Emily & Halen’s Wedding at the I’On Creek Club

There’s an inexplicable joy in capturing the essence of love and commitment through the lens of a camera. As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and documenting numerous weddings, each with its own unique charm and beauty. However, Emily and Halen’s wedding at the I’On Creek Club last weekend stands out as an extraordinary celebration of love and happiness!!!

Nestled amidst the serene landscape overlooking lowcountry marsh, the I’On Creek Club provided an idyllic backdrop for this joyous occasion. From the moment I arrived, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The venue’s natural beauty, overlooking the glistening waters, set the stage for an enchanting ceremony that promised to be a photographer’s dream.

The day began with the pre-ceremony preparations, an intimate time filled with nervous excitement and laughter. Emily, adorned in her stunning gown, exuded elegance and grace, while Halen’s anticipation was palpable. Every moment was a canvas waiting to be painted.  And I was honored to capture the raw emotions and candid moments that made their story come alive.

As the ceremony commenced, the golden hour cast a warm glow, enhancing the enchanting ambiance. Against the backdrop of the Creek Club’s breathtaking views, Emily and Halen exchanged their vows, while I focused on immortalizing those heartfelt promises and the tears of joy that glistened in their eyes.

The reception was a jubilant affair, brimming with wonderful toasts, lively dancing, and unfiltered merriment. From their grand entrance, to their bubble-filled sendoff, every instance was a treasure trove of emotions and connections, waiting to be framed in a photograph.

What made this wedding particularly enjoyable to me was not just the stunning venue or the elegant decorations, but the genuine love and connection between Emily and Halen. Their affection was evident in every stolen glance, every tender touch, and every shared smile. It was a pleasure to freeze those moments in time, knowing that these photographs would become cherished memories for years to come.

The wedding at the Creek Club was not just an event; it was a symphony of emotions, a celebration of love and commitment, and an amalgamation of moments that will forever be etched in the hearts of everyone present. As I packed up my equipment that night and bid adieu to this remarkable day, I left with a heart brimming with contentment, knowing that I had the honor of documenting a love story so pure and beautiful.

CONGRATULATIONS Emily & Halen!!! Photographing your wedding was not just another job; it was a profound privilege to be part of. We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new journey together…

Bri & Andrew’s Wedding at The Oasis

Cami and I have been looking forward to Bri and Andrew’s wedding for a long time!  Andrew is Cami’s awesome nephew. We were so happy when he found his soulmate in Bri. Together they have built a wonderful life together, which includes their adorable little daughter, Marley!

Their wedding day turned out to have the most perfect weather any bride and groom could ever hope for…sunny and seventies with blue skies and puffy white clouds. It was held at The Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, OH…a picturesque venue right on the golf course.

Bri was absolutely stunning in her cathedral length gown and flowing lace veil! My favorite part of her enseble was her cool blue Converse sneakers! Andrew was looking sharp too, in his charcoal suit and white bowtie.

The service was really special, and included a unique unity ceremony, where Bri and Andrew brought a sapling from their yard which was set on a table under their arbor. During the service, they each took turns pouring mason jars of soil from his family home and her family home, which they combined with the soil already in the pot from THEIR home!

CONGRATULATIONS Bri & Andrew! We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives!!!

Abby & David’s Wedding at The Millstone

I grew up in Zaire, now known as the Congo (DRC). So did my friend Beth. Now imagine my excitement one day when Beth sent me a message that they were visiting her son and his fiance and wanted to know if I was available to photograph their wedding!?!

Abby & David tied the knot last weekend at The Millstone. Filled with natural landscaping, the grounds at the Millstone was the perfect spot for their celebration! Located just outside Johnson City, TN, the mill itself has been restored into a stunning venue, while still preserving the history and charm that has been a part of this farming community since 1811.

Abby was absolutely stunning in her fairytale wedding gown! I loved her elegant poise, kind eyes, and gentle soul. David looked really sharp in his plum suit and floral tie.  He’s got an easy-going personality, an inviting smile, and an amazingly creative spirit.  They both wore matching sneakers…which is something they’ve done since they started dating!

The wedding ceremony was made extra special with Abby’s brother, Landin, who is in seminary, leading the vows. Plus, David’s grandfather, who we lovingly call by his African nickname, “Babu”, led the unity ceremony and prayed a blessing over the beautiful couple. The sun was out. The bird’s were singing. Abby and David were enveloped withinin the love and support of their closest friends and family. It truly was a special day!

