Strobel – Peterson Wedding * April 14, 2012 * A Glorious Day on Seabrook Island

  • May 2, 2012 3:03 pm

On April 14th the planets were aligned and the gods and goddesses were beyond happy to create an AMAZING day for Julia and Tim’s beach wedding at The Seabrook Island Club.  Start with a gentle breeze to give the veil a lift, add in true spring-like temperature to keep us cool and the perfect cloud cover creating a photographer’s dream setting with shadowless images throughout the entire day and a dramatic sunset to cap off the evening.  Add in a gorgeous couple, fantastic families and a room full of great friends and I felt transported into nirvana.

I was told from the very beginning that sunset pictures were most important…. so the entire event was scheduled around that time.  A photographer’s dream……  But first, we had a wedding to perform, starting with a first look that was strategically scouted out by the MOB months before the big day.  We needed oak trees, spanish moss and palms.  Done and done!  Off to the ceremony on the Ocean Terrace…. with an occasional dolphin swimming in the surf framing the exchanging of vows.  Then cocktails only to be followed by the most amazing sunset in my career.  Really… could it get any better than this?  A sit down dinner reception followed with laughter, a few tears of joy and the first dance for the bride and groom with music performed by Chris Gillespie of The Carlyle in New York City.  The crowd then danced the night away to the music of Two 3 Ways with guest keyboardist Travis Allison.  The flowers and decor were perfection and handled by Out of Hand in Mount Pleasant.  Impecable dinner and service by the staff of the Seabrook Island Club.  Wedding Cake by the Seabrook Island Club as well.  Julia’s stunning wedding gown by Weddings 826, a boutique located in Chicago, Illinois.  The happy couple headed home to the Chicago area after a romantic island honeymoon in the West Indies.

Wedding Photography serving Charleston, Seabrook Island and beyond by Rick Dean Photography.

Charleston Wedding Photography * Beach Wedding Seabrook Island

Strobel-Peterson Wedding * April 14, 2012 ©Rick Dean Photography

A Fantastic Tree and Great Kids Make Incredible Portraits

  • April 27, 2012 8:36 am

Earlier this week I had the pleasure to photograph the Jorddahl kids.  I have known this family for many years and I have wanted to photograph the children for a long time so when I got the call from their mom, I was over the moon!  She and I go back a bit and when we get together we laugh non-stop. The kids and I are buds…so I knew I was in for something special.  On the day of the shoot, I got an email from Rana (the mom)… that included a bunch of images of kids that she liked….. hoping to give me some inspiration.  Let me say now that I am soooo glad that she shared these with me because the direction she wanted to go was not what I am usually asked for….  NOW I am supper psyched!.

When we discussed location, I suggested someplace that I knew was going to confuse her….  I wanted to shoot under an old oak tree in the parking lot at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.  She was a bit baffled but I asked her to trust me……  Check these out!!

Photographing Children’s Portraits in Charleston by Rick Dean Photography.

Charleston Family and Children's Portrait

Jordahl Children's Environmental Portrait * ©Rick Dean Photography 2012

Bradley-Randol Wed * From Cooper River Bridge Run to the Alter on April 1, 2012

  • April 26, 2012 1:25 pm

I am thrilled to be posting Bill and Jennifer’s wedding.  I met them in September of 2009 when Bill was the Best Man in a wedding I was shooting. He and Jennifer had just started dating, I think.  Well, let me just say that I was so honored when I got the call that they could not imagine using anyone else to capture their special day!!

Bill and Jennifer met while participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run several years ago and have been a couple ever since.  So what better way to celebrate their union that to come back to Charleston from their home in Charlotte, NC to “run” the Run on Saturday and get married on Sunday.  It did not matter that Sunday was also April Fool’s Day….that just made it more fun!  Check out their coasters below!

The ceremony and the reception were held at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant.  It was a beautiful, clear day with just the right amount of a breeze to keep us cool and the “no-seeums” at bay while shooting at sunset.  This wedding was a celebration of friends…. a friend officiated, a friend served as the day of coordinator, a friend was the DJ and friends filled the seats and packed the dance floor as they partied into the night.  Lowcountry Eats was the caterer putting together a fabulous buffet dinner for all to enjoy.  After a quick toss of the bouquet Bill and Jennifer were whisked away in a Charleston Black Cab.  Congrats JB and Bill!

