Kai’s & Savannah’s Surprise Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

Over the last 30 years as a professional photographer, I’ve discovered that photographing surprise proposals is one of my absolute favorite things to capture. There’s something incredibly special about documenting such a genuine, life-changing moment, and Kai’s surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Savannah, was a perfect example of why I love these shoots so much.

Kai and I spent several months carefully planning every detail to make sure the moment unfolded perfectly. He chose the iconic white bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens as the setting, which couldn’t have been more romantic. On the big day, I hid behind a tree at the far end of the pond so Savannah wouldn’t suspect a thing. From there, I photographed the moment with a dual-camera setup using two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 400mm f4.5 S lens to capture the proposal from a distance, and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f2.8 lens to showcase more of the scene.

Kai and I had created a schedule, and mapped out a route for him to lead her to the bridge. Even though she had no idea what we were up to, and he had never been there before, Kai somehow managed to get her to Magnolia Plantation right on schedule, and lead her right down the path I had told him to take. Kai had cleverly told her he was there on a work trip and had to make a presentation to his team. He asked if they could get to the plantation early so that he could practice his speach! Arriving at “the spot”, he handed her a copy of the speech so she could read along. Only instead of a work speech, it was his declaration of love and devotion to Savannah. I could see the emotions welling up as she read along. Then he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She said YES!!!

After the excitement settled, we spent some time strolling around the beautiful grounds creating authentic engagement portraits. Using the versatile Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S lens, and occasionally adding some off-camera flash, we captured a wonderful collection of images celebrating the beginning of their next chapter together.

Please help me in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Kai and Savannah!!! We wish you all the best as you start this new journey together…

Michele & Dominic’s Micro Wedding at Wentworth Mansion

There is something incredibly special about a micro wedding. Michele and Dominic’s intimate celebration at the Wentworth Mansion was the perfect reminder that you don’t need a large guest list to create a truly meaningful and elegant wedding day. With just their eight immediate family members present, every moment felt personal, intentional, and deeply heartfelt.

I began the day photographing their getting ready moments inside the mansion’s beautifully restored rooms. The historic architecture and soft window light created the perfect setting for those quiet, anticipatory moments before the ceremony. Michele looked absolutely stunning, and Dominic’s excitement was evident in every smile.

Their ceremony was especially touching, performed by Dominic’s brother. That personal connection added such warmth and authenticity to the vows. With only their closest family surrounding them, there was an intimacy that made every glance and every word feel even more powerful. Afterward, we captured relaxed family portraits, followed by a fun and romantic session with just the newlyweds.

One of my favorite parts of the day was exploring the historic backdrops around the mansion with Michele and Dominic. I truly enjoyed getting to know them better as we wandered the grounds, creating gorgeous images along the way. We wrapped up their portraits in the cupola, overlooking the Charleston skyline during that magical blue hour. The dramatic deep blue tones of dusk, paired with the sweeping views of over the city, made for some unforgettable images.

I photographed everything using two Nikon Z9 bodies, paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8, and the Nikkor Z 105mm f/2.8 Micro for those detailed ring and décor shots. It was the perfect setup for capturing everything from key moments to intimate details. The quality, creativity, and diversity this setup provides is truly spectacular!

After our grand finale together on the cupola, Michele and Dominic joined their family for a celebratory dinner at the famous Circa 1886 Restaurant while I packed up. I am always so grateful when I get to do what I love, while meeting and working with such wonderful people, capturing all the special moments of their big day! Michele and Dominic’s wedding was elegant, heartfelt, and a true joy to document. Days like this are exactly why I love what I do.

Brandy & Dan’s Beach Wedding on IOP

Capturing Brandy & Dan’s beautiful beach wedding on Isle of Palms was an absolute pleasure!!!

With 30 years of experience as a professional wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless unforgettable moments. But Brandy and Dan’s intimate beach wedding on IOP truly touched my heart. Set against the stunning backdrop of this serene barrier island, the ceremony was a perfect blend of natural beauty and heartfelt emotion. It was an intimate affair with 20 of their closest family and friends, creating a warm, loving atmosphere that felt more like a family reunion than a typical wedding.

Brandy & Dan rented a charming beach house to serve as the backdrop for their big day. I was thrilled to capture all the special moments of their ceremony on the soft, breezy sand right in front of it. The gentle waves, blue skies, and candid laughter added to the magic of the day. I loved documenting every smile, every meaningful glance, and the affectionate exchanges that made this celebration so unique. My favorite was the touching sand ceremony, where each of their lovely children blended layers of various colored sands into an amazing piece of art…much the same way that Brandy & Dan have blended their two families! Moments like these remind me why I love this profession—preserving love stories in their most genuine form.

It was an absolute joy to be part of Brandy and Dan’s beautiful beginning. I left inspired by their love, their commitment, and their unique connection that made this wedding truly special.

Madison & Justin’s Wedding at The Citadel

Madison & Justin are the sweetest couple you could ever hope to meet!!!

