To help you, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite venues for a beautiful wedding with an outdoor ceremony in Charleston, SC. Especially for couples who want a waterfront option for the ceremony, whether that’s the marsh, the harbor, or the ocean.

This list is here to help you and your partner save precious energy which can be better spent focusing on other specifics you need to make your day as special as it deserves to be.

Venue

The venue will set the mood for your ceremony and is an important parts of planning an intimate wedding in Charleston, SC. Whether you are a local and know the area well or have visited briefly in the past – there’s a reason you chose Charleston…it’s beautiful!

Depending on the size of your guest list, your budget, and the vibe you’d like to go for, finding a venue that ticks all of the boxes can be a detailed process that will take up some time.

A few things to consider before falling in love with a venue are:

• Is it available on your dates?
• Will it fit the entirety of your guest list? If not, are you willing to size down?
• Does it fit into your budget? If not, are you willing to sacrifice other things to make it fit?
• Do you need any special permits to perform the ceremony there?
• Will it fit the theme of your wedding? 

Having photographed dozens of weddings in the area, I’ve put together a list of favorite venues that all have a waterfront element but vary in terms of budget and style.

Folly Beach Venues:

• The Regatta Inn: Located on the riverfront side of Folly Beach, it boasts picturesque views of the marina and sunset over the water. Plus, it’s located just a few blocks from the ocean! Because the venue also operates as a B&B, it’s possible for the couple and guests to stay there the night before and get ready on-site.
• Pelican Watch Pavilion: With a prime location on the oceanfront, I usually recommend my clients do the ceremony on the sand and use the Pavilion and the lawn for dining and dancing. With a more rustic vibe, the Pavilion’s main floor can be dressed up with flowers and lighting to make for a more intimate and affordable space.

Important note about tides: If we decide to work together for your wedding photos, I’ll take care of checking the tide charts so you know beforehand what the beach will look like on your big day – there’s a big difference between high and low tide!

Other Beach Venues:

I also suggest checking out these venues for your wedding at some of the most scenic locations in the Charleston, SC:

Kiawah Island: Home to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, this is a perfect spot for a beautiful wedding by the water. Or, if you’d prefer, you can also organize a small and intimate ceremony on the sand. Similar to tying the knot on Folly Beach,  you’ll also need a permit from the town of Kiawah to do so.

Seabrook Island Club: This beautiful venue offers an ocean terrace that’s perfect for the ceremony. If you’d like a more formal dress code for guests – the terrace is suitable for high heels! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite ocean front venues.

South Carolina Aquarium: An absolute treat for ocean lovers, the South Carolina Aquarium overlooks the water and has a stunning indoor venue with the option for an outdoor ceremony in the pavilion overlooking the water.

Harborside East: Description coming soon!

Cypress Gardens: Description coming soon!

Would you like to have this post delivered hot to your inbox along with more details about the mentioned venues? Email Hola@OrianaPhotography.com with the subject line VENUES and we will email you the list!

The post Venue recommendations for weddings with an outdoor ceremony in Charleston, SC appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Cooper contacted me about proposal photos, which he was planning for a weekend in Charleston. Cooper had the ring for months in advance, but waited until this recent visit to Charleston SC to propose. After all, not only is Charleston beautiful and a wonderful place to create memories, but it’s also where they met and fell in love as a couple so Cooper chose it as the place to get engaged.

The location – Pitt Street Bridge. The time – sunset. Kels thought they were meeting a cousin who works nearby before going to a dinner reservation (the dinner part was true, the cousin part was not – it was a decoy!).

Scroll down to see some of the photos from this surprise proposal, in no particular order.

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Are you considering hiring a professional photographer for your proposal photos?

Send me a message if you’d like to discuss how we can work together for your proposal or engagement photos in Charleston, SC!

The post Surprise Proposal Photos in Charleston SC – Kelsie & Cooper’s Engagement appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Oriana Photography is honored to be a top photographer in Charleston, South Carolina – for the second year in a row.

Learn more about last year’s award or scroll down to see a few recent reviews at the bottom of this post.

This year I was also honored to become an Certified Leave No Trace Aware Photographer, which is about best practices for photographing weddings and elopements outdoors.

The “Leave No Trace” ethos is a list of principals that began with wilderness and national park activities such as hiking and recreation. It is now taught by the Center for Outdoor Ethics. As your photographer, I attended a course to learn how these principals and ethos apply to wedding photography – how we can protect and respect the beautiful outdoor locations we love while photographing there responsibly.

Thank you for appreciating the beautiful ecosystems of Charleston, South Carolina!

Cheers to nature’s beauty, and to weddings and engagements coming up!

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in the Charleston SC area or coastal South Carolina? To learn more, send a message here. I can’t wait to hear from you and your partner and learn about your wedding day plans.

Read View reviews: in  

The post 2022 Couples’ Choice Award Winner; Leave No Trace Aware Certified appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Nowadays, my job as a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC means I get to combine my love for photography with my passion for celebrating people, moments, and relationships with intention.

This was my calling – and I’m so grateful and happy to be able to build a life around it!

And I’m even more grateful that I get to do it in such a special place like Charleston, SC.

Today, I want to get a little more personal with you. Let’s dive in!

Working with wedding photography in Charleston, SC

Every now and then I get questions from people as to why I decided to settle down in Charleston, SC. After all, I’m from Chicago (a bigger city) and I’ve often worked abroad. They’re also curious about why I decided to tackle destination wedding photography here and make Charleston my focus. 

So, why Charleston? My answer is usually: “Why not?! ;)” But seriously, Charleston SC is incredible. I’d say it’s one of the best places to photograph and to call home.

Personally, I believe that Charleston is a truly unique place. And all of the couples who chose Charleston for their wedding with tend to agree!

There’s a little bit of everything to do here in Charleston – from nature to culture, adventure, and excitement. Plus, it’s so easy to fall in love with the place after just a few hours in town.

Relaxed, easy-going, welcoming, charming… Charleston is a collection of all this and so much more. I LOVE the slower pace and the nature here. It’s also super photogenic, which is a major plus as an artist! And I don’t want to brag… (ok, maybe a little), but Charleston has been voted the number one city in the USA as part of Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” – and for the past 10 consecutive years!

My couples who come to Charleston for a destination wedding love the fact that we can seamlessly go from the beach to the romantic gardens and parks, and to historic downtown, and fit all of these things together into one busy, but beautiful, day or even photo session. When I say there’s something for everyone in Charleston, I really mean it.

