Taryn and Bryan’s Isle of Palms, SC Destination Wedding

If I had to describe my ideal clients, I might as well just describe Taryn, Bryan, and their families.

Oftentimes I talk about befriending my bride as a way to help let their guards down and “get in their circle” to immerse myself in their wedding day, which in turn, helps me create the best documentary-style photos possible. With Taryn, I had no choice but to become best friends with her. In fact, it was through one of my own best friends Natalie that introduced me to Taryn, and one of the first things that Taryn said was that she wanted to be best friends with me too. After flying down from Pittsburgh, PA to Isle of Palms, SC and meeting her family, it wasn’t long until they adopted me too. You know you’re doing something right when the moms add you on Facebook!

One of Taryn’s best qualities is her ability to be unabashadly herself. You know when she’s happy, you know when she’s sad, and you know when she’s mad (#sorrynotsorry!) and oh my goodness is she beautiful! This made it a lot of fun to photograph her. My favorite part of the whole day was the moment her sister surprised Taryn with her grandfather’s bottle of cologne. She had saved it after he passed away, which made it even more special.

Taryn wanted to incorporate many Irish wedding traditions to her ceremony–which I loved! She got married on Saint Patrick’s Day and used the color green for many of her details. She and Bryan did a Celtic hand-fasting ceremony in which a gold and green ribbon was tied to their hands. Another Irish tradition that Taryn used was to give each guest a stone to hold during the ceremony. In ancient Ireland, wedding guests were given small stones to cast into the water while making a wish or blessing for the couple’s future. So, of course, I thought it would be a great photo if I stood in the water and had everyone throw their stones to either side of me. Not *at* me, but *beside* me. My pants were soaked but no photographers were harmed in the making of the photo. Totally worth it.

Taryn used Charleston I Do for her hair, A Jolly Occasion for her makeup, and lashes by Rheanna. Cori Carpenter did an amazing job at officiating the beach ceremony. Taryn held a gorgeous bouquet designed by Jen of Island Treaures.

Taryn and Bryan, it was such an honor to document your wedding!