After the ceremony, a delightful reception was held inside the old restored mill. Food, drinks, dancing, mingling, cake, toasts, and a grand departure…they had it all. I have to confess, it was difficult to contain the lump in my throat during the heartfelt toasts. When those emotions welled up around the room, it was a clear sign to me that Abby & David are truly and deeply loved!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Abby & David! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife…

Stacey & Parker at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club

Parker’s email said “When we were evaluating the IOP Exchange Club as a venue for our wedding, we searched for pictures online and found a recent wedding you had photographed there…which opened our eyes to the possibilities!”

I’m so glad Stacey & Parker found those photos. And I’m so glad they ended up hiring me for their wedding!

Stacey and Parker live in Carmel, Indiana. Their first meeting was a pandemic-inspired date the day after Thanksgiving of 2020. They had met online and decided to get together for a brief outdoor walk, bundled in full winter gear. Eight miles later, they both knew that something special was a real possibility. They’ve been together ever since!!! Parker proposed to Stacey on New Years Day. 🙂

This adorable couple have family and friends that live on Isle of Palms. They visit the area regularly. They love it here, and hope to retire on IOP one day. So they decided to have a nice intimate wedding with their families and a few close friends. It was absolutely delightful! And I’m so honored they asked me to be a part of it!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Stacey & Parker! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…

Anna and Christian at The Citadel Beach Club

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…

Becca & Matt at Pineland Place

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…

Amanda & Bryan at Summerall Chapel

Amanda & Bryan are the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet!

Bryan graduated from The Citadel back in ’96. He and Amanda now live in Ohio. When they decided to get married, all he wanted was to be able to return to The Citadel and marry the girl of his dreams in the iconic Summerall Chapel! So Amanda planned a beautiful destination wedding to Charleston with just a few close friends and family. Bryan and Amanda each have kids. Which made it extra special as their blended family came together and made the long trip in support of this amazing couple!

Amanda and her girls got ready in the adjacent Mark Clark building before being picked up by a Rolls Royce to drive her around the quad to the wedding. Bryan got ready at Summerall Chapel, where he was able to greet guests and welcome everyone. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, including a special sand-ceremony at the alter, and a spectacular sword arch at the end. Afterwards, Amanda had arranged for a private photo session in Bryan’s old barracks! How cool is that?!? We then returned to their families back at the church for group photos. And finally, we headed over to Hampton Park where the newlyweds could enjoy a few minutes together before joining everyone for dinner.

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

Morgan & Ryan’s Wedding at The Citadel Beach Club

What a GORGEOUS day for a wedding!!!

I got to know Morgan & Ryan, and their adorable son, Wyatt, at their fabulous engagement shoot last year:  https://chrisandcami.com/morgan-ryans-engagement-session-at-hampton-park/.  So I was super excited to be covering their amazing wedding at The Citadel Beach Club!

With blue skies, puffy white clouds, a gentle ocean breeze, and perfect temperatures, you couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.  Surrounded by close family and friends, they tied the knot on the grand lawn with pelicans soaring overhead, and the southing sounds of the ocean in the distance.  A lively reception with great food, friendly fellowship, and crazy dancing followed inside the ballroom.  Bruce even sang a surprise solo to his beautiful daughter during the toasts!  But my favorite part was when Morgan, Ryan, and I snuck out to the beach for some sunset photos with a bottle of bubbly!  😉

Many thanks to Keri of Keri Seay Events for all her help keeping everything on track.  And a huge shout out to all the other vendors for making Morgan & Ryan’s day so special!

CONGRATULATIONS Morgan & Ryan!!!  We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together…

Brianna & Evan’s Wedding at Historic Rice Mill

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.

Pamela & Mike’s Wedding at The Citadel

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…

Paulina & Ben’s Greek Orthodox Wedding

Two weeks before the Covid-19 “shutdown”, I had the pleasure of photographing Sommer & Frank’s wedding. Several years before that, I had the privilege of photographing Sommer’s sister’s wedding, when Sarah & Trent got married. Now…3 years later…after the pandemic bans on public gatherings have been lifted…it was my GREAT PLEASURE to photograph Frank’s sister’s wedding!  Paulina & Ben tied the knot on a beautiful blue-sky afternoon at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity!!!

