Lauren & Tanner // A Charleston Wedding at The Cottage on the Creek
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I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you in my arms forever
-Ray Lamontagne, "Hold You In My Arms"
Summer can be such a fun time for weddings in the Lowcountry. Hot days turn into warm nights and everyone seems to celebrate with a little less inhibition in the summer heat, especially when the wedding is a destination celebration for most everyone attending!
I meet Lauren and Tanner for the first time at Magnolia's Restaurant in downtown Charleston. We met early before their rehearsal dinner to have a Day-Before portrait session along Charleston's beautiful historic streets. The gorgeous couple fit seamlessly into the backdrop of late summer warm light and historic charm. It was such a fun way to get to know them better before the wedding day!
The wedding day was just as wonderful. The bride and groom and their wedding party stayed beachfront on Sullivan's Island and got in their share of beach time the morning of the wedding. Sun-kissed skin and a beach vibes set the tone for the wedding day as the wedding party changed from swimsuits to soiree style.
When Lauren and Tanner came together for their first look outside, I knew this day was going to be special. So much love and affection were shared between them both, I couldn't help but smile and swoon. Their ceremony was beautiful, waterfront and sunlit, and full of love and laughter as the the couple spoke their vows.
The entire celebration was so full of life and love from toasts given by their loved ones, and the happy family and friends who traveled to be with the couple, the most energy than I've ever experienced on the dance floor! When the night was over, Lauren and Tanner walked down the dock, through the cheers from the people they love most, and departed on to a romantic boat ride for two into Shem Creek. Such a perfect ending to a sweet summer wedding.
Many thanks to all those who helped make Lauren and Tanner's wedding day unforgettable.
Second Photographer: Adam Chandler
Photography Assistant: Kelsey Miller
Wedding Planner/Day-Of Coordinator: Callie Milligan of Ooh! Events
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Fernandez of Charleston Events Hair and Makeup
Wedding Dress Designer: Sarah Seven
Bridal Veil: BHLDN
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bridesmaids choice
Groom and Groomsmen Suits Designer: Hugo Boss
Ceremony Site & Reception Venue: Cottage on the Creek
Wedding Cake: D'lish Dessert
Florist: Out of the Garden by Ooh! Events
Caterer & Bar/Beverage Service: Cottage on the Creek
Ceremony Music: Bluegrass duo of Charleston Virtuosi
Reception Music: Return of the MAC of Other Brother Entertainment
Rentals: Ooh! Events
Invitations or Printing: Love vs Design
Officiant: Charleston Wedding Officiant - Joe Bustos
Transportation: 'The Geechee Girl' of Charleston Harbor Tours
Sara & Russ // A Charleston Harbor Resort Wedding
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Please hold me close beside you
Your eyes hold all the sky
Oh, sweet creation
This day will never die, it will never die
- Peter Wolf, "Green Fields of Summer"
Those of us who have been lucky enough to live in the wonderful city of Charleston know that it is a special place. We have been charmed by the beaches, the water and the friendly laid-back southern vibe. Sara and Russ were also charmed by our unique coastal city and decided to have their destination wedding harborside at The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Sara and Russ, both of their families and most of their guests journeyed to the coast for a vacation-esque wedding weekend. I love being a part of destination weddings, everyone always seems to celebrate a little harder. A Charleston vacation does that to you!
We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather most of the day, with an afternoon rainstorm barely missing us while Sara & Russ said 'I do.' After the clouds rolled on through, we were left with a gorgeous sunset over the harbor and a beautiful night sky. Sara and Russ' wedding day was full of personal touches, tears of joy, cries of laughter, unbelievable dance moves, and insane amounts of love for the happy couple. I was honored to be a part of the celebration. Thank you Sara and Russ!
Many thanks to my amazing team for the day, my second shooter Adam Chandler and my assistant Kelsey Miller. Thanks for being awesome!
Vendors: Ceremony Site: The Beach at The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina // Reception Venue: The Sunrise Terrace at The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina // Cake Artist: Janie at Charleston Cakes Etc. // Florist: Naomi Wallace and Alison of Out of Hand (Out of the Garden) // Caterer & Bar Service: The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina // Ceremony Music: David Fitzwater (family friend) // Reception Music: DJ Josh of Other Brother Entertainment // Officiant: Nancy Green // Wedding Planner/Day-Of Coordinator: Ellen Harrington of The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina // Hair Artist & Make-up Artist: Meghan through Kacie Faulling of Lashes and Lace // Wedding Dress Designer: J Crew // Groom Suits: Macys // Bride's Original Necklace Designer: Black Spruce
Katie & Travis // A Country Club of Charleston Wedding
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Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.
- John Legend, "All of Me"
Katie and Travis are one of the most laid-back couples I've had the pleasure of working with. I loved meeting them last fall for their engagement session on the campus of College of Charleston. They were so fun and easy to work with, and their wedding day was no different.
The Country Club of Charleston was an amazing venue for their beautiful spring wedding day. Pathways lined with huge oak trees draped with spanish moss made a fantastic backdrop for their photos. Katie radiated class and beauty in her elegant Amy Kuschel gown. And her maids were the epitome of spring in their pale teal dresses.
After the indoor ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the country club's open-air porch while overlooking a beautiful sunset. In lieu of a wedding cake, Katie and Travis had a awesome display of the always delicious Diggity Donuts. And once The Company Band got started, it was hard not to see the dance floor packed with everyone dancing to their phenomenal performance.
Katie told me she and Travis wanted their wedding to be "a giant party in pretty clothes." And I think they nailed it! I was so happy to be a part of their amazing wedding day, thanks Katie & Travis!
