Cedar Room Wedding
As a wedding photographer, each Cedar Room wedding that I capture tells a unique story. Some stories are sweet and simple, while others are grand and elaborate. Karen and Brian’s wedding at the Cedar Room in Charleston, SC, perfectly blends classic Southern charm and timeless elegance. From the anticipation in the air, as they prepared at the historic Planter’s Inn to their heartfelt ceremony and romantic night portraits in the courtyard, every moment of their day was a testament to their love for each other and their shared love for the beautiful city of Charleston.
Planter’s Inn
The day started at the historic Planter’s Inn, nestled in the heart of Charleston’s bustling Market area. The hotel, known for its timeless elegance and Southern hospitality, provided the perfect backdrop for Karen and Brian to prepare for their big day.
As soon as I arrived, I could feel the excitement building. Karen was in the St. Philip Suite surrounded by her closest friends and family, the room buzzing with laughter and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. With its high ceilings and classic decor, the suite was filled with natural light streaming through the large windows—a photographer’s dream.
Karen’s dress was a stunning, classic sleeveless gown with delicate lace detailing, and it hung gracefully on a wooden hanger by the window. I captured the dress in its full glory before it was time for Karen to put it on. As she stepped into the dress, the room fell silent momentarily, everyone taking in the sight of her transformation into a bride. Her mother and sister (maid of honor) helped with the final touches—zipping up the dress and placing elegant accessories. Sometimes, the quiet moments are my favorite part of the day, and Karen’s getting ready was abundant with them.
Meanwhile, Brian was in a nearby suite with his groomsmen, getting ready in a much more relaxed environment. The guys joked and reminisced as Brian adjusted his tie and donned his classic suit with a flair. There was a quiet moment when Brian took a deep breath, looking out the window as if taking in the day’s significance. I captured that introspective moment, knowing it would be a memory he’d treasure.
First Look in the Courtyard
Unsurprisingly, the Planter’s Inn boasts a charming courtyard, a hidden gem that offers a private, intimate setting in the middle of the bustling city. This was where Karen and Brian chose to have their first look, a decision that proved to be perfect. As I led Brian to the courtyard, the anticipation was palpable. He stood with his back to the gate, nervously waiting for Karen to arrive.
Karen walked into the courtyard, her dress softly brushing against the slate pathway. Her look was a mixture of excitement and emotion as she approached Brian. His expression was priceless when he finally turned around—pure love and joy. They embraced, and it felt like time stood still for a moment. It was just the two of them, lost in each other’s eyes, oblivious to the world around them.
As a photographer, I live for these moments—the raw, unscripted emotions that tell the authentic story of a wedding day. My team captured the first look from every angle, documenting their expressions and the beautiful surroundings that added to the moment’s magic.
Portraits at Charleston’s Iconic Spots
After the first look, we took advantage of Charleston’s beautiful scenery for Karen and Brian’s portraits. Our first stop was White Point Gardens, a quintessential Charleston location. The park, with its sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss and stunning harbor views, was perfect for portraits.
Karen and Brian walked hand in hand, occasionally stopping to steal a kiss or share a laugh. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow that added a touch of magic to the photos. The wedding party joined the fun with some traditional and playful images. This group brought the best vibes, and it comes through in the pictures.
Our second location was Rainbow Row, one of the city’s most iconic and picturesque spots. The colorful, historic houses provided a vibrant backdrop for the couple’s photos. Karen’s white dress and Brian’s dapper suit popped against the pastel hues of the buildings. We strolled down the street, stopping at various spots to capture different angles and compositions.
Cedar Room Wedding Venue
For a Cedar Room wedding, the venue is one-of-a kind with its exposed brick walls, tall windows, and industrial-chic vibe, was the perfect venue for Karen and Brian’s wedding. The Cedar Room is located in the historic Cigar Factory. The industrial-chic venue has an open floor plan featuring wood columns, hardwood floors, and exposed brick. Reserving the venue includes the use of The Cedar Room and its Courtyard, which makes it a great wedding venue in downtown Charleston.
Before the ceremony, we stole the couple away for a few intimate portraits inside before guests arrived. The rustic backdrop was unique; we were fortunate to utilize it before the festivities began. My favorite moment during these portraits was when Karen and Brian were on the swing. It’s an unexpected yet whimsical feature they added to the decor, and it was a great focal point for photos throughout the day.
Courtyard Cedar Room Ceremony
The couple exchanged vows in the venue’s charming courtyard, which is adorned with lush greenery and offers a serene and intimate setting for the ceremony.
One of the most memorable parts of the Cedar Room wedding ceremony was the knot ritual, a symbolic gesture of their unity. As they tied the knot, their officiant explained the ritual’s significance, emphasizing their bond’s strength and permanence. It was a beautiful, heartfelt moment that left no dry eye in the audience. I focused on capturing the emotions of Karen and Brian and their family and friends who witnessed this sweet ceremony.
The courtyard erupted in cheers and applause as they were pronounced husband and wife. Karen and Brian shared a kiss that seemed to last forever, their happiness radiating through every photo I took.
Cedar Room Rooftop Sunset Portraits
After the ceremony, we ushered the newlyweds to the rooftop for the last of their couple portraits. Eeking out the last light of the day, we captured some lovely sunset portraits of the couple. Riding the newlywed high, they couldn’t help but be in each other’s arms. I have always been a fan of cozy couple portraits. Even the most basic gestures of affection translate to so much love in an image. As the sun set over the Charleston cityscape, Karen and Brian even danced on the rooftop. This made for some cherished private moments before the hustle and bustle of the reception.
A Reception to Remember
Following the ceremony, guests moved inside the Cedar Room for the reception. The space was beautifully decorated with elegant floral arrangements, soft candlelight, and a mix of round tables and lounge spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. The tall windows let in the last of the day’s light, casting a warm glow over the room as the evening festivities began.
Karen and Brian made their grand entrance to a chorus of cheers and applause. Their first dance as a married couple was a highlight of the evening, a moment filled with grace and emotion. As they swayed to the music, it was clear to everyone in the room how deeply in love they were.
Delicious food and lots of dancing filled the evening. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was clear that everyone was having an incredible time. As a photographer, I captured the laughter, the tears, and all the little moments in between—the candid interactions that truly make a wedding day special.
Night Portraits in the Courtyard
As the night went on for this Cedar Room wedding, I took Karen and Brian back to the courtyard for their final night portraits. Now illuminated by string lights, which created a romantic soft glow, the courtyard had a completely different ambiance than it did during the day. It was almost dreamlike—the perfect setting for the final photos of the night.
Karen and Brian held each other close, their faces lit by the warm, soft light. The night was quiet, with only a distant breeze and the occasional laughter inside the reception hall. I captured them in a few poses, from close, intimate shots to wider shots that included the beautiful surroundings. These night portraits were the perfect way to end the day, capturing the quiet, reflective moments after the excitement of the wedding.
Final Thoughts
Karen and Brian’s Cedar Room wedding was magical. From the historic charm of Planter’s Inn to the vibrant streets of Charleston and the romantic courtyard ceremony, every moment perfectly reflects their love and personalities. It was an absolute honor to be a part of their day and capture the memories they will cherish forever.
This wedding reminded me of why I love what I do—being able to tell the unique stories of couples on one of the most important days of their lives. Karen and Brian, thank you for allowing my team to join your incredible journey. May your love continue to grow and flourish in the years to come!
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