Blog | Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage

Intimate Wedding at Kiawah Ocean Course // Allison + Jake

Dana — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 01:22:51 +0000

After three years of being engaged and originally planning a much larger wedding, Allison and Jake decided to take a different path. Instead of a big celebration, they chose an intimate wedding day centered around what mattered most to them: each other and the people they love most. With just 19 guests in attendance – including immediate family and a beloved aunt and uncle – the result was a wedding that felt deeply personal, incredibly meaningful, and completely true to who they are. Perhaps the most surprising part? They booked their venue entirely sight unseen! Living in Ohio, Allison and Jake had never actually visited the property before their wedding day. Their first time seeing it in person was when they arrived to get married there – a decision that sounds a little crazy on paper but ended up being absolutely perfect.

From the moment the day began, everything felt relaxed and intentional. The soft pink-and-green color palette created a timeless, romantic atmosphere, with lush blooms in shades of blush, ivory, and fresh spring green complementing the coastal setting beautifully. One of the most memorable moments of the day happened during Allison and Jake’s First Look and private vows. As they exchanged handwritten promises, Jake revealed that throughout their relationship he had saved every sticky note Allison had ever written him. Every little reminder, message, and note she had left over the years had been carefully tucked away and preserved. He incorporated those notes into his vow book, creating one of the sweetest and most thoughtful surprises I’ve ever witnessed during a wedding day.

Their ceremony was equally personal. Officiated by Allison’s sister and witnessed by their closest family members, it felt less like a formal event and more like a gathering of loved ones celebrating something truly important. There were happy tears, plenty of laughter, and the kind of genuine emotion that fills a space when everyone present has played a meaningful role in a couple’s story. As someone who photographs weddings for a living, intimate celebrations will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s something so refreshing about a wedding where there is time to slow down, be present, and simply enjoy the experience. Allison and Jake’s day was exactly that.

Their families were absolutely wonderful – warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to celebrate these two. Every interaction felt authentic, and every moment carried a sense of joy and gratitude that made the entire day a pleasure to photograph. By the end of the evening, it was impossible not to feel grateful for having been part of such a meaningful celebration. Allison and Jake created a wedding day that wasn’t about impressing hundreds of guests or following expectations – it was about family, connection, and beginning their marriage surrounded by the people who know them best.

And honestly, I can’t imagine a more beautiful way to start a marriage than that.

The post Intimate Wedding at Kiawah Ocean Course // Allison + Jake appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Colorful Spring Wedding at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island // Addison + Riley

Dana — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:39:59 +0000

When a place has been woven into your family’s traditions for years, there’s something especially meaningful about beginning your marriage there. For Addison, Kiawah Island has been a beloved part of life since childhood. So when it came time to choose a wedding location, bringing family and friends together on the island where so many memories had already been made felt like the perfect choice.

After meeting in college in Boston and spending the last eight years building a life together, Addison and Riley returned to Kiawah to celebrate the start of their next chapter surrounded by the people they love most. With a traditional ceremony at Holy Family Catholic Church followed by a reception at The Sanctuary, their wedding day was equal parts elegant, joyful, and deeply personal.

Their day began with a traditional ceremony at Holy Family Catholic Church before everyone made their way to Kiawah Island for a stunning reception at The Sanctuary. The entire celebration struck that perfect balance between timeless elegance and joyful personality.

Addison looked absolutely incredible in her lace gown with delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves, while Riley kept things classic in a black tuxedo. Together, they brought such an effortless elegance to every portrait, but what stood out even more was how naturally they made each other laugh. After eight years together, they still looked genuinely excited to be side-by-side, and that joy carried through the entire day.

One of my favorite design elements from the day was the color palette. Soft pale blue bridesmaid dresses created a classic coastal foundation, while vibrant florals in shades of pink, peach, orange, yellow, and lavender brought so much life and energy to every space. The combination felt fresh, cheerful, and completely at home against Kiawah’s lush greenery and oceanfront setting. The reception tent at The Sanctuary was transformed into a colorful garden-inspired celebration filled with overflowing floral arrangements, soft blue linens, woven accents, and candlelight. Everywhere you looked there was another thoughtful detail, yet the overall feeling remained relaxed and welcoming rather than overly formal.

