Posts Tagged ‘South Carolina’
Engagement Session: Brian and Sara
When I moved back to Columbia for my Master’s, Brian was one of the first new friends I made. That’s probably because he was one of the few people who spent as much time in Cool Beans as I did. It’s also because we fall easily into lengthy conversations that span topics ranging from literature to educational theory to whether the latest superhero movie is likely to be any good. I didn’t meet Sara until much later, but I taught with her (awesome) mom for several years. In fact, after Brian and Sara had been dating a while, her mom asked my opinion on Brian. (Don’t worry, Brian, I gave you a good review!)
Let’s talk about the lovely couple, though. First off, I think that they may have the best jobs of any couple we’ve photographed so far. Brian is a writer/professor. No, really, a real writer. He’s on Amazon and everything. (By the way, that link leads to his novel Through a Pale Door. The protagonist’s name in that novel? Sarah. Yeah, there’s an ‘h’ at the end, but I’m assuming that’s a typesetting error. Did I mention that he wrote Through a Pale Door a few years before he met Sara? Or that the protagonist of the first novel of his that I ever read was named Sarah? I’m not saying Brian is prescient or anything, but…) Anyway, I’m kind of disappointed that he didn’t show up for the engagement session in a tweed jacket with suede elbow patches, but it was a good reminder to me to always consult on wardrobe.
Sara, on the other hand, works with monkeys, apes, and small mammals, which you’ll know, if you’ve ever taught, is pretty much just like teaching. Hah! I kid! (Not really.)
But yeah, I definitely picture the two of them teaming up, getting some grant money, and finally finding out just how many monkeys typing it takes to produce the Twilight series*.
We finished up the shoot in Cool Beans, because love goes better with coffee…
…and Battlestar Galactica reenactments.
*(I’m kidding, of course. Everyone knows the answer is three monkeys, plus a bottle of cheap gin.)
Engagement Session: Brian and Sara
When I moved back to Columbia for my Master’s, Brian was one of the first new friends I made. That’s probably because he was one of the few people who spent as much time in Cool Beans as I did. It’s also because we fall easily into lengthy conversations that span topics ranging from literature to educational theory to whether the latest superhero movie is likely to be any good. I didn’t meet Sara until much later, but I taught with her (awesome) mom for several years. In fact, after Brian and Sara had been dating a while, her mom asked my opinion on Brian. (Don’t worry, Brian, I gave you a good review!)
Let’s talk about the lovely couple, though. First off, I think that they may have the best jobs of any couple we’ve photographed so far. Brian is a writer/professor. No, really, a real writer. He’s on Amazon and everything. (By the way, that link leads to his novel Through a Pale Door. The protagonist’s name in that novel? Sarah. Yeah, there’s an ‘h’ at the end, but I’m assuming that’s a typesetting error. Did I mention that he wrote Through a Pale Door a few years before he met Sara? Or that the protagonist of the first novel of his that I ever read was named Sarah? I’m not saying Brian is prescient or anything, but…) Anyway, I’m kind of disappointed that he didn’t show up for the engagement session in a tweed jacket with suede elbow patches, but it was a good reminder to me to always consult on wardrobe.
Sara, on the other hand, works with monkeys, apes, and small mammals, which you’ll know, if you’ve ever taught, is pretty much just like teaching. Hah! I kid! (Not really.)
But yeah, I definitely picture the two of them teaming up, getting some grant money, and finally finding out just how many monkeys typing it takes to produce the Twilight series*.
We finished up the shoot in Cool Beans, because love goes better with coffee…
…and Battlestar Galactica reenactments.
*(I’m kidding, of course. Everyone knows the answer is three monkeys, plus a bottle of cheap gin.)
Hans+Lou: Engagement Photos of a Couple Sweeter than Pi
It’s the same old story: boy math teacher who loves theatre meets girl math teacher who loves theatre…it’s simple addition, really. Until the kids come–then it’s multiplication. In any case, it certainly doesn’t involve any bad math puns.
Hans and Lou are a couple of polymaths whose I’ve been privileged to know for the past several years (well, Hans, mostly). Apart from their knowledge of the arithmetic, geometric, and trigonometric arts they tread the boards as actors, Lou has a spectacular singing voice and Hans, as far as I can tell, picked up landscape painting in a single weekend with the help of a Bob Ross DVD. On top of all that, they’re playful, funny, and kind. It’s always delightful to see two great people who fit together so well find each other.
We can’t wait to photograph your wedding, guys!
Are they cute or what?
Brian and Lynn: Johns Island Wedding
Before I show you photos of this beautiful and fun wedding I just have to get this off my chest: it really bothers me that there’s no apostrophe in Johns Island.
That said, Wendy and I were totally overwhelmed by all the fantastic elements of Lynn and Brian’s wedding. Where to begin? Oh yeah, how about with a custom-made cake topper in the likeness of the bride and groom?

Yeah, just go ahead and get your Pinterest button warmed up, because it’s that kind of wedding…
The wedding took place at the beautiful Island House on Johns Island (seriously, there should be an apostrophe in there).
Lynn works at the Island House, so if you’re looking for a beautiful place to have your wedding, if you go there, you’ll not only have a gorgeous location (and you haven’t seen the half of it yest) but you’ll have an absolutely delightful contact person as well. It’s pretty much a win all around.
I told you Lynn is delightful. Did I tell you she’s lovely as well? (Don’t worry, though, she won’t dress like this for your wedding.)
Brian and Lynn exchanged cards and gifts before they saw each other. I love their faces as they read one another’s words on their wedding day.
Brian and Lynn chose to have a first look–seeing each other before the ceremony and giving them some time together before the rush of the day fully sets in.
It’s wonderful to watch these two together–they constantly make each other laugh.
So I showed you the front of the Island House…are there any photogenic locations around back? Hmmm…
Gorgeous much?
The lovely flowers were provided by Local Roots Florist.
First Class Band kept the party going…
…and Brian’s brother Greg even joined up with them for one song.
That 1970 Cadillac Coupe de Ville behind the guys was provided by Shuttle Hogs.
Near the end of the night, Brian and Lynn lit up the sky with sky lanterns. (And nobody caught on fire!)
Brian and Lynn: thank you for having us be a part of your magical day!
Until next time…
Heather + Brett: A Folly Beach Wedding
Summer is drawing to a close, and for all the students out there who are disappointed by that, trust me that your sadness pales in comparison to that of your teachers. Still, it’s a great time to celebrate the end of summer, and how better to do that than with a beach wedding?
Heather and Brett wanted their wedding to be a really great party with their family and close friends and I think you’ll be able to tell they succeeded admirably!
BJ + Donna: A Columbia Wedding
Meet Donna and B.J.. Wendy and I first met this lovely couple last year at the wedding of Dave and Natalia, another wonderful couple who also happens to have adorable little girls…but more on them later.
Donna and B.J. had a wedding that fit them perfectly: beautiful, relaxed, and lots of fun. Before the wedding, though, Donna had a bridal session with us at 701 Whaley and the Horseshoe. That gave her a chance to wear her dress, figure out how to bustle it, and to learn our posing tips so that on the day of her wedding she was ready. Donna knows how to rock an s-curve!
The wedding itself was at Seacoast Irmo, and although it was a touch warm (as Columbia in June is wont to be) it really could not have been a much more beautiful day.
The flowers were provided by Debby West of Think Floral who is not only delightful, but who clearly knows more about flowers than I can ever hope to know.
Here’s B.J. ironing out some last-minute kinks. Note that he’s smiling. Donna and B.J. both stayed relaxed throughout the day and all the little things that keep weddings interesting.
The bride and her lovely bridesmaids!
























































