This weekend, Heath and I traveled to Charleston, South Carolina to photograph one of my dear friend’s wedding. Joy and I met at my previous job where we worked closely together…literally. Our desks faced each other and all I had to do to see her pretty face was to look over the top of my computer. Over the next year and half I came to love her sense of humor, occasional sassiness and willingness to listen (I talk a lot). It wasn’t long before I not only had a great co-worker, but a friend. I remember the morning when Joy came to work with a grin on her face and said that she had accepted an invitation to coffee with the new guy working up stairs. I quickly sat down and told her to dish every detail. Joy, being the classy gal that she is, did not give me all the details, but said that she had a really great time. It wasn’t long before the romance spread throughout the office…they even made it into the President’s yearly version of Twas the Night Before Christmas. It was so much fun for me to see Joy so incredibly happy.
I didn’t even have to think about it when she asked me to photograph their wedding. I was excited to do it! When we arrived Friday, we were given the royal treatment by all of her wonderful family and wedding party. I can tell why I like her so much…she surrounds herself with wonderful people. I am focusing on getting ready and portrait photos for this blog but you’ll definitely want to stick around for tomorrow’s ceremony and reception post to see Joy’s amazing style come to life…most of which was DIY. These photos were all taken at the 23 Palms estate on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. The giant oak trees with beautiful moss hanging down made this wedding feel like a fairy tale. Just lovely.
I absolutely love this ring shot that Heath captured. The estate was full of beautiful blue hydrangeas. He found one bush where the cluster of flowers had just started blooming on the outside. The colors complement the color of the ring beautifully!
Generally, I take over all of the portraits and half-posed shots while Heath focuses on event coverage. We were a little pressed for time so he took the initiative and took these getting ready shots of Ben. The lighting is perfect. The composition is classy. Well done, Heath.
Joy requested some shots before the ceremony of her and Ben…but without seeing each other. We brainstormed and came up with these shots. I just love the moment that they had being able to hear each other’s voice and feel their presence, but still having the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle.
These are the shots that we took after the ceremony in the evening light.
I took this photograph Friday during the rehearsal. See what I mean about the whole fairy tale thing?!
These are gorgeous!