Guests can take them right then if they wish. Otherwise, we lay them out on a table for them to pick up as they leave for the evening!
Once everyone has arrived, I switch to the Nikon Z9 for candid photos of everyone mingling during cocktails, catching up during dinner, and enjoying the presentations and awards by the CEO of Trident Health, Christina Oh, and her team.
Capturing the couple’s photos, candids, and awards ceremony at the annual Holiday Gala for Trident Health has become a milestone I look forward to each and every year!!!
James and Sadaf have been together for almost exactly one year. When James called me several weeks ago, I could just hear it in his voice…he KNEW Sadaf was the right girl for him!!!
Together we came up with a beautiful plan to surprise Sadaf during their weekend get-away to visit Charleston. Thinking they were meeting a guide at White Point Garden to take them on a short historic walking tour, Sadaf was totally unaware of the secret plan James had in store for her!
Leading his gorgeous girlfriend to a spot under the avenue of oaks, James dropped to one knee and asked her to be his wife. It was such an incredible moment that I could feel all the other tourists around me collectively holding their breath as soon as they realized what was going on. When Sadaf said “YES” and gave him that big hug, everyone burst out in enthusiastic applause!!!
I got to know James and Sadaf a little bit that afternoon, as we spent some time together wandering the historic downtown streets, creating some magical engagement photos for them. And I can truly say, they are absolutely perfect for each other. CONGRATULATIONS James & Sadaf! We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives together…