I also feel like Charleston is a perfect representation of what I hope to transmit with my work. It’s about intimacy, love, and an easy-going atmosphere that brings out the best in everyone.

My passion: working with couples

Without a doubt, one of my favorite things about wedding photography is meeting the different couples that I get to work with on a one-to-one basis.

I am honored to listen to your stories and learn about what makes you feel joyful and comfortable. I also love collaborating with you and your vendors to create something beautiful. Connecting with my wedding couples is what helps me take photos that feel genuine and truly capture the essence of the moment.

Throughout the years, I’ve met a lot of couples who had different reasons for coming to Charleston, SC, for their wedding – or elopement – and who wanted to do things a little differently.

Most commonly, though, I’ve really enjoyed working with:

• Military couples who are going a non-traditional route, celebrating their relationship before they get stationed on base or other orders
• Couples who are getting married at an “older” age, or have been together for many years and have decided now is the time to get married with a ceremony and celebration

However different those things may seem, there is one thing that connects them all: their desire to do things their own way, often a personal mix of traditions and celebrating non-traditionally.

They want their wedding day is done with intention. They want to highlight their love for each other, their relationship so far, and the connection they share.

Having worked with a wedding planner as a planning assistant before diving full time into photography, I love helping my couples find ways to tie the knot how they want to, and not necessarily how they’re “expected to”.

This means really listening, personalizing, and holding space. It means encouraging couples to choose what they like and value – from the venue to the food, the music, and the guest list. It also means focusing on the connection they share as a couple and the significance of taking this next step together, making sure the timeline for the day includes real time for them and the day they want to experience.

As I said, I’ve been honored to create wedding photography with some truly incredible couples over the years who have chosen Charleston, SC, for the engagement, wedding, or elopement spot of their dreams. 

Whether they traveled or were already based here, their stories and experiences – and how they live them! – make wedding photography such a fulfilling and dynamic experience for me!

But, really… it’s mostly about gratitude

Let’s be honest: I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.

The couples who chose me to photograph their big day. 
The ones who connected with me to create something special. 
The couples who trusted me to accompany them on this journey.

You all make my job a whole lot easier because I can honestly say everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with has been incredible and so fun to photograph!

That’s why I love showcasing your stories, sharing them with the world, and hopefully inspiring others that their wedding can be unique to them – it doesn’t have to follow the rules!

I really do feel like a cheerleader sometimes, more than a photographer: championing my couples, celebrating their wins, and highlighting what makes each individual the unique and special person they are.

Plus, I also get to help couples fall in love with the magic of Charleston, SC, too! Something that I’m undoubtedly passionate about. After all, this is my home and will always have a hold on my heart.

All this to say… thank you! 

Thank you for allowing me to follow my passion and being so graceful and open with me, for revealing a part of yourselves that you tend to keep tucked away, and for trusting me with such an important day of your life.

Let’s work together to create magic!

As a wedding photographer, I’m always open to meeting and connecting with couples who are looking to do things a little differently.

Tradition or no tradition, working with new couples to capture their spirit on such a special and personal moment continues to push me out of my comfort zone and keeps me learning.

Send me a message and let’s discuss how we can work together to create photography for your wedding or engagement in Charleston in a way that’s unique to you and your partner.

The post My Journey With Wedding Photography in Charleston, SC appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

One of the most exciting things about hosting a destination wedding in Charleston, SC, is the different activities you can try while you’re in town for it!

And with destination weddings becoming increasingly popular, it makes sense that you’d want to plan a few different things for you, your guests, and your wedding party to enjoy either before or after the celebration.

So, if you’re planning to host a destination wedding in Charleston, SC, here are a few of my favorite things you can add to the itinerary! All to make sure that everyone enjoys their time in this beautiful and exciting place. 

Exploring Charleston and Folly Beach

One of the best activities you can treat yourself to during your destination wedding weekend is an exploring the best of Charleston and neighboring Folly Beach.

With its laid-back charm and southern hospitality, Charleston is a great place to dive into a little bit of history while also enjoying a great day out. 

From walking along the promenade to checking out the parks and gardens, it’s one of my favorite activities. It’s also a great way to unwind before (or after) your destination wedding.

Heading out to Folly Beach

Another great activity to enjoy on the weekend of your destination wedding is visiting the beautiful and relaxing Folly Beach!

Charleston’s own little beach town, Folly Beach is a great spot for families and groups. It’s perfect for hanging out, soaking up nature, and even catching the sunset with a drink in hand. 

Located about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, I usually suggest that my couples rent a car to head over and spend a day – or morning, or afternoon…it’s perfect at any time of the day! – by the water. 

Plus, having a car also means you can check out more of the sights! Especially ones that are located just outside of Charleston and even visit a few of the city’s more historic areas.

Destination wedding activities to do with your guests

Now, if you’d like to involve your guests and wedding party in a few fun activities during your destination wedding, here’s a rundown of some of my top tips on how you can spend some time before tying the knot!

 Eat, of course!

Honestly, one of my favorite things about Charleston is…THE FOOD!

There are so many different restaurants and dining spots that you’d never have to visit the same one twice (unless you wanted to, of course!).

Checking out a few different food spots is one of my favorite activities during a destination wedding. Especially because it’s also a great way to get to know the people, sounds, and flavors of Charleston.

A few of my top spots are:

• Blu at the Tides Hotel (Folly Beach): This ocean-front restaurant is a visitor favorite. It’s one of the few places where you can dine or grab a cocktail with a view of the ocean. 
• Ellis Fish Creek Camp: This one is a little more casual. Highly recommended, this seafood restaurant is located right on the water and the marsh. Order your meal at the counter and grab a spot on the terrace for some picture-perfect views of the ocean.
• 167 Raw: This top-rated oyster bar doesn’t take reservations. That means you have to get there early or be ready to wait in line. Keep in mind that they have two locations: one is a small sushi bar only and the main location is on King Street. The latter has a wider variety of seafood and eclectic dishes on offer.

Relax and unwind

Wedding planning can be stressful, I know. That’s why I love suggesting relaxing activities to help my couples and guests blow some steam before the destination wedding day.

A great way to get started is by booking a session with the ladies over at Vacation Yoga. With private and small group classes available to choose from, you can book an instructor to come to you or head out to one of the beaches for a much-needed stretch.