If you haven’t already, check out the beautiful story of their Secret Proposal here:  https://chrisandcami.com/ben-proposes-to-paulina-at-the-holiday-festival-of-lights/.

When the big day arrived, I met up with Paulina and the girls on the top floor of the Harbour Club at Westedge, where they were all getting ready.  The atmosphere was fun and festive.  And Paulina looked stunning!  I absolutely LOVED the pride and joy in her Dad’s eyes when he came in for that “First Look” with his little girl!

Meanwhile, my good friend Robbin caught up with Ben and the guys, who were all getting ready at the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront. I think one of the most special moments of the day was when the trolley was taking Ben the guys over to the church, and he had them stop so he could come up, lean his head on the outside of the door, hold Paulina’s hand, and tell her how much he was looking forward to marrying her!

Once everyone was at the church, a beautiful, warm, candlelit sanctuary welcomed friends and family from far and wide. The ceremony was FILLED with so many special moments…from Paulina and Ben’s brothers laying out the aisle runner, to Ben’s mom singing a soulful rendition of Ave Maria…from Paulina’s Dad singing in the choir, to her godfather being the Koumbaros and assisting with the Exchanging of Rings and The Crowning ceremony. Father Ari led a touching heartfelt ceremony. And Ms. Cleo did an amazing job of keeping everyone on schedule. It truly was a special ceremony I’ll never forget!

A highlight for me personally was getting to spend a few minutes in a private session with Paulina & Ben at Brittlebank Park on our way to the reception.  The vibrant orange glow from the final rays of sunshine, and the transitioning sky as “blue hour” set in, provided a dynamic backdrop for a few dramatic portraits of the gorgeous couple!

Then it was on to the reception back at the Harbour Club at Westedge.  Robbin had already covered the cocktail hour.  So once Paulina and Ben had gotten a few minutes to catch their breath (while he changed into a suit and she put her hair up), it was time for the Main Event!!!  After an enthusiastic welcome for the wedding party, Paulina & Ben’s first dance as husband and wife, and some touching toasts, DJ David kicked things into high gear!  I always love the energy and enthusiasm of Greek dancing.  And WOW…did this group know how to do it right?!?  Everyone had a BLAST, while Robbin and I captured all the excitement of the evening!

Many thanks to Ashleigh with Everything After the Ring for the beautiful florals, and for keeping everyone organized throughout the day.

CONGRATULATIONS Ben & Paulina!!!  You are so perfect for each other!  We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives…

Becca & Matt’s Wentworth Mansion Wedding

When Matt hired me to photograph his Surprise Proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Becca, back in August, I felt a real connection to this AMAZING couple:  https://chrisandcami.com/matts-middleton-place-proposal-to-becca/.  So you can imagine how excited I was when they called to ask if I would photograph their wedding!!! 🙂

“True Love” is what comes to mind when I think of Becca & Matt. The way he looks at her, the way she holds his hand, the way they know what each other is thinking without saying a single word…it’s like a fairy tale! In keeping with their love for each other, Becca & Matt wanted to get married as soon as possible. So they proposed having me photograph a small elopement, just an intimate ceremony with the two of them and their parents. Then later next summer, they would have me photograph the big reception with all their friends and family!

This weekend Becca & Matt tied the knot at the old historic Wentworth Mansion. The 21-room tribute to Charleston’s gilded age exudes the glamour and grandeur of the Holy City. Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained glass create a setting of gracious hospitality, further enhanced by luxurious amenities and thoughtful guest experiences – all just a short stroll from the city’s world-class dining and shopping.

The touching ceremony was led by Becca’s cousin, Kerrie. Warm sunlight danced through the iconic trees as Becca and her father made their way down the giant staircase. Surrounded by the love of their parents, Becca & Matt exchanged their vows on the grand lawn under a brilliant blue sky.

After signing their license, it was time to “play”. So the three of us set about capturing a variety of creative images, paying homage to the timelessness of the incredible setting, and preserving the beauty of this amazing couple on the happiest day of their lives!  Eventually the sun dipped below the horizon, and the happy couple joined their parents across the way at the Circa 1886 Restaurant for dinner.

CONGRATULATIONS Becca & Matt!!! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new chapter in your lives…