I’ve been looking forward to Colleen and Joe’s leap day wedding in Charleston, South Carolina since Colleen first asked me to be her wedding photographer a year ago! I first met Colleen through working together when she was the wedding coordinator for a wedding I photographed years ago. Since then, we’ve gotten to work together a few times but not nearly as much as I would like considering how amazing she is at what she does. When she told me about her own wedding, I knew from that first email that it would be one of my favorite weddings of all time. I consider it one of the biggest honors of my career when brides who are in the wedding industry themselves hire me to photograph their own weddings!

Colleen was over the moon and told me that Joe was making all of her dreams come true by planning their wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, one of her favorite places. Joe and Colleen are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. They compliment each other so well and would both do anything to make the other happy. It’s so obvious from the outside how much Joe loves Colleen and would do anything for her. Their love and happiness was so apparent the whole wedding day.

Joe and Colleen chose Runnymede Plantation as their venue, and what a fantastic choice it was. It’s right on the water with the classic Charleston oak trees with the spanish moss. In the center of the venue is a huge, historic oak tree where Colleen and Joe chose to have their wedding ceremony. It was also a beautiful spot for most of the day’s portraits.

I loved Colleen and Joe’s wedding so much that my second shooter and I took more photos than we’ve ever taken at any other wedding. Because of that, I’m splitting their wedding into two blog posts in order to properly show off the beauty of their wedding day. Part one includes bridal details, getting ready, their sweet first look and vows, bride and groom portraits, and bridal party portraits. Stay tuned for part two which will feature the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception details, and reception fun!

Colleen and Joe, you two are such an amazing couple who hosted the absolute perfect destination wedding! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing the rest of your wedding day sneak peeks and then your full gallery!

A HUGE thank you to Colleen and Joe’s vendor team:

Charleston Wedding Photographers: Rakoteet Photography

Venue: Runnymede Plantation

Wedding Planner: Katie Jean Events

Florist: Forever Flowers Charleston

Desserts: Duck Donuts

DJ: Bunn DJ

Hair and Makeup: Erin Ennis & Kaci Kennedy

Catering: Hamby Catering

Gown: Essence of Australia from Blue House Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Shoes: Free People

Jewelry/Rings: Macy's/ Shane Co.

Men’s Attire: Black Tux

Transportation: School Wheels Direct

Officiant: Dan Towle