If you’re more about leaning back and really embracing the moments before the big day, another great activity to try is getting a facial with a few of your guests.

Tamanu Skincare is a great option to treat your skin to a much-deserved refresher after so many months of wedding planning. Plus, it’s also a female-owned and operated business! However, be warned: the spa is supremely personalized, accommodating one client at a time. That means it books out up to a month in advance.

If you’re really excited about the possibility of a facial at Tamanu Skincare – book your appointment well in advance to avoid any disappointment!

Check out the sights

I know I mentioned this earlier, but I can’t stress this enough: hitting the town and exploring Charleston, SC, is one of the most fun activities to enjoy before or after your destination wedding!

Checking out some of the sights, mingling with the locals, and brushing up on your history are all possible while visiting Charleston. Plus, you’ll also have more of a chance to connect with the actual place and create even more memories with the people you love.

If you have the time, here are some of my favorite spots in Charleston (and Folly Beach) that you can add to your itinerary and visit during a day off from wedding preparations:

• The Angel Oak Tree: Estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old, this stunning Southern oak tree is an absolute treasure. The tree itself is over 66 ft tall and 28 ft wide and visitors flock to Johns Island for a chance to see it in person.
• Middleton Place: This historic landmark and museum used to be a plantation and now operates as one of the top attractions in Charleston. While Charleston is a beautiful destination, there is rich Black history in this area. When visiting Middleton Place, you can learn more about plantations, conditions of enslaved people, and how Charleston became what it is today. I suggest looking for tours that center African-American voices, first and foremost! 
• The Lighthouse Inlet: For the more adventurous folx, walking out to the Lighthouse Inlet in Folly Beach is also a great way to spend an afternoon off the beaten path. The walk is under a mile long. Over 100 years old and a Civil War landmark, heading out to view the lighthouse is a unique day out! Be sure to bring your own water bottle, and be prepared to take in the beauty of this spot where the marsh and ocean meet just a couple hundred feet away from the Lighthouse. *If you have mobility concerns or don’t want to walk, the Lighthouse can also be viewed on the dolphin boat tours.

Hop aboard a boat tour

Being a port city, Charleson has plenty of fun to offer on the water too!

The city is popular for its boat tours, and I love suggesting this as a great activity to my couples when they’re in town and looking for a little fun.

Once on the water, you can get a different view of Charleston and even meet some of the area’s underwater residents: the dolphins!

If you’re up for taking a boat tour as part of your destination wedding activities, these are two of my favorite companies to get involved with:

• Sail Folly: Operating a small fleet of sailboats, Sail Folly is one of my favorites! Especially because dolphins are more receptive to sailboats!
• Flipper Finders: If you have a bigger party, Flipper Finders is the way to go! They offer private tours on a motor boat and will take you to all the good spots.

Book a photoshoot

Whether you prefer to do this as a couple or as a group, booking a photoshoot to commemorate your destination wedding is also at the top of my list of favorite activities!

There are so many different places you can choose from – from the beach to the gardens to downtown – to help capture the essence and the spirit of your trip and the upcoming celebration.

I personally love working with couples – and their loved ones! – to capture genuine and intimate moments before their big day because it helps take some of the edge off. Once they know what to expect from working with a photographer, the wedding photos turn out more natural and special.

The best destination wedding activities…

Let’s be honest: destination weddings are a great excuse to also get a lil’ bit of your holiday mode on!

And there are so many activities in Charleston that make it the best destination wedding spot for couples and their guests who want to experience even more fun outside of the typical wedding prep…

From exploring the area and its surroundings to booking a yoga class, getting a facial, or celebrating with a pre-wedding photoshoot, Charleston and Folly Beach are a top pick if you’re looking for destination wedding activities to add a little spark to your big day. 

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Looking for a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC, to help capture all your special moments? Send me a message and let’s talk about the different ways we can work together to make your big day even more special and memorable!

The post 10 things to do while you’re in Charleston, SC, for your destination wedding  appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Working with a wedding photographer to capture your big day is a great way to keep the memories alive for years to come. 

However, a lot of the couples I work with come to me really worried about how their photos are going to look: from what poses will work best to how to make the session flow naturally and genuinely.

Usually, their concerns go a little like this…

• “I don’t know how to smile for photos!”
• “My partner really dislikes cameras and taking photos…”
• “I’m not happy with [*insert body concern*], can we work around it?”
•  “I don’t want my photos to look forced…”

Luckily, that’s where the magic of posing and prompting comes in!

You might be wondering: “What’s the difference between posing and prompting?” and “How can I throw these into the mix so my photos don’t come out looking super forced and unauthentic?”

Glad you asked! 

Let’s take a look at the different ways I like to work with my couples – with a spritz of “posing” here and a dash of “prompting” there – to bring their dream wedding photos to life!

Posing and prompting: what’s the difference?

Truth is, most of us don’t really know how to act natural when the camera comes out – myself included!

That’s why a photographer’s job is to help the people in front of the lens feel confident, comfortable, and in the moment – in a way that feels natural and creates real, genuine expressions. That way, the photos actually look and feel like you, and not simply forced or artificial.

I generally recommend a mix of posing and prompting to help couples get into the zone and feel more at ease with the situation. Here’s what that means during my process!

Posing

I usually think of posing as “building with the body.” This is also what I tell my clients!

Posing helps me, and them, cement a base that is flattering, helps them feel more confident, and allows everyone to create a more personal connection with one another.

Remember: This whole process is about YOU feeling comfortable and confident so that you’ll rock your best look, attitude, and it’ll continue to build upon an experience that you’ll want to remember forever.

Once the pose is in place, I then prompt my clients to create a more natural interaction that will still photograph well and help them get into the flow of moving a little more and going for the improvised moments.

Posing usually gets a bad rap because people consider it a little too stiff or uncomfortable. However, I think it’s a great way to get started before diving into prompting! 

Prompting

On the other hand, prompting involves a lot more actionable movement.

What does this mean? Instead of asking the couple to stand there and look into each other’s eyes, I’d suggest something like going in for a hug/kiss in order to capture the before, during, and after moments.

Other prompts include:

• Walking away/towards me holding hands
• One partner giving the other a gentle twirl
• Someone telling a joke (and capturing the mid-laugh)
• Couples going in for a kiss
• Saying the first thing that pops into their head

Personally, I prefer prompting because it helps my couples feel a lot more at ease with the situation of standing in front of a camera during such an emotional and intimate time. The awkwardness practically vanishes during the session when I work with couples to give them a little more freedom (and fun!) instead of asking them to stand there and look directly at me.