Many thanks to my amazing team for the day, my second shooter Anna Hedges and my assistant Kelsey Miller. Thanks for being awesome!
Vendors: Ceremony Site & Reception Venue: Country Club of Charleston // Sweets Artist: Diggity Doughnuts // Florist: OK Florist // Caterer & Bar Service: Country Club of Charleston // Ceremony & Reception Music: The Company Band // Invitations: The Scratch Pad // Officiant: Rev. Alistair Votaw // Wedding Planner/Day-Of Coordinator: Alison McMaster of Masterfully Planned // Hair & Make-up Artist: Urban Nirvana // Wedding Dress Designer: Amy Kuschel, Gown Boutique of Charleston // Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Donna Morgan from Gown Boutique of Charleston // Groom Suits: Jos A Bank // Transportation: Charleston Green Taxi
Lindsay and Jim // A Charleston Wedding at Tidewater Chapel
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“When I fall in love, it will be forever.” - Jane Austen
Lindsay and Jim are one of my favorite couples ever and I was so excited to be a part of their wedding day. When I met them and photographed their incredible engagement session, I knew that their wedding day would be special.
Lindsay and Jim's romantic wedding was an elegant winter wonderland. Soft candle light graced the chapel and reception hall bringing warmth to the intimate occasion. Beautiful displays of simple greenery, golds and silvers mixed with candle helped create the perfect winter wonderland wedding day.
Winter weather can be a challenge on the coast, and on this day, mother nature decided to test us with some rain, a lot of it! Despite the rivers of water, the added umbrellas to the wardrobe and the sprinting to and from cars, this couple was surrounded by loved ones who smiled and laughed with them through it all.
The rain held back when we needed it to - for the bride's grand entrance into the Chapel, for Lindsay and Jim's first dance in the candle-lit courtyard. And when it was raining for portraits, we took advantage of the beautiful historic Palmer Home and ended up with some stunning images. Lindsay's affinity for Jane Austin novels lead to some of my favorite group images ever!
Lindsay and Jim's family and friends didn't think twice about the weather. They celebrated with warm glasses of hot cider called 'Wassail,' Lindsay's family's tradition during the holidays, danced traditional Greek circle dances, and ate delicious homemade German and Greek sweet treats from the beautiful dessert table. But most of all, they celebrate the love of the happy couple. It was an amazing wedding and I am so happy to have been a part of the celebration.
I must also give a huge Thanks to my team for the day, my second shooter Adam Chandler and my assistant Kelsey Miller, whose talent and skills were invaluable. Thank you!
Vendors: Ceremony & Reception Site: Tidewater Creek Chapel // Portrait Location: The Palmer Home // Accommodations: Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel // Cake and Sweets Artists: Family and Friends // Florist: Richard Meiburg // Caterer: Island Catering // Ceremony Music: The Williams Duo // Officiant: Pastor Ryan Lyles // Event Coordinator: Cathy Amende // Hair Artist: Tiffany with Stella Nova // Make-Up Artist: Eleanor with Stella Nova // Wedding Dress Designer: Christos // Bridesmaids Dresses: Target // Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank // Transportation: The Black Cab Company
Katie and Travis // A College of Charleston Engagement
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This awesome couple is getting married next month in Charleston! Katie and Travis had their engagement session on the campus of their (and my!) alma mater - The College of Charleston. It had been a looooong time since I'd been on campus, and I completely forgot how gorgeous it is! Even in winter, the historic campus is amazing, full of color, beautiful texture and light.
Katie and Travis brought their dog Whiskey to their session. This dog has some serious energy! Not to mention, be barked like crazy every time Katie and Travis kissed or hugged! So entertaining! We ended our session with a few quick sunset shots on Sullivan's Island. It was a beautiful day. I can't wait to be a part of their wedding in March!
Enjoy!!
Stefani and Aaron // A Charleston Harbor Resort Wedding
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Stefani and Aaron were such a fun couple to work with! Their October wedding at The Charleston Harbor Resort was a destination wedding for them and their guests and had perfect fall Charleston weather, mild and sunny! Stefani and Aaron and most of their families are from Indiana, so it was so great to be a part of a their dream wedding and a vacation for a lot of guests, everyone was having so much fun!
Stefani and her bridesmaids got ready at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor, one of my favorite locations in Charleston. The beach cottages were the perfect location to begin her beach side wedding day. Stefani and Aaron's first look took place behind the cottages, in a grove of palmetto trees along the harbor. Their couple portraits were gorgeous amongst the greenery around The Cottages. We also took a few portraits of the wedding party at the pier that overlooks the harbor. The ceremony site was in the sand, overlooking the sunset above Charleston Harbor. And the outdoor reception took place under twinkling cafe lights and a gorgeous South Carolina crescent moon.
The day couldn't have been more perfect for Stefani and Aaron! I was so happy to be a part of the celebration with them and their loved ones.
Enjoy!!
Vendors: Venue/ Caterer - Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina // Rehearsal Dinner - Fish House // Planner - MOD Events // Videographer - Low Country Wedding Films // Flowers - Charleston Flower Market // Hair & Makeup - Vanity Salon // Ceremony Music - Michael Peifer // DJ - EPIC Charleston, LLC // Cupcakes - D’lish Dessert // Officiant - Peter Edward Lanzillotta // Tent Rentals - Snyder Rentals // Bridal Gown - Mori Lee // Bridesmaid Dresses- J.Crew // Groomsmen Attire - Alfani from Macy’s // Bride’s Belt - J.Crew // Invitations - Invitations by Dawn