LeeAnn + Justin | Confederate Home and College Wedding

LeeAnn did such a beautiful job planning her wedding. LeeAnn and Justin got married under a gorgeous big Oak Tree at The Confederate Home and College in Charleston, SC. The Confederate Home and College, a cherished institution in Charleston, was built circa 1800. Their wedding day was was just beaming with romance. I love that they chose to hang twinkling lights from the tree. It added such a dynamic element to their photos and just had me swooning! It felt like a sweet fairytale. Her Bridesmaid wore floor length blush gowns, which paired so perfectly with the men's dark suits.  Justin is a big baseball fan so LeeAnn had a special cake made just for him. They also had their ring bearer walk down the aisle with a catchers mitt in lieu of a ring pillow. I love that she incorporated something that was important to her groom in such a creative and unique way. I loved getting to document this sweet couple's wedding day. I didn't get the chance to meet LeeAnn before her wedding day since it was a destination wedding for them, but I walked into the salon where they were getting married and immediately felt like part of the family! The girls at Gibson Hair and Makeup did an awesome job creating the soft romantic hair/makeup looks for their wedding day. It's a gorgeous salon in the downtown area.

I love that LeeAnn and Justin chose to do a First Look. I am such a fan of first looks because it really gives the Bride and Groom a chance to see each and have a special moment alone before all of the fast paced wedding festivities begin. I know some Brides get nervous that if they opt to do a First Look that it will take away from the moment where your groom sees you walk down the aisle but I really believe that it's a whole other special and emotional moment in itself. If you're still on the fence about whether or not you want to do one, talk with your photographer and get their opinion. It really makes for such a beautiful moment.

After the ceremony we explored around the nearby streets around the Confederate Home for the group and Bride and Groom photos. I love the cobblestone road that this venue sits on. Its quintessential Charleston.

It was such an honor getting to document this beautiful wedding day. Congratulations to the happy couple!

//Cana is a Wedding Photographer based in Charleston, SC available for international travel.//

Vendors:

Venue: Confederate Home and College Hair/Makeup Stylist: Gibson Hair and Makeup Gown Boutique: Ballew Bridal and Formal salon Florist + Catering: Duvall events Cake Artist: Sablee Limo: Private and Personal Transportration Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston

Kelsey + Peter | Charleston Engagement Photographer

I got to kick off  my return from Maternity leave on such a beautiful note. This session was packed full of authentic love, laughter and gorgeous golden light. This sweet couple is getting married this Fall and I know its going to be gorgeous. Congratulations to this sweet couple!  

Shot by Cana McDonald, Owner of Whimsey Photography. A photography studio based in Charleston, SC. Cana is a Wedding and Portrait photographer in Charleston, SC.

Mallory & Nate | Downtown Charleston Engagement | Charleston Wedding Photographer

Sometimes you meet one of those people that you just really click with. Mallory just happened to be one of those people. She and I met one day over lunch and we literally spent at least an hour chatting. Ever since then, I have been eagerly awaiting their engagement shoot. Mallory is such a sweet soul and Nate had an awesome, chill personality, so you can imagine that we had an easy-going and AMAZINGLY fun shoot! To top it off, the rain that day cleared just in time for our shoot, which made for a beautiful evening with some gorgeous golden sunlight (so Whimsey-licious)! Not to mention, Mallory looks absolutely stunning (don't you just love her long, wavy, red locks?!)! One of our favorite makeup artists ever, Pamela Lesch, did Mallory's makeup - she's incredible as you can see! I am beyond thrilled to shoot their wedding next year and am so honored to know this couple!

Laurie & Colin {Kiawah Island | Engagement}

I'm so excited to be sharing this lovely Kiawah Island engagment session with you all today! There's no better way to start out a Wednesday ;) Laurie & Colin met 5 years ago at a birthday party. Laurie had gone to the party as a guest of her sister, with absolutely no intention of meeting her future husband that night. But little did she know, she would. They ended up talking and mingling at the party, which led to a date just 3 days later! Isn't that usually how love happens though? I've had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people, Laurie and Colin included, and it seems that most of my clients' stories have one similar thread running through - when we are free to love and live our life, a lasting love shows up when we are not expecting it...at all.

These two love birds wanted to have their session on Kiawah Island, which was great, because I enjoyed exploring a destination that I don't normally get to shoot at. These guys were so fun and laid back, and I can't wait to work with them more!

Enjoy the loveliness!