Posing and prompting

Although a lot of photographers also prefer prompting to posing, I like to think that a combination of both is the best way to capture beautiful photos.

Like I said above, posing is the base of what will come next: the prompting! 

I usually like to start with formal – posed – pictures first, because it helps couples loosen up and get a better feel of how the session will go. Once the couple and I have gone through the more “posed” photos, I like to use prompts (like the ones above and a few more favorites) that will help me capture moments that are more interactive and movement-based.

How I work with posing and prompting my couples

I’ve already given you a sneak peek into how I like to plan for my shoots – first, posing; then, prompting – in order to get as many winning shots of you as possible!

Then the magic of posing and prompting comes right after the ceremony.

Usually, there are about 30 minutes in between the ceremony and the reception for me to capture the very first moments of you as a newlywed married couple!

These are some of your FIRST moments as a married couple and I don’t take that lightly! After working weddings for many years, these first few moments of “alone time” that you have in between the ceremony and reception are a small part of the wedding that can help you reconnect with your partner and acknowledge the fact that hey, y’all just tied the knot (!!) – without family, friends, and many other things happening around you.

By the time I’m working at a wedding as your wedding photographer, we’ll have already connected before the big day! Throughout our calls beforehand, check-ins, questionnaires, and messages – I’m able to create a bond with the couples I work with, helping them feel comfortable and in good hands.

Past couples have shared that they felt supported, in complete trust, and felt like I was able to capture their energy and vibe without too much posing and with a more natural and candid style (just look at the testimonials below).

I love making this time feel as special and intimate as possible – with a little posing and prompting – to help capture everything as naturally and candidly. This style of posing and prompting helps me create a collection of photographic moments that the couple can look back on days, weeks, and years after the ceremony in order to relive the good times over and over again.

My job, after all, is to help you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself on such a special day!

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Looking for a wedding or elopement photographer who can help you and your partner with posing and prompting on your big day? Send me a message and let’s discuss the different ways we can work together to capture these special moments!

The post What’s the difference between posing and prompting for your wedding photos? appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Wedding planning, but make it…

• Intimate and cozy
• Fun and natural (and a lot less stress)
• And all in the moment

I’m talking about planning an elopement in Charleston, SC!

Elopements are one of my favorite ceremonies to shoot – especially when couples choose to travel to Charleston, SC, for theirs!

Small and intimate, elopements are a great way for couples to celebrate their love at their own pace and with fewer distractions happening around them. 

And, after 3 years of photographing elopements and weddings in Charleson, SC, I can confidently say that this is the best place for this type of celebration. It’s equal parts charming and easy-going. Plus, it has lots of different locations and settings to choose from and is extremely easy to get around!

If you and your partner have been considering an elopement, why not choose Charleston, SC? Here are three reasons that might persuade you to take the plunge!

1. The elopement is easier to plan

If you’re opting for an elopement because you don’t want to go through the whole wedding planning process, Charleston, SC, is a great place that will help things move faster, smoother, and with less hassle.

South Carolina, in general, is well-known for its less restrictive rules when it comes to obtaining a marriage license, for example. The process moves quickly, which means there’s less of a wait time and there’s no need to go back and forth – unlike in some other states.

Past couples who’ve eloped in Charleston, SC have shared with me the paperwork and filing process is fairly fast!

2. There’s something for everyone!

The best thing about planning an elopement in Charleston, SC, is that the city has something for everyone!

I love encouraging my couples to go out and see Charleston before their big day. That way they can get a better feel for the town and feel more connected to the place they’ll be getting married.

Among some of the things I recommend they do is take a carriage ride through town or hop on one of the boat tours. Both of these are a great way to learn about the history of the city, see the sights, and enjoy a day out together.

Whether you and your partner love food, the outdoors, music, etc., Charleston might be small – but it’s definitely mighty when it comes to entertainment and will continue to surprise you with each visit.

You can be sure that there will be more to explore when you decide to come back the next time to celebrate your anniversary!

3. The city has a certain magic to it

I absolutely love Charleston! Ever since I moved here, I’ve discovered more and more of what makes it so special and unique. It’s become one of my favorite places to shoot weddings and elopements alike!

There’s a great balance of laid-back relaxation and easy-going adventure. This means that there’s tons of variety that couples can enjoy depending on their taste. Plus, with a beautiful historic downtown area that’s really well-maintained, walking around the city center almost feels like stepping back in time.

It’s basically The Notebook come to life!

With a slow pace that’s hard to find in other cities, and with tons of outdoor space – from the beach to beautiful parks and surrounding gardens. An elopement in Charleston, SC, means collecting the best bits from different places and bringing them together in one iconic, romantic, and unforgettable location. 

There’s a reason Charleston’s been named one of the best cities in the USA by Travel & Leisure for nine years in a row!

Things to keep in mind while planning an elopement in Charleston, SC

When it comes to planning your elopement in Charleston, SC, there are a few things I usually tell my couples to keep in mind before choosing the location for your ceremony, picking out a time, and fine-tuning any other details. 

These bits of information are helpful when it comes to picking out the perfect place for the couple photos, finding the right vendors (if needed), and arranging any necessary travel and transportation for the big day.

Choosing the right vendors for your elopement in Charleston, SC

Charleston is huge in terms of hospitality and tourism. This means that there are tons of great resources that couples can choose from to help give your special day a unique touch. 

Whether it’s a local restaurant to celebrate the moment at the end of the day, a flower shop to help with any arrangements and decorations you might need, or even musicians to help with the ambiance, the only real “trouble” couples will run into will be choosing ONE of the many high-quality options available!

I’ve loved discovering all the amazing vendors and venues in the city, every one boasting their own southern hospitality charm! 

The natural beauty of Charleston

If there’s one thing that couples take away after eloping in Charleston, SC, is that its natural beauty is truly unparalleled!

Not only does this make for gorgeous photos, but also for a beautiful overall experience that you can remember for many years to come – and one that you can relive when you visit Charleston again to celebrate your anniversary.

From the ocean views and salt air kissing your skin, to sunsets by the harbor and strolling along the promenade, Charleston is best experienced outside. Spanish moss decorates the walkways, hanging from the huge oak trees, and creating an almost mystical atmosphere to any stroll, while beautiful and colorful birds create a soundtrack to your days.

