Cana Dunlap 11/24/15 Cana Dunlap 11/24/15

Vanessa + Tim | Pepper Plantation Wedding

Every time I photograph a wedding I am reminded a little more why I love what I do. Vanessa and Tim's wedding was such a sweet reminder of how blessed I am to do what I love. This beautiful couple got married on a gorgeous November day at The Pavilion Pepper Plantation right before the most amazing Sunset.

Every time I photograph a wedding, I am reminded a little more why I do what I do. Vanessa and Tim's wedding was such a sweet reminder of how blessed I am to be able do what I love. This beautiful couple got married on a gorgeous November day at The Pavilion Pepper Plantation right before the most amazing Sunset.

Their portraits under the big oak tree, at sunset, are some of my favorites I've taken. At one point Tim stopped and danced with his bride under the Big Oak and it was pure sweetness. SWOON.

I loved that Vanessa had a hand in every little detail. She made a way for her wedding details to be personal and special to the two of them. She bought a ton of plain glassware, candle holders, birds, etc. and spray painted for weeks. She made her own gold "mercury glass" with a method she discovered on her own, with the help of her sister (and maid of honor ), while Tim watched and laughed often! The couple's dear friend, Ashley Knox, painted the bird painting for their "guest book" frame. It was also important to Tim and Vanessa that their special friends make a speech. They had fun teasing each other for weeks about whose would be better, funnier or make them cry the most! Vanessa shared with me that it was most special to her that Tim's mother and sister got ready and prepped with her and her bridal party, by their Glam Squad, with them that day. Vanessa's Great Uncle Glenn catered their amazing dinner as a gift to them, and their dear friend Melodie created the gorgeous cheese table for cocktail hour. It was so heartwarming to see how surrounded by love and support they were by their great friends and family on their special day.

Here are some of my favorite moments from their perfect wedding day.

Congratulations Vanessa + Tim!

Cana 10/15/15 Cana 10/15/15

Kelsey + Peter | Wickliffe House Wedding

Kelsey and Peter got married at The Wickliffe House early this Fall. Built in 1850 the Wickliffe House is a gracious mansion located in the Radcliffboro neighborhood in downtown Charleston. I got a chance to get to know this beautiful couple during their Engagement session we did earlier this year. Their Wickliffe House wedding day was so perfect and I feel so honored that I got to be there to document it. I am so glad that they opted for a "First Look" because it gave us the chance to do all of their portraits ahead of time. It worked out perfectly because we ended up getting rain right after the ceremony. But we still got to take some romantic pictures in the rain! I love when my couples embrace the rain and still venture out with those big clear umbrellas to take a few photos. Enjoy a few of my favorite images from their wedding day. Congratulations Kelsey and Peter!

Venue: The Wickliffe House Gown Boutique: Katherine Bridal Boutique Florist: InBloom Caterer: Mediterra (In house) Cake Artist: DeClare Cakes Musician/DJ: Finger Snapping Entertainment Transportation: Vintage Limousine (get away car) & Low Country Loop (trolley) Officiant: Mobile Marriage/ Richard Bennett Hair/Makeup Stylist: Ash and Co

Cana 10/6/15 Cana 10/6/15

Meghan + Grayson | Mepkin Abbey Wedding

Meghan and Grayson were married at the gorgeous Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, SC.

Vendors:

Cana 7/29/15 Cana 7/29/15

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.//