I had the distinct pleasure of photographing their nuptials at Summerall Chapel on The Citadel Campus this past weekend. The weather was dreary. But the love between these two brightened the chapel and warmed everyone’s hearts! Plus the rain let up just enough at the very end for a fun group photo with all their guests…which was one of Madison’s special requests. Plus we captured some dramatic shots of the beautiful couple on The Quad in front of Justin’s barracks.

CONGRATULATIONS to Madison & Justin!!! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…

Kaitlin & Steven’s Wedding at Founder’s Hall

What an absolute honor it was to photograph Kaitlin & Steven’s touching ceremony and beautiful wedding at Founder’s Hall in Charles Towne Landing!!!

This day was particularly special because I also photographed the weddings of Steven’s two sisters.  Which means I’ve spent a lot of time with Steven, his parents, and his family over the years…and I love them all to pieces.  But throughout the process of preparing for this special day, I have TRULY enjoyed getting to know Steven’s beautiful bride, Kaitlin!  The three of us had so much fun at their engagement session.  And I got to see Kaitlin’s “adventurous” side during her amazing bridal session.  She is such a delightful human inside and out, with a kind and giving soul, an infectious laugh, and a smile that lights up the room and lifts the hearts of eveyone around her!

Please enjoy these moments from the story of their wedding day.  And help me say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Kaitlin & Steven.  We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together!!!

Madeline & Logan’s Casstown Wedding

What an absolute pleasure it was to photograph Madeline & Logan’s gorgeous wedding on a beautiful farm in Casstown, OH!!!

Madeline’s mother is Cami’s best friend from high-school. When Noelle told Cami about Madeline’s engagement to Logan, we JUMPED at the chance to photograph it. And I’m so glad we did!!!

The wedding was held on a friend’s farm in Casstown, Ohio…not too far from where Madeline grew up on her parent’s horse farm in Troy. The farm was absolutely perfect…fully decked out and decorated for the Big Day!

After getting ready, Madeline and Logan had a private No-Look ceremony under the giant oak in the front yard, where they exchanged private vows that they had written to one another. Then Madeline had a fun Dress Reveal with all her bridesmaids, and a touching First Look with her dad and her brother.

Madeline’s family includes 3 giant Great Danes. Just because they have 4 legs instead of 2, doesn’t mean they are any less important. So of course Oscar, Oakley, and Winston were made official groomsmen, complete with bowties, and escorted to their places by 3 of the bridesmaids. Being a competitive horse rider, it was so perfect that Madeline and her parents arrived at the main ceremony in a classic horse-drawn carraige. Tears welled up in Logan’s eyes as he saw his bride for the first time, stepping off the carraige, beaming with joy as she walked down the aisle in her elegant gown.

The reception was held in a giant tent on the property. With touching toasts, an auctioneer letting the highest bidding table be first to go to the buffet line, a fun cake cutting, and an awesome band keeping the party going all night long…everyone had an amazing time!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Madeline & Logan! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…

Sarah & Andrew’s Wedding at Meadow Wood Acres

I am SO OBSESSED!!!

Photographing & Sarah & Andrew’s magical wedding day at Meadow Wood Acres in central Michigan was an absolute delight! These two are a match made in heaven!!! But of course I knew that when I had the honor of photographing their Surprise Proposal in Charleston! Check out that story here: https://chrisandcami.com/andrews-surprise-proposal-to-sarah-at-waterfront-park/.

The whole flight home I was madly going through all the photos and picking out some of my favorites to share. It was so much fun getting “glances” from other travelers when they would see a particularly cool shot pop up while I was editing in the waiting area for my flight to board. My favorite was when an outgoing young lady, probably in her early twenties, looked over and said “Did YOU take that?!?” 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS Sarah & Andrew!!! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife…

Sarah & Andrew’s Wedding Rehearsal at Meadow Wood Acres

As a full-time professional wedding photographer for over 30 years, I’ve covered a LOT of weddings!!! However, every single one of them is still unique and different. For this reason, I like to attend the Wedding Rehearsal whenever possible. It’s not something we charge for. It’s just part of the customer service we provide.

The Wedding Rehearsal usually takes place at the wedding venue the day before the main event. So if it’s a location I haven’t been to in a while, I get to scout the area for pretty backgrounds and good locations I can use for photos. I also get to introduce myself to the venue staff and the wedding planner, which helps put them at ease. But most importantly, I get to meet the families and get to know the wedding party! I’ll make notes about who is who in the wedding party, what the parent’s names are, how old the ring bearer or flower girl is, and any unique events that will take place during the ceremony. All of this information allows me to anticipate key moments better, position myself in the right places at the right times, and just be better prepared to tell the story of their day. Plus just being present and introducing myself to key individuals helps them think of me as part of their “inner circle”, making them more comfortable with me on the wedding day. I’m always seeking genuine moments and natural emotions. Breaking the ice at the rehearsal allows that to happen more fluidly on the wedding day. Last but not least, it’s helpful to the bride and her wedding planner to have me there in case they have questions about the photo schedule.