Addison and Riley, thank you for allowing me to document such a meaningful weekend. It was an honor to capture your celebration, and I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to begin married life together than the island that has meant so much to your family for so many years.

The post Colorful Spring Wedding at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island // Addison + Riley appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Rainy Spring Wedding at Middleton Place // Caroline + Cody

Dana — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:29:04 +0000

Charleston weather likes to keep everyone on their toes, but even by Lowcountry standards, Caroline and Cody’s wedding day was memorable. Rain fell for most of the day – a rarity in Charleston, especially when it seems determined to stick around from morning until ceremony time. Yet through every forecast update, timeline adjustment, and weather-related decision, one thing never changed: Caroline and Cody were absolutely determined to get married beneath the oak trees at Middleton Place. And somehow, just when it mattered most, everything came together.

Living in New Orleans, Caroline and Cody chose Middleton Place for its timeless Southern beauty, and their vision centered around the venue’s iconic oak-lined grounds. While the weather kept everyone guessing throughout the day, they never let it dampen their excitement. In fact, one of the things I remember most about this wedding was the attitude of everyone involved. Their families, wedding party, and vendor team approached the day with flexibility, positivity, and the understanding that some things are simply out of our control.

Thankfully, Caroline and Cody had rented an incredible Airbnb in downtown Charleston for getting ready, and its beautiful covered porches became the perfect backup plan for portraits before the ceremony. Having a solid rain plan is so important for Charleston weddings, and those covered spaces allowed us to create beautiful images throughout the day without sacrificing the elegant, coastal feel they envisioned.

Their blue, white, and green color palette was the perfect complement to Middleton Place’s natural beauty. Soft blue hydrangeas paired with crisp white blooms and lush greenery created a classic, sophisticated look that felt both timeless and fresh. From the bridesmaids’ soft blue dresses to the elegant reception details, every element tied together beautifully. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. About ten minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, the rain stopped. Guests took their seats, final preparations were made, and Caroline walked down the aisle exactly where she had hoped to all along. After a day filled with uncertainty, it felt like a collective exhale from everyone present.

The rest of the evening unfolded beautifully, with guests celebrating in a romantic reception space while enjoying the company of family and friends. What could have easily become a stressful day instead became a wonderful reminder that the most important part of a wedding isn’t perfect weather – it’s the people surrounding you and the attitude you bring to the experience.

Caroline and Cody’s wedding was proof that even rainy wedding days can be incredibly beautiful. With a little flexibility, a great backup plan, and a couple who never lost sight of what mattered most, their celebration became one of those wedding days that everyone will remember for years to come. Sometimes the best stories begin with a forecast that doesn’t go according to plan.

The post Rainy Spring Wedding at Middleton Place // Caroline + Cody appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Vibrant Pink + Green Forest Lake Club Wedding in Columbia SC // Ansley + James

Dana — Sun, 31 May 2026 02:04:55 +0000

Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details. Others are beautiful because of the people. Ansley and James’ wedding in Columbia, South Carolina was the rare combination of both.

After seven years together, these two gathered their favorite people for a celebration that felt joyful, colorful, and completely centered on the relationships that matter most. From their ceremony at Eastminster Presbyterian Church to their reception at Forest Lake Club, every part of the day reflected who they are – warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun to be around.

Now living in Charleston, Ansley and James returned to Columbia to celebrate with family and friends, and the entire weekend felt like one big reunion. Everywhere I looked, there were hugs, laughter, happy tears, and people who were truly excited to be there. The love surrounding these two was impossible to miss.

Their pink and green color palette brought so much life and personality to the day. Soft blushes, vibrant pinks, fresh greens, and romantic floral designs created a look that felt timeless while still feeling playful and fun. I especially loved how the bridesmaids each wore complementary shades and patterns, creating a look that was colorful, elegant, and perfectly suited to the joyful atmosphere of the day.

