The venues: Broad Street Studios & First Baptist Church of Charleston
Located in the historic district of Charleston, South Carolina, both venues were quintessential southern elegance. The getting ready location was Broad Street Studios--a timeless space located in the french quarter of downtown Charleston. Right on the beautiful Broad Street, this historic building provides one-of-a-kind architecture and design elements curated for perfect photographs. This studio is versatile and perfect for the classy bride who wants unique, elevated getting ready phots and bridals.
The ceremony location was First Baptist Church of Charleston, the oldest baptist church in the south. This location features Greek Revival style architecture designed by Robert Mills. Robert Mills is famous for designing the renowned Washington Monument located in Washington D.C. First Baptist Church is own of the few venues located in the heart of downtown with on sight parking, making it easily accessible and perfect for traipsing around downtown for portraits before and after ceremonies.
The details: Classic Elegance
Because we had the opportunity to shoot at two gorgeous locations, I did two sets of detail photos. One set was moody and matched the vibe of Broad Street Studios perfectly. The other set featured a marble backdrop indicative of First Baptist Church of Charleston's elegant design. Roxanna's attention to detail shined in the flatlays. She included multiple sentimental and antique details that made her day unique to her.
In the flatlay details, she included her grandmother's Bible which she wanted featured in pictures. Roxanna was extremely close to her grandmother, and though she was not with us physically, she was remembered throughout the day. A picture of her grandmother was framed and placed on the mantel as a reminder of a cherished relationship.
 
Getting Ready: Rox & her girls
This group of girls was excited from the second they walked in. Roxanna was their focus, celebrating the upcoming nuptials through music, singing, and collaboration. One of the sweetest things was watching each of the girls work together to get dressed. Roxanna's mom is a beautician by trade, so she shared the beauty love with all of the girls. Watching her help her little girl get ready was such a special moment that I wanted to portray through pictures. Later, at the church, Roxanna's mom helped her put in her veil while Roxanna & Hunter's little girl, Elliott, watched.
 
First look: A daughter and Sister
Roxanna's father and brother waited in anticipation to see their daughter and sister for the first time on her big day. When she signaled for them to turn around, there was not a dry eye in the room. Her father and brother were both overcome with emotion, as were the bridesmaids who watched nearby.
The ceremony: an intimate union
Guests arrived promptly to the ceremony location and waited in anticipation for the bride to walk down the aisle. First Baptist Church of Charleston features a gorgeous balcony that provided a unique perspective of this gorgeous day, so I asked my second photographer, Grace, to document the ceremony from there.
The processional included friends and family that meant the most to the Godfreys. We captured multiple perspectives of this portion of the ceremony with a birds eye view from the balcony. Music and worship are important to the Godfreys, so they took a moment at the beginning of the ceremony to worship through song. Shortly thereafter, vows and rings were exchanged and the two became husband and wife!
Family
Group pictures are one of the most important pictures of anyone's wedding day. They can be quick, but they are proof of the support from the ones you love. These groups were so easy and fun to work with! Take a moment to see the excitement they all shared.
The wedding license: officially the godfreys
It's not official until the documents are signed; it's only that much more special with such a beautiful backdrop.
Group Pictures: Wedding Party
For about 15 minutes after family pictures, we spent time celebrating the Godfreys with the entire wedding party. This group was SO fun and easy to work with.
Couple Portraits: Mr & Mrs
The most important pictures from any wedding day (in my humble opinion) are the portraits as husband and wife. I make sure to set aside at least 30 minutes for a session that captures the fresh love between the new Mr. and Mrs. This was also very important to the Godfreys. We first started in the ceremony space with the lights dimmed, giving the portraits a romantic feel. After, we spent the remainder of the evening traipsing around downtown getting images that look straight out of Southern Bride. This short session was able to provide these two with a few minutes to themselves before partying with the rest of the guests. A moment to breathe and take in their new life together.
More portraits: Bridals and the groom
It's important to get shots as a couple, but it is also important to get a few solo shots. Here are some beautiful portraits of the bride and groom separately.
Special Thanks
This day would not be the success it was without this awesome vendor team!
- Photographer: Ashley Bevan Photography
- Getting Ready Venue: Broad Street Studios
- Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church of Charleston
- Florist: Lisa Ferguson
- Wedding Dress and Veil: David's Bridal
- Second Photographer: ByGraceKathryn
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie, Show Me Your Mumu, David's Bridal
- Bridal Jewelry: Jared Jewelers