A Timeless Gadsden House Wedding
Charleston, SC
I remember the first time I met Laura and Cam last summer. We decided to meet up after Laura emailed me asking if I would be their wedding photographer. I asked if they would prefer to chat over coffee or a pint of beer. They chose the latter, and I can’t say I was too sad about it. So there I was, sitting in Palmetto Brewery in downtown Charleston and in they walked! Now I knew what they would look like, because Laura happens to be one of my sweetest friend’s sister. We exchanged hugs and grabbed a few flights of beer and a corner table. We chatted for over an hour about how they met, their wedding day and what brought them to Charleston. It felt like I was hanging out with old friends. Laura and Cam smiled as they reminisced on spending a whole evening the first time that they met just talking on the steps of Lincoln Memorial in DC. Laura explained her love for Charleston and desire to live here while still in DC She told me that one weekend on a visit to Charleston, Cam called her and said he wouldn’t mind moving here. And their move was inevitable at that point. We said our goodbyes and I was already counting down the days until I could hang out with them again. They are one of those couples that you just enjoy to be around! And I knew that their wedding day would be nothing short of amazing if their family and friends were anything like them.
As soon as I walked into Laura’s getting ready room, I knew that I was right. Their day was going to be amazing because of the sweetest family and friends surrounding them. I don’t know if I have ever seen a sweeter daddy/daughter first look. I cried. And then when Laura and Cam had their first look, I was blown away at the sweetest emotions that they displayed. I cried again. The amazing moments did not stop there. The details were coming to life at the Gadsden house. Laura is an extremely talented woman! She poured herself into creating the most thoughtful details, from designing the invitations, to creating the table assignment display.
It was now time for the ceremony! Family and friends took their seat and Lauryn Hill came over the speakers. The bridal party started to make their way down the aisle and take their front row spots to watch Laura and Cam become husband and wife. As Laura walked down the aisle with her dad, I couldn’t help but be amazed that Mr John was looking at his baby girl as she walked to her future. Cam, at the front of the aisle, was living up to the Brett Eldredge song softly playing as his bride approached. And I almost fell to pieces hearing “standing here, watching you” and seeing Cam do just that with a glisten in his eyes.
I think that my favorite part of the entire day was the vows. As their family and friends watched, Laura and Cam exchanged the sweetest vows. As Cam was overcome with tears, Laura continued her vows and without hesitation reached her hand to his arm, in comfort. And I knew more than ever at that moment that these two were made for each other.
As the ceremony came to an end, it became apparent that this wedding was going to be one I will never forget. The reception sealed that deal for me! The night started with the first dances. Laura and Cam danced forehead to forehead as if everything around them had melted away. The love for this amazing couple was overflowing as the toasts began. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house!! One thing stood out to me in particular and it was Laura’s Lady of Honor, Kate’s speech. Kate is Laura’s older sister and when you are around these two, it is like they share an inside joke that no one else is privy to. I think all of the guests bawled as Kate metaphorically passed her little sister over to Cam. However I don’t think Kate will ever have to give up her sister, “you jump, I jump”!
Watching this entire day unfold, had me falling in love with this sweet family. But then, my RomCom dreams came true and I knew right then, I was going to have to be the unofficial cousin! Laura and Cam took the stage to ask her dad, John, to continue a tradition. This tradition started at Kate’s wedding, continued at their brother John’s wedding and it was time for me to witness the Meatloaf performance. The crowd separated and began performing “Paradise by the dashboard light” and I think my heart could have exploded. To see the joy that this sweet family has for one another, it is simply amazing!
As you look through their wedding day through my eyes, I hope you are able to see what I was so honored to witness. Two amazing people who have the love and support from amazing family and friends. The day was filled with pure JOY! Laura and Cam, thank you for asking me to be apart of your day! I love y’all, I love your family and I could relive this day over and over again!
Venue| Gadsden House
Planner | Nicki Paige Collection
Live Painter | Label by Chloe
Entertainment | Steel Toe Stiletto
Catering | Cru Catering
Bar Service | King Street Beverage Co.
Dessert | Life Raft
Florist | Roadside Blooms
Rentals | Ooh Events & Event Haus
Officiant | Tyler Dye
Hair | Pampered and Pretty
Makeup | Makeup by Jami
Wedding Dress | Verita Bridal
Second Shooter | Kelsey Halm
[…] chat about their wedding photography. Jana explained that she used to work with one of my brides, Laura, who got married early last year and loved their wedding portraits. And once I chatted with Jana […]