But more than anything, what stands out when I think back on this wedding is simply how much fun it was. Ansley and James have a way of making everyone around them feel comfortable, and their families are every bit as wonderful. The entire weekend felt relaxed, genuine, and filled with the kind of happiness that can’t be planned or staged. Watching the two of them together made it easy to see why they’ve built such a strong foundation over the past seven years. Whether they were sharing quiet moments during portraits or laughing with friends on the dance floor, there was a natural ease between them that made every interaction feel authentic.

Ansley and James, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a special day. Celebrating alongside you, your families, and your friends was an absolute joy, and your wedding is one I’ll remember for a very long time. From the beautiful pink and green details to the incredible people who filled every corner of the day with love and laughter, it was the perfect beginning to this next chapter together.

The post Vibrant Pink + Green Forest Lake Club Wedding in Columbia SC // Ansley + James appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Pastel Spring Wedding at Ford Field and River Club in Savannah // Maren + Kevin

Dana — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:35:26 +0000

Maren and Kevin’s wedding at Ford Field + River Club in Savannah was the kind of day that felt effortlessly relaxed from beginning to end. Set beneath the Spanish moss and overlooking the water, every part of their celebration embraced the natural beauty of the Lowcountry while still feeling elegant, colorful, and incredibly inviting.

Living in Ohio but also owning a home within Ford Field + River Club, Savannah has become such a meaningful place for them, making it the perfect setting to gather their closest family and friends for their wedding weekend. The entire day reflected that balance of refined and comfortable – thoughtful details, beautiful design, and an atmosphere that encouraged everyone to simply enjoy being together. Their pastel color palette brought so much softness and personality to the day. Shades of lavender, pale pink, soft blue, and fresh green carried throughout the florals and reception design, creating a garden-inspired look that felt romantic without being overly formal. The floral arrangements were especially stunning, filled with movement and texture that complemented the setting so beautifully.

One of my favorite things about this wedding was how calm the entire day felt. Maren and Kevin truly gave themselves room to be present with each other and with the people they love most. Nothing felt rushed, which allowed so many genuine moments to naturally unfold throughout the day. Their waterfront portraits during sunset were especially beautiful. The soft evening light paired with the pastel tones and Savannah scenery created such a dreamy atmosphere for photos. From the ceremony in front of the iconic main house to the elegant tented reception filled with colorful florals and candlelight, every detail came together seamlessly.

Maren and Kevin’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that a wedding day doesn’t have to feel overly complicated to feel meaningful and memorable. It was relaxed, joyful, thoughtfully designed, and centered around what mattered most – celebrating alongside the people closest to them in a place they truly love.

The post Pastel Spring Wedding at Ford Field and River Club in Savannah // Maren + Kevin appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Historic Downtown Charleston Private Residence Bridal Portraits // Brianne

Dana — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:05:54 +0000

Bridal portraits offer a rare pause in the wedding season – a moment to step away from timelines and celebrations and focus entirely on the bride herself.

Bri’s bridal portrait session took place at a private residence in downtown Charleston, and the setting could not have been more perfect. Rich teal walls, layered textures, patterned wallpaper, and thoughtful design details created a backdrop that felt both vibrant and timeless – a beautiful reflection of Charleston’s signature charm. Every room offered something new: dramatic color, soft natural light, and distinctive character that made each portrait feel completely unique.

Against these richly designed interiors, Bri’s gown felt especially striking. The delicate floral appliqué, fitted silhouette, and soft overskirt created a look that was both elegant and modern, while still carrying that unmistakable bridal romance. With her hair swept back and a simple bouquet in hand, the focus stayed exactly where it belonged – on her.

