Mason and Blair were a dream to work with! Mason had contacted me about photographing a surprise proposal and engagement session while he and Blair visited Charleston. They are from Dallas and were coming to spend the weekend here. They planned to  visit two plantations on Thursday, one of which, I was going to be at and photograph the proposal! The tricky and unique part of this was that the couple had never here before and so Mason needed my help to find the perfect spot for the proposal. We also had to time it perfectly and meet at the right spot! Right when I arrived the Middleton Place I noticed we got there at the same time (hahah, I was worried about that!) and I immediately turned myself around and took up some time before following them in. I saw them a few different times while trying to find a beautiful spot (which there were tons) and just kept pretending I was a photographing the landscape and scenery. I texted Mason where to go and he found a lovely spot under the large Oak by the water. I was farther back taking photos of buildings and trees and watching the signal for Mason to start hugging Blair before he dropped to his knee! Mason and Blair have known each other for several years and went to the same college but it was after college they started dating! It was a joy to photograph the next season in their relationship!  

We did part of the session at Middleton Place and then finished downtown Charleston!  It was so sweet for the the engagement session to be during and right after the proposal. The newness of being engaged, the exciting thoughts about the future, the renewed love and passion for one another, soon to be a mr &mrs,  are just a few reasons an engagement session right after the proposal is a great idea! Mason and Blair were so easy to photograph as they laughed and smiled the entire time, it was perfect! They made my job easy! So glad this Texas couple came to town and that I was able to capture these special moments for them!!

*Make sure to make it to the end, some of my favorites are there!! 

~ I hope you enjoyed this blog! Congrats BLAIR & MASON 

My husband and I have known David for a little over a year now and we met Anna shortly after. They both are members of our church here on James Island and they are a joy to be around! Anyone who meets them would say that their warm personalities, kind smiles, and genuine love is apparent! They are such a kind couple, we hope to get to know them better!

 Anna and David met at their college library (USC) and that was the start of their friendship! Within a year after growing their friendship they began dating and then got engaged on September 29th of last year. Their proposal story is the sweetest and so romantic! David set up a beautiful spot on a roof top to ask her the big question. This was NOT any rooftop, but the same one where they had their first date:)! So sweet. 

On another note, as a photographer it is scary to offer free sessions or free products. We are scared of being taken advantage of or giving to much time. However, I have found that in the midst of running a business where everything cost something (for me and my clients) it is a breath of fresh air to do something for free! I am able to be more creative on the spot, more relaxed, and not have the pressure that normally accompanies a photo session. I asked Anna and David if they would be up for doing a Couple's Portrait Session downtown Charleston (for free) and they were excited to do it! I usually do my sessions at beaches, parks, and plantations, and I wanted to try something out of my comfort zone, I knew I needed to! This was something I have wanted to do for a while now but was to scared to try! Shooting a session downtown Charleston is not for the faint of heart! The lighting, the people, the busyness, the narrow streets, the lack of parking spots, and not to mention how overwhelming it can be because there are a million beautiful houses and streets to shoot at!! All these were things that kept me in fear of shooting in the city, but thankfully I have done it....and LOVED IT! The Charleston charm, the brick and architecture, the peeking sunlight, and overall southern and romantic feel was well worth it! Anna and David Geurkink were the absolute best couple to shoot on Friday night ! The love and laughs they share were lovely to capture! 

Thank you for reading and viewing this blog! If you are interested in an engagement session, I'd love to hear from you! 

Email me at [email protected] 

John and Anna's Family session on the beach was lovely! It was a great evening with the perfect glowy light and gorgeous waves crashing upon the shore.  Beach shoots are my favorite (partly because I get to be barefoot) but it feels more relaxed. Something beautiful happens in every session, unplanned conversations or movement...and these things make the photos even better. The two Kesselring girls didn't always want to stand and smile so they would turn and talk to their parents, give hugs, or play - I'm glad they did because the images are even sweeter and more intimate! I want my sessions to include gorgeous posed families but also genuine happiness and joy in each other. Enjoy! 

*thank you BIRDS for flying into this frame. A lovely little touch! 

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