We were so stunned by this bridal portrait shoot Jose Villa did with our beyond gorgeous bride, Caroline, we just had to share.. There are so many benefits to doing a bridal portrait session prior to your wedding and with your actual wedding photographer. We use them as a hair and make up run through, a dress fitting (and learning how you will move around in the dress,or if tweaks are needed prior to wedding), and an intimate time getting to know your photographer so that that level of comfort comes through in the actual wedding photos.
Caroline chose a dress by Carolina Herrera. The Whitby Hotel in New York City was chosen as the shoot location- the couple would marry upstate at Troutbeck. We also like to use the portrait day as a test for the bouquet.
The bride chose a Guipure lace covered gown by Vollaro available through Maddison Row here in Charleston, SC. Bring a traditional Southern bride, we chose to monogram her satin bouquet wrap in her favorite “something blue “color.
Being that it was a summer wedding, hearty boutonierres were best… And, since the bride’s family owns an angling store, locally made 
The wedding ceremony took place at the church that the bride grew up attending, St. Philip’s (which also happens to be my church). An illustration of the historic steeple graced the cover of the classic ceremony programs.
Afterwards the bride and groom received guests at Lowndes Grove Plantation… True Southern sports fans, we flew flags for both alma maters- Clemson University, and The Citadel. And, custom cornhole boards for both schools graced the front lawn for those wanting to squeeze in a quick round during cocktail hour.
Charleston’s “haint” blue, also the bride’s favorite color, was chosen as the palette. Luckily the perfect dresses were available at 
Each bridesmaid carried a custom monogramed bouquet.
Guests enjoyed classic favorites like prosciutto wrapped melon and tasteful sips at cocktail hour.
Where else can you enjoy a lawn party than a glorious home overlooking the river banks than Charleston? A hanging swing bed allowed guests a fun take on al fresco seating…
Jim Smeal’s sweet cake was perfectly pretty for a Southern garden with gum paste flowers and an elevated basketweave…Of course displayed on a garden table with fresh greenery.
photos by 