Wedding Photography for Charleston and beyond by Rick Dean Photography.

Charleston Wedding Photograpy

Bradley * Randol Wedding ^ April 1, 2012 ©Rick Dean Photography 2012

Mikell-Choate Wed March 24, 2012 * Celebrate at Hiberian Hall

  • April 17, 2012 4:26 pm

I started my day meeting up with Lauren and all the ladies at Fantasia B&B on George St. downtown where they prepared for “the big day”.   I was fortunate to have Jennifer Bearden fill in as my second shooter so she met up with Will and the guys at The Mills House Hotel.  Coordination was key as the trolley had several trips ti make to get everyone to the church on time!

The afternoon storms and gale force winds could not dampen the celebration led by Lauren and Will as they exchanged wedding vows at James Island Presbyterian Church with the pews packed like I have never seen before.  After the ceremony led by Dr. Earl A. Bland, and a quick photo with the family dog!, the wedding party all piled onto an Old Fashion Trolley Car and headed downtown to Hibernian Society Hall for a celebration that truly “rocked the house!”!.  A sumptuous dinner buffet was prepared by Lowcountry Eats, the reception flowers were designed by Meg Herndon at Coming Up Roses of Edisto.  The entertainment was provided by the amazing Coast Runner Band…. who kept the dance floor packed full all night long. The evening concluded with a shower of bubbles before Will and Lauren dove into a white Bentley and were whisked off into the night.  Congrats to Will and Lauren! Wedding Photography for Charleston, SC and beyond by Rick Dean.

 

Charleston Wedding Photography

Mikell-Choate Wedding * March 24, 2012 * © Rick Dean Photography 2012

The McLeod-Bryant & Barnett Engagement Session * Walking Historic Downtown Charleston

  • April 16, 2012 11:34 am

This post was accidentally deleted when we did a web conversion this past weekend.  My apologies to Sydney and Brandon and to my subscribers who are being sent a new notification……

Originally posted on April 12, 2012

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of making engagement images for Sydney & Brandon as they prepare for their January 2013 wedding.  Sydney and Brandon found me through my advertisement in Charleston Weddings Magazine last Christmas.  I remember very well getting the call on December 26th while I was in Ohio visiting family.  We set up a meeting for a couple weeks later when they planned on coming to Charleston to do some planning.  We hit it off right away and as they say the rest is history.  For their Engagement Session, we did what I like to call “The Walking Historic Downtown” Session as we stroll the French Quarter neighborhood for those little nooks and crannies that are hidden all over our fair city and then as the sun fades below the horizon we make our way to the dock at the end of N Adgers Wharf to use the Ravenel Bridge and the Harbor as our final backdrop.  I am very much looking forward to capturing their wedding at The Charleston Place Hotel next year.

Charleston Wedding Photography

McLeod-Bryant * Barnett Engagement Session © Rick Dean Photography

Mikell Bridal Portrait *Sunrise Park and The Customs Building, Charleston

  • April 4, 2012 12:33 pm

Mother Nature was incredibly kind to us on the day that Lauren, her mom and a couple friend’s came into Charleston for her bridal portrait session.  We could not have asked for a more beautiful day with puffy clouds and a textured,vibrant sky.  But first downtown for a bit of architecture as our backdrop.  I have always wanted to photograph a bride at the US Customs House on East Bay St.  Lauren was ready and willing so off we went and I have to say…. it lived up to all of my expectations and then some. Completed in 1879 after a delay due to the Civil War, this Early Republic, Roman Revival building makes for an incredible backdrop.  Lauren was incredibly generous with her smile and willingness to walk out on a ledge…. as a result we made some great images here.  Then off to Sunrise Park on James Island for sunset images on the harbor with the Ravenel Bridge as our backdrop along with that amazing sky.  Lauren and Will recently married on March 24th, so I can now release these images for all to see.  Soon you will see their wedding images as well.  They exchanged vows at James Island Presbyterian Church followed by the reception at Hiberian Hall.