One of the things I love most about sessions like this is the freedom they allow. Without the pace and emotion of a wedding day timeline, there’s time to move slowly, explore beautiful light, and create portraits that feel polished yet relaxed. For Bri, that meant wandering through rooms filled with color and texture, pausing by tall windows and tucked-away corners, and letting the home itself become part of the story.

The result was a collection of portraits that feel refined yet effortless – classic Charleston elegance with just the right amount of personality. Here are some of my favorites from her bridal portrait session in this private residence in downtown Charleston…

The post Historic Downtown Charleston Private Residence Bridal Portraits // Brianne appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Romantic Green + White Cannon Green Wedding in Charleston // Dana + Hayden

Dana — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:55:31 +0000

Some wedding days just feel easy in the best possible way – not because nothing is happening, but because everything unfolds exactly as it should, surrounded by the people who matter most. Dana and Hayden’s celebration at Cannon Green was exactly that kind of day.

The morning began at their home here in Charleston, a space that already holds so much of their everyday life together. Starting the day there set the tone for everything that followed – relaxed, personal, and completely centered on what matters most to them. After a sweet First Look in their courtyard, we wandered through downtown for portraits before the ceremony, taking advantage of the quiet charm of Charleston streets and that soft, familiar light that always feels like home.

Every part of their day reflected their people. Dana’s sister stood by her side as Maid of Honor, Hayden’s brother as his best man, and her three nieces brought so much sweetness (and just the right amount of energy!) as flower girls. And of course, Pepperoni – their dog – made his debut as ring bearer, which somehow was only topped by the custom ice sculpture of him greeting guests at the reception. Equal parts hilarious and iconic.

Set against a palette of greens and whites, their design felt fresh, natural, and understated, with soft moments of color woven in throughout the reception. It all complemented the space at Cannon Green so effortlessly – nothing felt overdone, just thoughtfully layered and true to them. Their ceremony tucked into the courtyard felt intimate and full of heart, and as the evening unfolded, the celebration took on a life of its own.

Guests wandered between cocktails, a gelato cart, and a live watercolor artist capturing couples in real time – details that felt interactive and intentional without ever interrupting the flow of the night. At one point, Hayden picked up a guitar and performed during the reception, a moment that felt completely natural and so uniquely them. It wasn’t planned for show – it was just another extension of who they are.

But more than anything, what stood out was the feeling. There was a constant sense of connection – between Dana and Hayden, between their families, between every single person in the room. The kind of energy you can’t manufacture. The kind that reminds you why these days matter in the first place. This wedding filled my soul in a way that’s hard to put into words. It was joyful, relaxed, and deeply personal – a celebration that didn’t try to be anything other than exactly what it was. And that’s what made it unforgettable.

The post Romantic Green + White Cannon Green Wedding in Charleston // Dana + Hayden appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Golf-Inspired Kiawah Ocean Course Intimate Wedding // Taylor + Clay

Dana — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:40:59 +0000

Taylor and Clay’s wedding at the The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort felt like a natural extension of who they are – thoughtful, intentional, and deeply rooted in what they love most. Traveling to South Carolina from central Missouri, the two share a connection that’s been shaped in many ways by the game of golf. Both played competitively in college, and over the years, the sport became more than just something they did – it became part of how they spent time together, how they connected, and how they built their life side by side. Choosing to say “I do” at one of the most iconic coastal courses in the country felt like the most fitting way to begin this next chapter.

Their wedding day was intentionally intimate, with only their immediate families gathered to celebrate. Set against sweeping ocean views and endless green fairways, the ceremony felt quiet in the best way – personal, meaningful, and completely centered on the two of them. Design-wise, the day leaned into a soft palette of blues and greens, echoing both the landscape around them and the classic feel of the course itself. From lush hydrangeas to subtle golf-inspired details woven throughout, every element felt cohesive without ever being overdone – a perfect balance of elevated and relaxed.

But what stood out most was the ease between Taylor and Clay. There’s a familiarity that comes from years of shared experiences – early mornings on the course, long practice days, wins, losses, and everything in between – and you could feel that woven into every moment of their wedding day. Whether they were walking the property together, laughing during portraits, or celebrating as the sun dipped low over the water, their connection felt steady, genuine, and effortless.

