Morgan & Ray at the John Rutledge House Inn

What a pleasure it was to photograph Ray & Morgan’s beautiful blended-family wedding last weekend!

Now living in Mississippi, Ray & Morgan planned a fun winter get-away to Charleston with all their amazing children. They stayed at the old historic John Rutledge House Inn, and arranged for the wedding to take place in the picturesque courtyard out back. Rick Burton did a wonderful job performing the nuptials. Then after the “I Do’s”, we all went for a walk-about downtown, stopping for fun and creative images among the many photogenic spots along the way.

I don’t know if you call it an elopement or a destination wedding.  But whatever it was that Ray & Morgan planned, it was a BLAST!!! Congratulations to you both, and to your family too! It was an absolute honor to share this special day with you!!!

Olman & Craig at Charlestowne Landing

What a joy it has been to get to know Olman & Craig over this past year! We absolutely LOVE these guys!!!

Olman & Craig met through work, where they are execs at AT&T in Atlanta. They were looking to for a spot to have a nice destination wedding that had a beautiful courtyart surrounded by nature and greenery. They couldn’t have picked a more AMAZING location than Charlestowne Landing!

Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous courtyard at Founder’s Hall in this beautiful historic plantation. But we took advantage of other scenic locations around the grounds as well! In spite of the threatening weather, the ceremony went off without a hitch. Plus Olman & Craig bravely indulged my “creative geekiness” for a few dramatic shots in the misty sprinkle afterwards. 🙂

Many thanks to everyone who helped make their wedding such a huge success! And a special thank you to Jessica for referring these two beautiful soul-mates to us! What a special priviledge it was to capture all the excitement of their wedding day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Olman & Craig! May your life hereafter be filled with happiness and delight.

Caroline & Matt & Turf Valley Resort

When I photographed Matt’s Secret Proposal to Caroline 6 months ago (https://chrisandcami.com/caroline-matts-secret-wedding-proposal/), it was one of the most humble moments of my 20+ year career! I could tell there was something truly special about these two…a connection on another dimension…spiritual, pure, perfect. It was even more humbling a few weeks later when they asked if Cami & I would be willing to photograph their Destination Wedding at an amazing resort near Washington D.C.!!!

Last week the big day finally arrived!  The wedding and reception were held at the gorgeous Turf Valley Resort. The location was beautiful, the weather was beautiful, and Caroline was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! One of my favorite shots of the day was Matt’s beaming smile when he saw her for the first time, walking down the aisle beside her father, ready to become his wife.

Photographing Caroline & Matt’s portraits after the wedding was like working with a pair of professional models. 🙂 Everywhere we went, they struck these amazing poses, with his dress blues setting off her elegant gown, and their contagious “we just got married” smiles warming our hearts. We had so much fun during our mini-shoot, complete with golf cart ride!

Entering the reception hall, I could tell we were in for the party of the century! There was a palpable electricity in the air. From the second Caroline & Matt stepped into the room to thunderous applause, to the very last dance, the room was filled with emotion, energy, and excitement!  They were showered with love from friends and family all night long.

CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Caroline! The blessing of meeting couples like you, and the joy of sharing in your lives, is the true reason why we LOVE what we do. We wish for you a life together full of the greatest joy imaginable!!!

Kristen & Michael on the Carolina Girl

After last weekend’s wedding, I felt like I had been given a golden ticket to the party of the century!!!

I had so much fun getting to know Kristen & Michael, and photographing all the special moments of their beautiful day! Kristen was absolutely stunning in her beautiful gown. And Michael was the kindest gentleman you could ever hope to meet.

Their ceremony and reception took place on the amazing Carolina Girl Yacht while we all cruised peacefully around Charleston Harbor. Kristen & Michael exchanged their own hand-written vows, including touching words from Kristen to Michael’s two boys. Captain Bob and his crew did an amazing job of avoiding the afternoon showers, and finding the most amazing backdrop for our portrait session on the bow. Duvall Events catered an amazing meal for all. And as the final rays of sunlight faded from view, DJ Bobby got the party rockin’!

Many thanks to my associate, Laura, for helping me cover all the angles. We both loved how everyone welcomed us into the family. It truly blessed us to see so much love and support for Kristen & Michael, who are clearly very special people!

CONGRATULATIONS Kristen & Michael!

“The winds have welcomed you with softness
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.”
~ Balloonist’s Blessing

See the Difference

It’s not uncommon for Cami & I to hear of someone that’s decided to let their friend, uncle, or cousin photograph their wedding.  This might be due to budgetary concerns or that the friend or relative wants to break into the photography business and needs portfolio material.  While we totally understand these reasons, we encourage couples to consider all possible outcomes and be truly certain that this is what they want before making the final call. 

There are definitely some wonderfully talented friends and relatives out there.  Plus advancements in camera technology make it easier for part-timers to get descent shots on occasion.   Just know that there IS a difference in hiring a full-time professional to cover a once-in-a-lifetime event!  While both can certainly point and push a button.  Only a professionally trained full-time photographer is going to create a high percentage of visually stunning images every single time.   Put the most advanced camera in front of an untrained eye and you get cave drawings.  Put a point-n-shoot into a master’s hands and you end up with a Rembrandt!

We are long-time members of the Professional Photographers of America.  Check out this PPofA video featuring Jeff & Julia Woods.  Cami & I frequently attend lectures, do workshops, and train with high-end professionals from around the country like Jeff & Julia in order to hone our craft.   Simply having professional photography degrees isn’t enough.  We are constantly striving for perfection and pushing to fill our pool of knowledge to overflowing.

Here are the 10 Toughest Questions to ask your photographer:  http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/10_things.php

Brittainy & Nate at St. Luke’s Chapel

I first met Brittainy & Nate last August.  They are friends of Whitney & Ryan, as well as Amy & Seth, both of whom I photographed their weddings.  So I owe a HUGE thank you to these guys for encouraging Brittainy & Nate to check out our website.  I’m so glad I got a chance to work with them and preserve all these beautiful moments of their special day!  I had SUCH a hard time narrowing down my favorites for the blog!!!  J

Brittainy & Nate were married at St. Luke’s Chapel…one of my favorite churches in town.  I love the dramatic wooden rafters and quaint courtyard.  Brittainy went to MUSC Pharmacy School, so the chapel, which is located on MUSC campus and is affiliated with the school, was a great choice.  Chaplain George Rossi, also of MUSC, did a beautiful job with their ceremony.  Afterwards, Brittainy & Nate made a stop down at Waterfront Park for some really cool portraits.  I LOVE IT when a couple appreciates what I do enough to give me just a few moments alone with them so that we can create something special together!!!  Afterwards we met everyone at Cottage on the Creek for a fun-filled evening reception.  One of my favorites is this last shot of them on the top deck at dusk with Shem Creek below and the dramatic sky behind them.   After watching their Music Video below, head over to www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com to see the rest of their wedding photos, engagement portraits, and Brittainy’s beautiful bridal portraits.

Brittainy & Nate, CONGRATULATIONS!!!  You guys were AWESOME!  I had so much fun on your wedding day and wish you all the best for a beautiful new life together…