As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like the excitement and anticipation of an engagement session, especially when it’s a destination shoot. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of driving down to Garden City, South Carolina, for a beautiful engagement shoot with Erica and Bryan. The journey was about 3.5 hours, but the thought of capturing their special moments made it all worth it.
Leading up to the session, Erica and I were in constant communication. We knew the weather could be a little unpredictable, and as the day approached, we kept a close eye on the forecast. There was a chance of rain, but we decided the risk was low enough to move forward with our plans. Still, as I made my way to Garden City, I was met with heavy rain, and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. The plan was to have a bonfire on the beach for a cozy, romantic touch, and I wasn’t sure if the weather would cooperate.
But luck was on our side! Ten minutes before we were scheduled to begin the shoot, the rain stopped. And just like that, we were greeted with the most breathtaking pink and blue skies, setting the perfect backdrop for our sunset photos. The colors in the sky were like something out of a dream, and the atmosphere felt magical.
The session itself was a breeze, with Erica and Bryan bringing their natural chemistry to every shot. It was their first professional photoshoot, but they did an amazing job of staying relaxed and having fun. I gave them prompts throughout the session, which helped them feel more at ease and confident in front of the camera. As a photographer, it’s always my goal to make my couples feel comfortable, and seeing them smile and laugh together was such a rewarding experience.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we moved into the beautiful blue hour—one of my favorite times of day to shoot. We used a lantern to add some soft, warm light to the photos, creating an intimate and cozy feel. The soft glow of the lantern paired with the fading daylight created the most romantic atmosphere.
To cap off the evening, we wrapped up the session with some adorable shots by the bonfire. The flames crackled as we captured a few final moments of warmth and joy. There’s something about a bonfire that brings a sense of calm and connection, and it was the perfect way to end the session on a high note.
Despite the rain that had been looming earlier in the day, everything fell into place, and Erica and Bryan’s engagement session turned out to be everything we hoped for and more. I’m so grateful to have been a part of their love story and can’t wait to see where the future takes them.
