Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Kenny + Mackenzie

Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Kenny + Mackenzie

For a long time Kenny and Mackenzie didn't look twice at each other. He was just the guy who worked for her dad, and she was away at college. But on one fateful day several years ago Kenny made a trip to visit her and they began to fall in love over Mellow Mushroom pizza and rich conversations. Eventually they would begin dating, get engaged, and buy a house together, but they never could have predicted any of it would happen when they first laid eyes on each other.

Their wedding day was uniquely gorgeous and absolutely relaxed from start to finish. They had the privilege of being the FIRST wedding at the Smithfield Winery and after seeing the setup, I know brides will be flocking to this stunning new venue! Blush peonies were the highlight of Mackenzie's all-wood bouquet (no, I'm not kidding!) and her dress was simply amazing, with all-over lace and a train that stretched for miles. Beyond that, these two took the most of every opportunity for pictures (I counted at least 4 separate times we took bride and groom portraits!) and they prioritized fun and comfort over stress on a day that flowed smoothly throughout…

Harley's Haven Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Eric + Kaleigh

Harley's Haven Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Eric + Kaleigh

It never ceases to amaze me that, over and over again, two people love each other enough to choose the other for the rest of their lives. This means choosing that person in the best times and the worst, in times when you like them and all those times you don't. It means choosing to hold their hand through the storms of life, even if sometimes the storms make their way into your very own house. Eric and Kaleigh have been together long enough to weather many storms together and when they finally stood in front of each other at the aisle, they knew what it meant to commit their lives to each other.

From start to finish the wedding day felt effortless, like it was meant to be all along. Kaleigh and her ladies laughed their way through the morning, punctuated by more serious moments as she took it all in - the moments before she officially became his wife. Eric swore until the day before their wedding that he wouldn't cry, but when he finally saw his bride walking down the aisle he couldn't hold back the tears. From goofy inside jokes to wrinkle-your-nose kind of laughter, the moments Eric and Kaleigh spent together were truly the most memorable part...

Cedar Room Charleston Wedding | Charleston Wedding Photographer | Heath + Kate

Cedar Room Charleston Wedding | Charleston Wedding Photographer | Heath + Kate

The word that most comes to mind when I see Heath and Kate together is joyful. I remembered from their engagement session that they couldn't stop laughing together, and their wedding day only heightened their happiness. Full of energy and excitement at what was to come, the two were all nerves before their first look because they just couldn't WAIT to see each other! The reaction was beautiful, and each interaction from then on was a reminder of the love they have built through their relationship and the beautiful marriage that is sure to follow.

As far as location, Heath and Kate could NOT have picked a more gorgeous place than his home, quaint Charleston, to get married. From a first look near the Charleston Battery right by the water to a gorgeous navy and gold reception at The Cedar Room in the heart of downtown, every detail screamed elegant, Southern charm. Wine colored anemones and lush cascading greenery made me fall in love with Kate's bouquet, and classy tuxes paired perfectly with the towering trees in the background of all their pictures...