The best part about attending the Wedding Rehearsal is that often times…like with Sarah & Andrew’s fabulous rehearsal at Meadow Wood Acres outside Lansing, Michigan…the couple will invite me to join them for the Rehearsal Dinner! YUMMM!!! 🙂

Kristin & Phil’s Wedding at The Estate at Sunset Farm

Photographing every wedding is ALWAYS special to me. But they are TRULY meaningful when it’s for family!!! This weekend I had the incredible honor of photographing my beautiful niece, Kristin, as she married her best friend, Phil, in a gorgeous ceremony at The Estate at Sunset Farm! Here are a few of my favorites from their amazing day. CONGRATULATIONS Kristin & Phil! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together…

Kaitlin & Stevie’s Engagement at the Lagare Waring House

I’ve known the Petit family for a long time. It’s been my honor to photograph Chris & Shelley’s wedding, as well as Jody & Gerald’s wedding. So imagine my excitement when I found out I’ll be photographing their brother Stevie’s wedding to his beautiful fiance, Kaitlin!!!

Kaitlin & I have been emailing each other over this winter, working out details and plans for their wedding in the fall. One of the things she wanted to schedule fairly soon was their engagement photos. In fact, we originally had it scheduled for last week when that crazy winter storm blew through Charleston!!! Kaitlin & Stevie are so adventurous that they were totally game for having their photo shoot in the rare snowfall. But sadly, Charles Towne Landing closed due to the weather. So we rescheduled, and it turned out to be an absolutely GORGEOUS 70-degree day with beautiful afternoon light streaming throught he trees!

I had so much fun getting to know Kaitlin & Stevie. I can’t wait to meet her amazing family, and reconnect with the Petit family! Their wedding at Founder’s Hall inside this State Historic Site is going to be absolutely AMAZING!!!

Jacqueline and Jason’s Wedding at Blessed Sacrament Church

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Jacqueline and Jason’s stunning wedding in Charleston last weekend. It was truly a day to remember!!! The ceremony took place at the beautiful Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where the couple exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. The church’s timeless architecture and soft light created the perfect backdrop for this emotional event. Jacqueline was a vision of perfection in her elegant gown as she gracefully swept down the aisle. And Jason, a police officer on Isle of Palms, looked dashing in his hunter green suite as he stood by her side.

I got to know Jacqueline and Jason during their engagement shoot earlier this summer: https://chrisandcami.com/jackie-jasons-engagement-photos-at-white-point-garden/. The love between them is truly undeniable. This amazing couple met in high school. After four wonderful years together, they finally tied the knot in a celebration that radiated warmth, joy, and the kind of deep connection that only time can build. I loved capturing the little moments that spoke volumes: the way Jason’s eyes lit up when Jacqueline walked down the aisle, the quiet smiles they shared during the ceremony, and the laughter that filled the air at the reception later that evening as they mingled and danced with their guests.

Their reception at Halls Event Space was full of energy, with heartfelt toasts, delicious food, and unforgettable dancing. With Jacqueline working on Seabrook Island and Jason serving the community as a police officer, their love story is one of service, dedication, and partnership. It was such an honor to document such a meaningful day for this incredible couple!

I would especially like to thank Jason’s sister, Megan, for selecting me to be a part of Jacqueline and Jason’s amazing day. Hiring a professional photographer for her brother and now sister-in-law, was Megan’s present to them. What an incredibly thoughtful wedding gift!

Jacqueline and Jason, we wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together!!!

Nicole & Julian’s Wedding at Daniel Island Club

Fall in Charleston is a season that always seems to bring a little extra magic to a wedding day…especially when the sweetgrass is in bloom! Nicole and Julian’s beautiful wedding at the picturesque Daniel Island Club was no exception. Nestled along the banks of the Wando River, this stunning venue served as the perfect backdrop for their amazing celebration!

The day began with soft sunlight filtering through the trees as Nicole slipped into her dress, a classic yet modern design that highlighted her natural beauty. Julian, with his calm and warm presence, awaited her at the altar, where the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony that was intimate and heartfelt. My favorite moments were when their officiant, Christy Loftin, interjected humerous anecdotes that had the couple bursting out in laughter! The lush greens of the golf course, the purple of the blooming sweetgrass, and the blue skies set the stage for unforgettable photos.

The golden hour was particularly stunning, casting a warm glow over the family and wedding party as we captured fun group photos and stunning shots of Nicole & Julian. The dramatic sunset made for an amazing backdrop for the final shots of this amazing couple before they were introduced into the reception!

The reception that followed was filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of dancing. Friends and family surrounded Nicole & Julian all night long, celebrating their love for one another as the stars began to twinkle overhead. At the end of the night, Nicole & Julian shared a quiet, intimiate dance as the new Mr. & Mrs., while guests headed outside to light up a pathway with sparklers for their exciting exit!

Capturing the moments of Nicole and Julian’s wedding was a true privilege. From quiet, tender moments to grand, joyful celebrations, every shot was a reflection of the love and happiness they shared on their special day. Theirs is a wedding I’ll always remember, set against the timeless beauty of my favorite time of year in Charleston.

CONGRATULATIONS Nicole & Julian! We wish you all the best as you begin your new journey together…