Hunter + Christopher
Johns Island, Charleston, South Carolina
I always enjoy photographing weddings in Charleston. Don’t get me wrong, I love Greenville but sometimes you need a break from the things in your comfort zone. Staying put is not for me – I love the challenge of photographing a wedding in a new location. Plus, who can deny that there is something magical and relaxing about the beach? The Island air at Johns Island was a welcome change to the pollen infused air back home, and it made me happy that I live in a state that allows me to photograph in the mountains AND the beach without buying a plane ticket.
Johns Island was the perfect choice for Hunter and Chris’ Charleston SC wedding. From the beginning Hunter said photography was the most important thing to her (Thank you!), and Chris said the live music was the most important to him. So their wedding was a perfect mix of amazing scenery and an electric, high energy reception. This is the best thing a photographer could hope for. As a wedding photographer, I was a kid in a candy store with the location. And if you are familiar with my work, you know I also love a good party with an active dance floor. Chris’ choice of Permanent Vacation as the band ensured I had no shortage of reception fun to photograph.
Oh and did I mention that Chris planned and directed the wedding as well? Having done event planning and management for much larger events than weddings in the past, it seemed like a cakewalk to him. And it was definitely an interesting sight seeing him checking off things on a clipboard before the ceremony. Hopefully this took some of Hunter’s wedding stress away! All in all, the day went off without a hitch. But don’t take my word for it, check out some of my favorite images from their wedding below:
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First stop on Hunter and Chris’ wedding day was Lava Salon, one of the more unique salons I have worked with. Unique is always good when it comes to photography, and I had a blast working with the decor here.
Everything else took place at The Island House, on Johns Island outside Charleston SC. Everything about this gorgeous venue is quintessentially Charleston. From the decorations to the styling and the grounds themselves, I could not think of a better venue to showcase a beautiful low country wedding.
The ceremony location was perfect, situated right up against the Stono River. It was very interesting watching the occasional fishing boat drift by during the ceremony. I loved everything about it.
After a truly glorious sunset, par for the course here in Charleston, it was time for the real fun! The reception music was provided by Permanent Vacation, easily one of the best live bands I’ve ever heard at a wedding. Christopher mentioned the live music was the most important thing to him, and he chose well. If you are looking for a live band, you should seriously check them out.
I don’t normally like to duplicate photos on my blogs, but I just had to put the tree photo at the end – it is a perfect summary of Hunter and Chris’ gorgeous Island House wedding. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple, venue, or weather. Congratulations to you both, and enjoy your honeymoon!
Special thanks to the many vendors that helped make Hunter and Chris’ Charleston wedding at The Island House perfect:
Venue: The Island House
Salon: Lava Salon
Live music: Permanent Vacation
Catering: Just Eat This!
Food trucks: The Immortal Lobster
Wedding Cake: Gala Desserts
Florist: Creech’s Florist
Photography: Matthew Pautz Photography