Really, there’s no place like Charleston.

And because I have to say it again, Spanish Moss.

Charleston’s iconic imagery is the beautiful Spanish Moss or the iconic Palmetto Trees draping the backgrounds of your photos and creating a beautiful, soft, and romantic scene to elope or celebrate in. Can you imagine it?

Easy local and international access

Travelers can rest easy knowing that Charleston’s international airport is incredibly small, simple to navigate, and still receives a ton of incoming flights from different parts of the country – and the world!

Depending on where you’re coming from, or your family, Charleston has an easy and accessible airport – fewer travel headaches!

Finding a photographer for your elopement in Charleston, SC

Choosing the right photographer to help capture your elopement in Charleston, SC, is all about finding someone who is familiar with the city and can help you understand better in terms of locations, timings, and beyond.

As a professional wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve been living in Charleston for almost 4 years and the city continues to delight me with every shoot! Not to mention, since relaunching my business in Charleston, SC, I’ve been named one of Charleston’s top wedding photographers by Wedding Wire each year since!

There’s always something so unique each time I head out to scout a new location or to take a couple of portraits before the big day. This helps me get to know the city on a more personal level. There’s always something to discover or explore in Charleston. Working with different couples in various locations – has helped me create a system to help you find the perfect location for your elopement that meets all your needs and goes beyond expectations.

Plus, as someone who has worked in hospitality before, I’m always ready to navigate the different needs, ideas, wishes, and more than a couple is looking for to make their day THEIRS.

It’s all about the attitude of your photographer and how comfortable you feel letting them know what you expect. It’s your big day, after all!

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Looking to hire a photographer to capture your elopement in Charleston, SC? Send me a message and let’s start talking about how we can work together on your big day!

The post 3 Reasons to Plan Your Elopement in Charleston, SC appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

I try not to play favorites… But beach weddings have a special place in my heart! 

I’ve shot so many of them in the past couple of years – from Costa Rica to Charleston, South Carolina – that they’ve probably become my favorite type of celebration to shoot. 

There’s just something so unique and calming about being outside in nature, by the ocean, with the breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes, that makes for a much more easy-going and almost vacation-like experience.

Let’s be honest: you can’t help but feel relaxed during a beach wedding!

Even with all the planning, timelines, and preparations, beach weddings have a certain lil’ something about them that makes everything seem so easy! I would even say beach weddings inspire couples to remain present and in the moment.

Plus, from a photography point of view, there’s also tons more space to play with! Beach wedding photography like couple portraits, family photos, and snaps of the big moment can be captured without trying to dodge large building structures or squeeze into the corner to get the perfect angle for a shot. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved!

But don’t just take it from me…

If you’re dreaming of planning your own Charleston, SC beach wedding, I’ve collected all the best pieces of advice from past couples who have taken the plunge (metaphorically, of course!) and opted for the seaside wedding of their dreams.

1. Hire a wedding planner

The idea of planning your own wedding sounds exciting at first. However, there are tons of little details that go into it that might start to get a tad too overwhelming as time goes on.

So, one of the top tips from people who planned a beach wedding – or any type of wedding, really – is to hire a wedding planner to help take a load off.

Wedding planners are a great support system because they’ll help you take care of logistics like:

• Setting up the arbor
• Organizing the chairs and seating arrangements
• Putting up the decor (which they’ll also help procure)
• Etc.

That way, you’ll have a lot more time to actually spend with your people and enjoy your day.

It’s important to keep in mind that, no matter how hard you try, you can’t control the elements (ie: weather) at a beach wedding. Handing over control of your big day to someone else might seem a little daunting at first, but believe me: it’s all worth it in the end! Especially because you’ll have someone’s support to help in any case! 

Hiring a local Charleston, SC wedding planner for a beach wedding means you’ve got a local’s expertise and experience – which is like having that extra lifeline that gives you room to breathe.

2. Work with your photographer to nail the timings

In the same way that having a wedding planner can help you get organized before the big day, working with a professional wedding photographer during your beach wedding will ensure that you have beautiful memories to hold onto forever.

As I mentioned earlier, beach weddings are usually a lot more spacious than in-venue events. This means photographers have a lot more room to play with and can help couples feel much more comfortable while taking their portraits.

Personally, I usually prefer photos that are less posed and more prompted. They come out looking more natural and genuine, and the couple’s personality shines through a lot more. I will be there to guide you so you know what to do with your hands and you feel your best, and from there create prompts which lead to interaction and genuine moments.

In addition to helping couples ease into the shoot, a professional wedding photographer is also a great source of information! Especially knowing about when the best light will hit the beach, or when sunset is happening at a particular time of year. 

When it comes to shooting beach weddings, I love working with my clients and educating them on the best timeline options. All to make the most of the daylight, natural sky, and softer glow.

This is the best way to make sure that couples are aware of certain compromises they might have to make in order to accommodate for solo, couple, and family photos before it gets too dark.

3. Other beach wedding tips from former couples

Reading about, planning, and actually going through a beach wedding are all very different things, though!

That’s why I thought it’d be best to bring in some experts who went through the process and came out on the other side with a better understanding of all the little bits and pieces that go into planning a beach wedding.

Let’s meet some former couples and hear what they have to say about beach weddings: why did they choose to do it, what did they wish they’d know, and would they do it again?

Heidi & Kevin, Charleston, SC Beach Wedding

Oriana (O): Was there anything you were nervous about before the wedding?

Heidi & Kevin (H&K): The weather?  You really have to plan for it. The wind is a huge factor, sand-blown guests are never happy – however, our photographs turned out AMAZING, so in the end, it was so worth it.

O: Any advice for future couples planning their beach wedding?

H&K: It’s your day, don’t forget that, but with that said relax, make it fun and most of all make it about the 2 of you.

Holly, Charleston, SC Beach Wedding

Oriana (O): Why did you decide to have a beach wedding in Charleston?

Holly (H): We have always wanted to visit Folly Beach and we figured why not get married there?!

O: Was there anything that you were nervous about before the wedding?

H: Absolutely! As the bride so many things run through your head and you are constantly thinking about every detail. However, having an amazing photographer and wedding coordinator made everything just disappear the closer our day came!

O: Any advice for future couples planning their beach wedding?