Charleston Wedding Photography * ©Rick Dean Photography 2012

Mikell Bridal Portrait * ©Rick Dean Photography 2012

Van Tiem & Leclere * Happy New Year!

  • March 22, 2012 1:47 pm

The wedding of Ben and Gina was an intimate family affair on December 31, 2011 at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.  The timing of this event was critical as sunset portraits on the beach were very important to the newlyweds.  Thankfully we were not disappointed as the sky lit up creating an incredible backdrop for these amazing images.  Congrats Ben and Gina! We wish you a long and happy marriage.

Rick Dean Photography Charleston Wedding Photography

Van Tiem & Leclere Wedding * © Rick Dean Photography

Richardson McConnell Engagement Session

  • February 27, 2012 2:05 pm

When I was first interviewed by Kelly and her mom Kim about photographing Kelly & Justin’s wedding, one of the first things that I was asked was, “How do you feel about dogs?”.  My answer was swift and emphatic, “I love dogs.  As a matter of fact ,I am dog-sitting two right now.”  Reese and Mattie are there names and they joined us for the engagement portrait session this past Saturday afternoon.  I am going to love working with this couple… check it out… I got them to climb a tree for some of the great shots.  Kelly’s only concern was… “I won’t have to climb a tree on my wedding day, will I?”  We had a great time.  Maddi and Reese (the dogs!) preformed like old pros.  We did use a duck call to get there attention and at one point a flock of geese flew overhead… I was hoping that was not my doing!  Justin and Kellie were spectacular as well!  What great sports… climbing the tree and then I thought… why not place them in the reeds for a “Field & Stream” kinda shot.  A “shout-out” to Karen Porreca from Simply Eventful, who is the event coordinator for this June wedding at Pepper Plantation.  Thanks for introducing me to Kelly & Justin, the pups and of course, Kim, the MOB!  Looking forward to working together again.

Rick Dean Photography Engagement Portrait Session

© Rick Dean Photography * Richardson McConnell Engagement

 

Kristin & Ben Celebrate at Lowndes Grove Plantation * November 19, 2011

  • February 18, 2012 3:37 pm

You may recall the amazing bridal portraits that we showcased a few months back of Kristin in preparation for this incredible event.  Well, just like her beautiful bridal portrait session this wedding was absolutely flawless.  It was a gorgeous day in November at the Lowndes Grove Plantation which is located on a 14 acre riverfront estate on the Ashley River in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.  The main house is circa 1786, beautifully appointed with 18th century furnishings making this event not only a beautiful occasion but a architectural history lesson as well.   The wedding (including the rehearsal dinner held the evening before at the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall) was decorated and masterfully coordinated, by David Singleton of Sublime Events.  Sublime Events was also the florist of the day creating an amazing spray of white orchids in the bridal bouquet and then followed that theme into the reception with even more white orchids atop each and every dinner table. Spectacular… absolutely spectacular!   As with all events at a Patrick Properties location, FISH was the caterer and delighted the palette of each and every guest with a sumptuous fall buffet.  Only to be followed by a delicious wedding cake designed by the bride but created by FISH.  The party was kept going all nigh long with the sounds of Permanent Vacation.  The dance floor so full that the party had to move outside for some dancing under the stars as they rocked and rolled into the night.  But all things must come to an end when the bride and groom were whisked away in a white vintage Bentley as family and friends waved their goodbyes.

 

© Rick Dean Photography 2011 * Irvin Verdone Wedding

© Rick Dean Photography 2011 * Irvin Verdone Wedding

Such a Boy! Adorable yet Ornery…

  • February 13, 2012 7:30 am

When a family makes the decision to photograph the various stages of their children’s lives, it becomes for me the gift that keeps on giving.  I get to witness the growth of the family and joy that these children bring to their parents and Oh my golly… the mischief of being a little boy!  These storyboard images are some of the magic from our last session.

© Rick Dean Photography 2012

© Rick Dean Photography 2012

 

© Rick Dean Photography 2012

© Rick Dean Photography 2012