Caroline & Erik’s Surprise Proposal on Kiawah Island

There are few moments as electric and intimate as a surprise proposal — Erik’s for Caroline was one of them. Erik and I had been secretly planning for two months, coordinating timing, vantage points, and small details to make the moment feel effortless. He chose the Butterfly Garden at The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island, where they were staying for the weekend, and golden hour wrapped the scene in a warm, honeyed glow.

My camera of choice was the Nikon Z9 — its autofocus speed and high-resolution files let me move between wide environmental shots and close emotional frames without missing a beat. Some moments that stuck with me: the quiet build of anticipation as they wandered through the garden, Erik’s nervous smile just before he knelt, Caroline’s joyful surprise, and the expression on her face after he pointed me out…snapping away from the other corner of the garden!

Afterwards, we had a fun time on an “authentic” engagement session around the property and onto the beach. Golden hour really worked its magic: soft, flattering light filtered through leaves and blooms, giving everything a cinematic, romantic quality. To keep detail in the shadows and make sure her ring and the smiles on their faces read crisply and clearly, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash. The flash provided subtle fill and rim light without overpowering the natural mood.

Photographing surprise proposals is about more than gear; it’s about reading people, staying invisible until the right instant, and anticipating the emotion. Two months of planning paid off in a collection of images that feel honest, tender, and timeless.

Please help me CONGRAGULATE Erik and Caroline!!! We wish them all the best as they begin their new journey together…

Maddie & Mark’s Engagement Session on Kiawah Island

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Maddie and Mark’s engagement session in the picturesque Cassique neighborhood on Kiawah Island. The evening was perfect, bathed in the warm glow of golden hour, creating an enchanting atmosphere for capturing their love story.

As I arrived, the stunning scenery of lush landscapes and charming Southern architecture set the stage for a great session. My camera of choice wsa the Nikon Z9! It’s exceptional image quality and fast autofocus, ensuring that every candid moment reflected Maddie and Mark’s genuine joy and connection. I used the Nikkor Z 24-70 f2.8 II and the Nikkor Z 70-180 f2.8 for their incredible sharpness and beautiful bokeh. To add depth and dimension to certain shots, I used a Godox AD200 off-camera flash, creatively enhancing the images without overpowering the natural light. Plus a few shots on the DJI Mini 3 Pro added a unique perspective!

We explored different nooks and crannies of Cassique, from tree-lined pathways to waterfront vistas…ending up on a really cool wooden bridge over the marsh. I encouraged Maddie and Mark to interact naturally, allowing their personalities to shine through the lens. Their laughter and loving glances documented not just the moment but their deep connection to one another. The session culminated in a stunning sunset, with the sky painted in shades of orange and pink, resulting in breathtaking images. Each photograph not only captured a moment in time but also a reflection of their love, and their future together.

I felt a real connection with Maddie and Mark’s…and I loved hearing about their love story. I am honored to have been a part of this memorable experience and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Lauman Family on Kiawah Island

Photographing Jen & Bobby’s beautiful wedding 10 years ago was the highlight of my year! I absolutely fell in love with these two. They were even featured in a magazine: https://chrisandcami.com/jezebel-magazine-2/!!!

Fast forward to yesterday, and the same emotions flooded back as I had the joy of photographing their beautiful growing family. With two adorable boys, and joined by excited grandparents, we all met up at the picturesque Ocean Park on Kiawah Island.

I had so much fun catching up with their busy lives. What an honor it is to still be a part of their lives after all these years!

Gaydosz Family on Kiawah Island

I’ve been photographing the warm and loving Gaydosz Family for many years now. Many thanks to Maria for organizing these fun shoots!
 
Each year the family grows and expand. It’s so much fun watching the children as their personalities develop and they truly come into their own! This year we missed big brother Steve and his family, with a prior commitment. But I look forward to seeing them ALL back together again next year for more fun times!!! 🙂

Gilligan Family on Kiawah Island

Summer is a time for vacations, for flip-flops, for families, for fun, for sunshine, and of course…beaches. I had the pleasure of combining ALL these elements a few days ago with the wonderful Gilligan Family!!!

We scheduled their family beach portrait session on Kiawah Island to coincide with the cooler temperatures, less crowded beaches, gentle breezes, and of course that beautiful soft evening light of “golden hour”.  It was so much fun hanging out with this crazy crew! Since I have three brothers of my own, I felt right at home with the friendly ribbing Ryan and Kevin were dishing out.  🙂  Plus, Emilee and Reagan were absolutely ADORABLE!!!

Many thanks to Debbie for organizing everything, and allowing me to feel like part of their family for an evening…

Surprise Sunrise Proposal on Kiawah Island

Just before I left for Romania I got a call from Corbin, who was secretly planning to propose to his girlfriend.  They are from Augusta, but were moving to Charleston that weekend.  He’d already convinced her that they should make their first morning in town a special one by watching the sunrise together and going to breakfast afterwards.  He even bought her a special beach dress to wear and made arrangements with The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island.  He’d seen my pictures of  Allison & Damon’s Proposal (https://chrisandcami.com/blog/2010/07/07/allison-says-yes-to-damon-on-kiawah-island/) and really wanted me to be there to capture theirs. 

Well, 5:00 A.M. came awfully early as I dragged myself out of bed to drive out to Kiawah.  But to experience such a beautiful moment between two people in love, within the stillness and calm of a deserted beach before dawn, and accentuated with the glorious rising of the sun…well, I have chills just writing about it.  Needless to say, the comfort of my bed didn’t hold a stick to the gravity of such a moment!  I felt truly blessed to be there.

After shooting his proposal incognito, Corbin brought Sarah over to meet me.  We laughed and I shared some of the pictures from the back of the camera with them.  Then as the sun rose into place, I shot a few “true” Engagement Portraits for them.  We had such a great time together.  Corbin & Sarah were so much fun to work with…even letting me talk them into getting a little wet.  J  CONGRATULATIONS to you both!

Allison says “YES” to Damon on Kiawah Island!

A few days ago I had the great privilege of documenting Damon’s TOP SECRET Proposal to Allison on the beach in front of The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island!  He and his Mom & Dad, along with his girlfriend, Allison, and her beautiful daughter, were all vacationing there for the summer.  Little did Allison know that Damon & his Mom were secretly scheming behind her back.  They had contacted me to be there “incognito” when they arrived on the beach so that I could capture all the momentous occasion.  It was SO AWESOME!  She said YES!  And we had a beautiful photo shoot afterwards.  Congratulations to Allison & Damon!!!