H: HAVE FUN! It is a time of celebration. It doesn’t matter if it rains, just dance in it! Marriage is such an amazing feeling and to marry the love of your life is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. God will guide the day the way it’s supposed to go. Put all your faith in Him and just know God got you and your spouse on your special day! Also, definitely do water photos!!!! You won’t regret it!!!

Cally, Charleston, SC Beach Wedding

Oriana (O): What was your favorite part of your beach wedding?

Cally (C ): My favorite part of my wedding was my officiant playing “Can’t help falling in love” on her ukulele and the photography session after the ceremony.

O: Any advice for future couples planning their beach wedding?

C: I would definitely recommend a wedding planner/ coordinator. It helps take some of the stress of preparation away. I would also say keep it small and simple.

Choosing a professional wedding photographer for your beach wedding

Choosing the perfect wedding photographer to help immortalize your big day doesn’t have to be a difficult decision!

It’s all about finding someone that you can connect with and who has experience shooting beach weddings in various conditions and lighting (well, hello, I have that experience)! 

My job as your beach wedding photographer is to find a balance between getting all the beautiful shots of your celebration, while also being mindful of time, space, and lighting. The end result is usually beautiful photos on the beach, colorful sunset skies, and having images that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

As a wedding and elopement photographer with 10 years of experience, I’ve created a system to help me connect with clients. This, in order to better understand their needs and make sure that we’ll be a good fit for each other.

To learn more about the different ways we can work together, send me a message, and let’s make your beach wedding day a moment you’ll remember forever!

The post Favorite Advice for Planning a Charleston, SC Beach Wedding (From Former Couples!) appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Let’s be honest: your proposal is one of those moments you want to remember forever! Sometimes, however, there’s so much excitement surrounding everything going on that you might not even realize it’s happening until the actual moment has passed. 

Not to worry, though! That’s where a professional proposal photographer can swoop in to capture the special moment!

If you’ve been considering hiring a professional proposal photographer to capture your big day, here are three of my top reasons why you should absolutely go for it – especially if the engagement is taking place in a place as beautiful and charming as Charleston, SC!

3 reasons why hiring a professional proposal photographer is the way to go

I could go on for hours about the many, many reasons why hiring a professional photographer to capture your proposal is one of the BEST gifts you can give your partner – and yourself! – but I’ll try and cut it down to just three of my favorites. Let’s dive right in!

1. To keep the photos as forever memories

The thing about the wedding planning timeline: sometimes the process goes by quicker than saying “I do.”

After years of working in the wedding industry, having a professional proposal photographer can help you celebrate the milestone moments throughout the entire wedding process!

The proposal is already filled with so much emotion, and oftentimes, it happens faster than we even realize! Having a photographer there to capture your proposal is a great way to ensure that you can hold onto those memories forever and be intentional about them. 

Even the smallest details, enveloped by all the raw emotion and excitement, will be treasured: the location of your proposal, the initial shock or nerves, the celebration, and joy, or even the potential mishaps that make for a great proposal story in the future!

Another plus of having a professional photographer capture the proposal is that they’ll be ready to capture two big things: first, the initial surprise moment and, minutes later, once the shock and the happy tears have passed, they’ll also be ready to help with more poised and posed photos. 

The latter helps couples take an intentional moment to soak up what’s really happening and take in the moment before the wedding planning begins. 

2. To help announce the proposal

So the proposal happened, you and your partner celebrated, now the fun part comes to share this beautiful moment with your people!

Hiring a photographer to capture your proposal is a great way to have professional photos you can share with friends and family immediately and throughout the wedding process!

A few ways to share your images after the proposal is through:

• Social media (of course!)
• Private group chats
• Via snail mail once you send out “Save the Dates”
• Or add them to your wedding website later on

Having proposal photos to commemorate the special day can also help everyone – from parents to friends, children, etc. – feel involved in this very significant moment. This is especially great when families live far away and can’t be part of the big day in person but still want to celebrate this moment with you.

3. To help plan for the big moment

Outside of capturing the photos of the big moment, having a professional photographer at your proposal also means having an extra set of eyes, hands, and tons of additional help from someone with previous wedding-related experience. 

Not only can a professional proposal photographer help you actually plan and coordinate the big moment to help make it more of a surprise for your partner – shhh…they’ll never see it coming! – but they can also help the “planner” (aka the person proposing) in terms of managing their emotions (good and not-so-good) before the big reveal to make it all the more thoughtful, intimate, and personalized.

For example, a professional photographer can help in terms of…

• Choosing the perfect spot (and the best hiding spots)
• Picking a good time to pop the question (hello, golden hour!)
• Decorating the area, if necessary
• And other necessities that might come up!

That’s a win-win, in my opinion!

Having a professional photographer at your proposal

As I mentioned above, professional proposal photographers are there to support you in more ways than simply capturing the moment when you pop the question. As someone with previous experience in the wedding industry, I’m also there to help guide you through things like picking the perfect location, where to stand to get the best photos, and choosing the right time so everything will feel and look just the way you imagine it. 

In my experience with proposal photography, I have a few tips to make the process seamless:

• A list of my favorite locations that are best for photos
• Pre-proposal decoration (if that’s part of the plan)
• And planning a “post-proposal” moment in Charleston, SC to celebrate (either just you two or with friends and family)

Most importantly, a professional proposal photographer can help you mastermind the most ideal situation to help get your partner to the secret proposal spot (I’ve played the role of someone’s cousin, Ashley, who’s coming to visit)!

I also have tons of connections in the Charleston area and can share the names of vendors to help with flowers for decorations, or restaurant reservations to celebrate after the proposal.

Capturing your dream proposal

I recently had the opportunity to connect with a couple for a sunset proposal in Charleston. Zach came to me looking for an extra hand in planning a proposal photoshoot, but really wanted all of it to be a surprise.

Knowing how important this was, I worked with him to plan the moment. Zach really wanted a beautiful sunset, so I suggested shooting at a specific spot on Folly Beach where it was less crowded in order to capture the moment as authentically as possible.

Well…we made MAGIC! 

The photos came out beautifully, and Zach’s partner, Hannah, was surprised by the whole thing! We had an uncrowded area which gave me lots of space to take photos with the beautiful Charleston sunset as their background.

Here’s what Zach had to say afterward:

If you’re considering hiring a professional proposal photographer in Charleston, SC – here are 3 reasons to consider this as a YES!
01. Have professional photos of the moment to remember throughout the wedding process (and after!)
02. Announce the proposal with professional photos – especially for friends and family who are far away, that you’d still like to include in the celebration
03. Get support to plan and execute a proposal with someone who knows Charleston and has experience as a wedding planning assistant and photographer

Moments like these are what makes all the work and the planning absolutely worth it – and I’d love to help you bring your dream proposal to life. 

