As a photographer, I have to work hard to make sure I keep a good work-life balance. Being a full-time teacher, part-time photographer, and mom of two boys keeps me busy, and it’s often a juggling act during the Fall and Spring, when we also have many Boy Scout activities and Soccer season. So when I can turn a photo session into a family vacation, I will jump at the chance!

Sarah Claire and Chandler hired me to photograph their wedding in Charleston in May of 2025, and they booked my most inclusive package, which includes an engagement session and bridal portrait session. Even though Sarah Claire grew up near me, she and Chandler now reside in Charleston, where he grew up and they both work. In addition, his family owns an island right off Folly Beach, so they really wanted to do their engagement photos there. My family also loves Folly Beach, so it was a perfect opportunity for us to book a little vacation!

My family first visited Folly in February of 2023, when I had another bridal portrait session in the area. Even though I grew up in the Lowcountry, I had never really frequented Folly Beach. My family fell in love with the small-town feel, restaurants, Morris Island lighthouse, and quick walk to the beach from pretty much any location! So they were excited to go back. This time we planned a few more excursions into Charleston to visit the SC Aquarium, Patriot’s Point and the Yorktown, and Fort Sumter (which I had never visited before). My kids loved our adventures, and we even got to see tons of wildlife not just in the aquarium, but actually in the wild, including dolphins, a sea turtle, and even a rare manatee sighting!

But our favorite excursion of the trip was when we got to visit Truluck Island. Sarah Claire and Chandler told me to bring the family along to play on the island while we took their photos; they offered take us all on a boat ride after we were done! I love boat rides … I guess that comes from growing up in the Lowcountry. So obviously, we all agreed!

When we arrived to Truluck island, I was in awe of how beautiful it was there. It was private, quiet, and the perfect place for a wedding, and according to Chandler, many family members have used the island for their weddings! There is a beautiful home with a pool that members of the family reserve during the year. In addition, boating has been a part of Chandler’s life and livelihood for as long as he can remember. (He currently works for Palmetto Boat Sales.) Sarah Claire said, "Chandler has spent a month of every summer here since he was a baby, making it a place full of cherished memories. Since meeting him, this spot has also become so special to me, as we’ve created countless memories together and look forward to many more as a married couple."

We started their session amongst a grove of palm trees. Next, we headed down to the dock and took some portraits on one of Chandler’s family boats. We headed back to the palm trees to pop a champagne bottle and then inside for an outfit change! Unlike some guys, Chandler was such an active participant in their photo session, and at one point, he suggested we take some photos that tell a story. So we captured some candid photos inside the house as they poured a champagne toast and then headed back out to the dock for a ride on the boat. They ended their session watching the dolphins and sunset together!

After that, my family all hopped on the boat, and Chandler gave us a tour of Folly Creek, showing us all the great restaurants and places where some of the scenes from Outer Banks had been filmed. The post-sunset sky was filled with colors while the stars and moon began popping through. It was a magical evening!

Sarah Claire said, ”The engagement session was just perfect. It felt like a celebration of what’s to come. Spending time in a place so close to our hearts, soaking in the beautiful weather, and watching the gorgeous sunset made it extra special. One of the biggest highlights was the boat ride at the end of the night with your sweet family. That sunset was seriously one of the most beautiful ones we’ve ever seen out there and it made the evening so unforgettable.”

Thank you, Sarah Claire and Chandler, for the wonderful experience and magical sunset cruise! That was the highlight of our trip, and I loved getting to know the two of you more as a couple! I cannot wait to photograph your wedding next weekend!