Evans Family on Kiawah Island

A milestone I look forward to at the end of every summer, is the annual SUNRISE PHOTO SHOOT with the delightful Evans Family!!!

We always get together at the end of summer break for a fun family portrait session before they head back north for the kids to start the new school year. They are one of the handful of families we work with who are brave enough to get up before dawn for their portraits.

I know it’s tough for Geraldine & Steve to get their teens out of bed that early. But it’s always such a rewarding experience, and a fun bonding time as we make new memories together!!! 🙂

Sanders Family on Kiawah Island

In spite of breaking her foot the first day of vacation, Barbara was a real trooper when it came time for their family photos! I met them at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island where they were vacationing for the week. We had a GORGEOUS evening with beautiful light, mild temperatures, and calm winds. I truly enjoyed getting to know this wonderful family, and capturing these delightful memories for them!!!

The Riccardi & Canonica Families on Kiawah Island

I was so honored when Tracey contacted us to photograph an updated family portrait for them before the kids went back to school. This year, her cousin Doreen and her family decided to join in on all the fun!

I met up with them at their beautiful home on Kiawah Island. With a storm brewing in the distance, the temperatures were nice and cool. Plus it provided for a really dramatic backdrop with interesting colors and cloud formations out over the ocean.

We had an awesome time and came away with some wonderful family memories!

Rowland Family on John’s Island

This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the Rowland Family on John’s Island.  To see more of their photos, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/p808783292.

Ronald’s brother is the priest at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. So we met there to use their beautiful gardens as the backdrop to our fun photo shoot. It was absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

Their daughter, Kathy, who organized everything as a gift to their parents, said they have never had a professional family portrait done together. I was truly honored to capture these precious memories for this wonderful, kind, and loving family!

Mazirow Family on Kiawah Island

It was too chilly and dreary for a beach session. But this was the ONLY day the Mazirow Family would be all together! We bravely switched to “Plan B”, selecting the beautiful views overlooking Osprey Point Golf Course from the deck of their gorgeous rental house as our new photo location. That way, everyone could take brakes to run inside and warm up if they got too cold! 🙂

The secluded deck area was shrouded in trees on all sides, which kept the wind off. But this also prevented any light from filtering through. I quickly set up an array of Nikon SB-800 flashes, firing through giant 60″ Westcott umbrellas, to emulate the warm glow of a late afternoon daylight.  All flashes were triggered by RadioPopper transmitters.  The amazing Nikon D5 did the rest.

Everything turned out beautiful! And the Mazirow Family was so fun to work with!!! CONGRATULATIONS to Ann and Art on their beautiful, kind, and loving family.

Guin Family on Kiawah Island

It’s been overcast, gloomy, and rainy all week. I even drove through a short downpour on the way to the shoot. But by the time the Guin family arrived for our beach portrait session on Kiawah Island last night, the skies opened up, the winds calmed down, the temperature cooled off, and the light was spectacular. We could not have asked for a more BEAUTIFUL evening!

Having become a wonderful blended family only a few years ago, the Guins have been vacationing on Kiawah Island ever since. Now that their oldest son is married and moved away from the family home in Chicago, this is the only time they all get together!

It was an honor to meet everyone and capture some wonderful images for them to commemorate this special occasion.  🙂

Allie & Andrew’s Kiawah Proposal

Allie’s family has been vacationing on Kiawah Island for almost 30 years! Last year they invited Allie’s long-time boyfriend, Andrew, to join them. The beauty and serenity of the island struck him. This year, when they invited him again, he privately called Allie’s parents to let them know his intentions to ask for their daughter Allie’s hand in marriage at The Ocean Course.

Allie and Andrew have dated since before they could drive!  🙂  As often happens in life, they went their separate ways a bit during college. But neither of them ever dated anyone else…and soon enough they were back together again. It was just meant to be!!!

Gayla and Scott helped Andrew in coming up with a grand plan, and fill in all the details. They arranged for me to photograph the momentous occasion on the beach in front of the club house, where they would all hide to watch as it unfolded. Afterwards, a private celebration dinner was reserved in the Atlantic Room, overlooking the beach where they got engaged. Several close family members and friends, including Andrew’s parents, flew in to surprise them!

It was such an honor and a pleasure to capture this AMAZING moment for Allie & Andrew! CONGRATULATIONS on a perfect match made in heaven!!! 🙂

Andrew & Melissa’s Kiawah Island Proposal

CONGRATULATIONS Melissa & Andrew!!!

 I had so much fun yesterday, capturing Andrew’s surprise wedding proposal out on the beach in front of The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day to get engaged.  Andrew & Melissa are the sweetest, kindest, happiest couple you could ever hope to meet.  We had a BLAST hanging out and creating some fun images after she said “YES”!!!  🙂  What an honor and a privilege it was to be there for these guys, preserving this special moment in their lives forever!

Many thanks to Delaney and Jacob for all their hard work planning and organizing every detail.  You guys are THE BEST!!!