Send me a message if you’d like to discuss how we can work together for your special proposal in Charleston, SC!

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Proposal Photographer appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

The new year is HERE! And with it comes new and exciting wedding trends that I’m not-so-secretly hoping to see more of in 2022!

From more elopements and microweddings to brighter colors and personalization, 2022 is already shaping up to be a lot more exciting and different than the past couple of years (because of you know what….)

Are you hoping to tie the knot this year? Looking for a little inspiration to get you through the next few months of planning and organizing your dream wedding?

Here are my top 5 predictions for the top wedding trends in 2022 – plus a few bonus bits – that’ll help set you on an exciting planning path down the aisle!

Trend 01: Elopements & microweddings

It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for elopements.

They’re some of my favorite ceremonies to photograph because of how intimate they feel! They’re small, romantic, and can feel extremely private. This is a major plus for more introverted couples who want to keep this special moment to themselves while still celebrating their love and their union.

On the other hand, I’m also hoping to see a rise in more couples opting for a microwedding instead of a larger celebration. 

What’s a microwedding?

Microweddings are, essentially, a mini-version of a traditional wedding.

They usually involve the same “typical” elements of a wedding but done to a much smaller scale: fewer guests, smaller cake, intimate venue, smaller budget, etc.

Another plus is, with the pandemic pushing us to reconsider and rethink the way we see and do certain things, microweddings are a great way to still have a party and involve family and friends…without necessarily involving too big a crowd (ummm…hello, less stress!).

I’m hopeful that keeping wedding celebrations to a smaller scale – like an elopement or a microwedding – will become more popular this year because they usually allow for more room to play around with personalization and rapport in terms of photographing the event, and for couples to be intentional with their day!

Trend 02: This will be the busiest year yet (since the start of the pandemic)

Nearly two years into the pandemic, it finally feels as if life has slowly made its way back to a little bit of normal.

Weddings, elopements, and other ceremonies have been picking up again, and couples who were forced to delay their celebrations finally have the chance to pick up where they left off…

…which means things are getting busy for everyone involved!

Another of the top wedding trends in 2022 that we’ll be seeing (in my opinion) is: TONS OF WEDDINGS AND EVENTS!

Different styles, different sizes, different locations…weddings and wedding ceremonies are about to take over your feed. 

Trend 03: Celebrations on alternate days of the week

Until recently, weddings were most popularly held on Saturday – with Friday and Wednesday coming in close as the second and third most popular days with my clients. 

One one of the top wedding trends in 2022 that I’m hoping to see is couples choosing alternate days of the week to celebrate! 

From multi-day events to weekday weddings, I think this is the year where we’ll finally begin to normalize attending weddings on days outside of the weekend – especially when the event is held on a much smaller scale!

This trend ties into the idea that 2022 is already shaping up to be the busiest year for the wedding industry since the start of the pandemic. With so many couples moving forward after having postponed their plans, spots are filling up quickly – especially on high-demand days like Saturdays – and others are left wondering what to do: continue to postpone or jump the gun and get married on a weekday.

The latter seems to be taking the crown!

Trend 04: More & brighter colors

This one is one of the wedding trends in 2022 that I’m feeling most hopeful about: I can’t wait to see brighter colors popping up everywhere!

With Pantone announcing Very Peri as this year’s color of the year, I’m really looking forward to more couples being a lot more daring with their color palettes and swaying away from the traditional white/cream/pastels that they usually opt for. I may not so secretly be hoping that the Pantone 2022 color of the year makes an appearance in my couple’s color palette this year!

I think color is a great way to showcase personality without words – which is something that I love seeing present when I photograph a wedding! 

Little details here and there, a pop of color to represent something meaningful…these can all come together to represent an unforgettable moment and memories that couples can cherish long after the ceremony.

Trend 05: Making the wedding “your own”

When it comes to weddings, one thing’s for sure: it’s about making it meaningful and special for you. 

Planning a wedding that fits your likes and your needs is, at the end of the day, the most important trend – and the one that should be at the top of your list this year, next year, or whenever you decide to get married!

To help guide you through that, I looked to my good friends Heather Piland and Kelly Travers – two exceptional wedding planners! – for their own predictions:

Heather Piland
Wedding Planner

My prediction for 2022 is a bigger emphasis on Wedding Weekends! 

Charleston is typically a wedding destination that all of a couple’s guests are traveling to and experiencing for the first time! More and more of us are discovering that this time is precious and while the wedding day is important and spectacular, the entire weekend becomes a memory that you’ll love forever. 

I think we’ll have more emphasis on Welcome Parties the day before the wedding and Post-Wedding Brunches! Along with that, I have seen more couples interested in hiring their planner, photographer, florist, and more for these events and making them all tie together! There are so many aspects of Charleston – the beach, the infamous oak trees, and the historic downtown- that I think the couples will try to spotlight multiple parts of the city for their guests.

www.Carolina-Occasions.com
IG: @Carolina_Occasions

Kelly Travers
Owner of Events on the Edge

What I am noticing for 2022 is that many brides don’t want to do a lot of flowers. 

Almost all of our brides are looking for a beachy feel with simple elegance.  We see many of our brides leaning toward eucalyptus, simple garlands of greenery; palm leaves and pampas grass.  

Dried floral arrangements are also becoming very popular.  We look forward to working with our brides to bring their vision to life!

www.follyweddings.com
IG: @events_on_the_edge
FB: www.facebook.com/follybeachevents

LaTonya Ownings
Owner of Wilco Smiles Extraordinaire
Day of Coordination, Mobile Bar, Wedding Officiating

Being a wedding officiant, I’m seeing more women on the groom’s side, and more groomsmen on the bride’s side of the bridal party. Sometimes I see women standing on the groom’s side in a gorgeous bridesmaid’s gown or a fitted tux!

I’m here for it all!

I personally think as long as the colors are matching, no one cares!

IG: @wilco_smiles
FB: https://www.facebook.com/wilcosmiles

Finding a photographer for your wedding in 2022 

Finding a wedding photographer to help you capture the special moments during your big day can feel like a challenge, but it definitely doesn’t have to be!