As the evening settled in, they celebrated in a way that mirrored the entire day – quietly joyful, surrounded by the people who know them best, in a place that means something real to them. Taylor and Clay’s wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations don’t have to be large to feel significant – sometimes, all it takes is the right place, the right people, and a story that’s been building long before the wedding day ever arrives.

The post Golf-Inspired Kiawah Ocean Course Intimate Wedding // Taylor + Clay appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

Spring Garden-Inspired Charleston Wedding at Magnolia Plantation // Ava + Alex

Dana — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:47:06 +0000

Ava and Alex’s wedding day felt like the perfect blend of classic elegance and genuine, unfiltered joy – the kind of celebration where every moment feels light, meaningful, and deeply felt all at once. The two now call Greenville home, and their season leading up to the wedding was a full one. Ava just graduated from law school and passed the South Carolina Bar, making the months before their wedding both exciting and demanding. With so much on her plate, her mother stepped in to help bring their vision to life – a collaboration that made the day feel even more special and personal.

Set against a lush, garden-inspired backdrop, their wedding design struck a beautiful balance between refined and romantic. Soft blues, greens, and whites wove throughout the day, creating a palette that felt timeless and organic. Paired with a formal dress code – classic black attire for the wedding party – the overall aesthetic felt elevated without ever losing its warmth.

Beneath the sweeping branches of a grand oak, Ava and Alex exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends, the kind of setting that feels quintessentially Southern in the most effortless way. As the light filtered through the trees, there was a quiet sense that everything was exactly as it should be. But more than anything, what stood out throughout the day was the way Ava and Alex moved through it together. There was a constant ease between them – shared smiles, quiet laughter, the kind of connection that doesn’t need to be performed or emphasized. It simply exists. Whether they were walking hand in hand after the ceremony or stealing a moment together between celebrations, their joy was unmistakable and completely contagious.

As the evening unfolded, that same energy carried into the reception, where guests gathered beneath open beams and soft light to celebrate. It was joyful, relaxed, and full of life – a reflection not just of the day they planned, but of who they are together. Ava and Alex’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that while details and design set the scene, it’s the connection between two people that truly defines the day – and theirs was something really special to witness.

The post Spring Garden-Inspired Charleston Wedding at Magnolia Plantation // Ava + Alex appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.

South of Broad Private Residence Wedding in Charleston // Brianne + Brett

Dana — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:31:16 +0000

Tucked into the heart of historic downtown Charleston, Bri and Brett’s wedding felt less like an event and more like being invited into something deeply personal. Hosted at a private residence South of Broad – a home Bri knows well, as she manages the property for the owners – the setting carried a level of meaning you simply can’t replicate. When the homeowners graciously offered their space for the celebration, it created the opportunity for a wedding day that felt intimate, familiar, and entirely their own.

From the start, Bri and Brett approached the day with intention. No wedding party. Just their immediate families gathered for the ceremony, seated in the garden as they exchanged vows surrounded by lush greenery and classic Charleston architecture. It was quiet in the best way – personal, emotional, and free from anything that felt unnecessary.

The design reflected that same mindset: thoughtful but unfussy. A palette of teal, greens, and soft neutrals layered beautifully throughout the day, complemented by playful details that added personality without ever overwhelming the setting. Every element felt like it belonged – not styled for the sake of it, but chosen because it meant something.

There was an ease to everything – the way Bri and Brett moved through the afternoon side by side, the constant laughter, the way conversations lingered a little longer. As the evening unfolded, that same energy carried effortlessly into the celebration, with a dance floor that stayed full and a crowd that never held back. Bri and Brett’s wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful space, the people who matter most, and the freedom to create a day that feels entirely like you.

The post South of Broad Private Residence Wedding in Charleston // Brianne + Brett appeared first on Charleston Wedding Photographer | Dana Cubbage.