A few years ago when I was first starting out as a photographer in Charleston, a close friend and artistic mentor gave me some excellent advice: "Find a way to work only with great people." For many people in the creative industry, this is simply not possible. I have been lucky enough to work with some truly great people since I received that advice, but I really struck gold with Michelle and Adam.
I did an engagement shoot with them last November on James Island and I was impressed with their sense of adventure, their patience, and their deep connection to one another. They brought along their dog Daisy, who had more fun than any of us humans and featured prominently in the engagement photos. She rarely left their sight and was a surprisingly good dog-model for photos. Sadly, Daisy died in February. I thought of Daisy at Michelle and Adam's wedding and how much she would have loved to be with her two favorite humans on one of the happiest days of their lives.
The sense of excitement and glee was downright electric. Many of Michelle's family members traveled from The Philippines to be present for this special day, and Adam and Michelle's colleagues brought a level of energy and stamina that I have rarely seen (shout out to the three gents who performed the 'Single Ladies' moves). Oh, and of course the weather was perfect and the late-afternoon light was blasting through the stately live oak trees in all the right ways. Oh, and did I mention that some naughty raccoons showed up to eat some of the extra food left out by the caterers? Or that Michelle and Adam collected almost all of the flowers themselves and dried them at home for the centerpieces?
In short, all of the ingredients were present for a fun and memorable day (raccoons included).
And it was.
First Dance Song: Hold onto My Heart - Graham Colton
Father/Daughter Dance Song: Forever - The Beach Boys
Mother/Son Dance Song: My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Michelle's Occupation: Healthcare Credentialing
Adam's Occupation: Fisheries Biologist
How You Met: Graduate School at College of Charleston
Interesting Facts About You: We love the outdoors and we try to "live off the land" as much as possible. We enjoy everything from fishing, shrimping, and hunting to gardening, mushroom foraging, and raising 2 chickens.
Honeymoon location(s): Philippines (hopefully next year)
Vendor Credits:
Venue - Edisto Hall at James Island County Park
Officiant – Joe Evans
Band/DJ – Brandon from Jay Maxwell's Music by Request
Florist – the bride (and groom)
Cake/Dessert Bakery – Publix Bakery
Caterer – Smoky Oak Taproom
Hair/Makeup – Krystal from VSKI Salon
Coordinator – Rebecca Balazs