The most important thing is working with someone who you can feel comfortable speaking to, and someone who you feel understands you well enough to truly encapsulate your vision. 

As a wedding and elopement photographer with many years of experience shooting these ceremonies in various types of environments, I’ve developed a set of skills that helps me connect with couples on a deeper level to understand what they’re looking for.

I love being able to guide my couples to have natural photos that capture their energy – without overpowering their moments with what can be “stiff” poses.

I truly believe that I have the tools and the knowledge that we need to visualize a beautiful wedding together. It’s all about communication, trust, and cooperation!

Making 2022 wedding trends your own

Each wedding and elopement is so unique because each couple has their own love story and experiences, and of course, energies they bring to the planning and execution.

To recap, these are the 5 wedding trends in 2022 I’m hoping to see more of:
01. Elopements and microweddings
02. 2022 will be the busiest year for wedding professionals
03. Celebrations on alternate days of the week
04. More & brighter colors (looking at the Pantone 2022 color of the year)
05. Personalizing your wedding

And 3 additional predictions from my community of wedding professionals in Charleston, SC:
01. Wedding weekends in Charleston, SC!
02. Simple and elegant floral arrangements
03. Co-ed bridal parties

What are some of your predictions for 2022 wedding trends? Are you a fan of any of these?

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Looking for ways to work together? Send me a message and let’s discuss the different ways we can work together to immortalize your wedding day!

The post The Top 5 Wedding Trends I’m Hoping to See in 2022 appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.

Your wedding day can be a truly happy and magical experience: it’s a celebration of your relationship and your love! And whether you opt for a traditional wedding ceremony or an elopement, it’s a special time to create a memorable experience with your partner – and, in some cases, your family and friends – that you’ll remember forever. 

However, there’s always the possibility that something unexpected can happen – life is life, after all, and it wouldn’t be life without a pinch of “surprise!” here and there. 

Knowing how to prepare for your wedding – for both the good and the unexpected – can help ease stress and make things more seamless throughout the big day. 

But, what is there to plan for? And what can you do when something not-so-great happens?

That’s when a great wedding photographer can step in to save the day!

Here are a few of the things that my many years of experience as a destination wedding photographer have taught me to prepare for – and how I like to deal with them!

1. When the weather is not ideal

If there’s one thing you definitely can’t control on your wedding day (or ever) it’s the weather. You can try your best to plan for sunny skies, less chance of rain, etc., but you’ll never be 100% sure that nature won’t unexpectedly turn on you and decide to celebrate your big day with a torrential downpour.

Solution: My go-to for when the weather isn’t cooperating is to move the outdoor ceremony indoors – or, at least move the photos indoors or to a covered porch. 

Hiring a photographer who is easily adaptable to different conditions (shooting outside, inside, using umbrellas, switching between different lighting situations) is ideal because they’ll be prepared to deal with whatever the day throws their way!

2. In-the-way guests during the ceremony

You know the ones! There’s always an “Uncle Joe” who decides to step right into the aisle in the middle of the first kiss, phone in hand, to try and get an awful and blurry photo of the moment…when the professional photographer is standing right behind them!

Solution: Have an unplugged ceremony! Ask guests to put away their phones, cameras, iPads (yeah, this one has happened before…) until after the ceremony so the photographer can move around freely and take photos of all the great moments without having to dodge raised phones halfway through the most important moments.

3. When everyone’s looking in a different direction during family photos

One person looks left, three people look to the front, someone else is looking to the right, and grandma has her eyes closed. Whoops! Similarly to what happens when phones and tablets are out during the ceremony, family formals can be a little bit chaotic when there are too many lenses demanding someone’s attention.

Solution: Look at ONE lens: the photographer’s! The photographer’s main goal is to get the perfect shot and then move on to the next perfect shot. In order to do this, we need enough space to move around – this means several feet – and take photos from different angles. From full body shots to close-ups, these will more than likely be the photos you’ll end up cherishing a lot more than the cell phone snaps your relatives will email that next morning – not that those aren’t great, either!

In some cases, if there’s enough time, I usually allow family and friends to take photos after I’ve taken the family formals. This is when I usually share the “go ahead” for family and friends to step in with their phones. I know sometimes grandparents really just want a photo of the couple to look at on their phone, and I don’t want to take away from that, either.

4. Running behind schedule

Here’s the thing: no matter how much you plan and organize your wedding day timeline, it’s likely that things will start to run a little behind (or ahead) of schedule once it all begins! Whether guests arrive a little earlier than imagined, photos take a little longer than you’d hoped, seating arrangements are a little more complicated than you thought…not everything can run on schedule. And that’s totally okay!

Solution: Set a buffer for everything! By having a little extra time before and after big moments, you and your guests will be much more comfortable – and you won’t feel rushed to get from one place to another. This creates space so you can enjoy each moment instead of dashing around like mad trying to pack everything into a set amount of time.

5. The photographer’s equipment breaks

So, this one miiiiight feel like it’s more on the photographer, but it’s also important for you and your partner to be aware of what to do if something happens to the photographer and their gear. Say their camera falls off the table and breaks, their memory card is faulty when they arrive at the venue, there’s water damage…the list goes on and on!

Solution: Personally, I always always bring backup gear with me when I’m shooting an event. I have 2 cameras (each with dual memory cards so there is a duplicate copy of images right away), extra lenses, and after the event I back up the contents of the SD cards immediately onto my computer and online in order to avoid any unnecessary issues. 

Having backup gear helps me feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed in case of any problems, and it also helps my couples feel at ease in case anything were to happen to one of the cameras during the event. As a wedding photographer, preparation is key!

Learning to navigate the unexpected

Ultimately, what matters most is that you remember to stay present on your day and that you embrace the unexpected. 

Always remember that you’re surrounded by your people: your family, friends, and your partner. Once you can accept that you won’t be able to control everything, you’ll have a much better time celebrating your love instead of focusing on the little things that are out of your reach!

As a photographer, and someone who’s previously worked in the hospitality industry, I’ve had tons of experience navigating situations that, although might not have seemed ideal, ended up being magical because of the vibe that guests attached to them. 

It’s not always about what happens around you, but about who you’re living through these moments and experiences with! 

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Looking for someone who can capture your vision on your big day? Send me a message and let’s discuss the different ways we can work together!

The post 5 Unexpected Things to Prepare For During Your Wedding Ceremony or Elopement appeared first on Oriana - Charleston SC Wedding, Family, and Beach Photographer.