Some mornings are just worth the early alarms. And this sunrise session in downtown Columbia, South Carolina was exactly that. Before the whirlwind of their wedding day officially began, these two carved out time for portraits together, and let me tell you.. I’m not kidding when I say it was every destination wedding photographer’s dream. I’m still swooning over these!!
We started as the golden morning sun poured through the trees, lighting up Christine’s sleek, long-sleeve gown in the most romantic way. The soft fabric trailed behind her, highlighting the delicate lace details on the sleeves and the dramatic train. Harrison balanced out her elegance perfectly in a blue suit that felt modern but still timeless. Together, they brought all the too-cool vibes you could ever ask for.
One of my favorite parts about this sunrise session was playing with the light.
The harsh morning sun gave us opportunities for creative, dramatic shadows. Like the striking bridal portraits, where the light filtered through tree branches and danced across her face. The result? Portraits that feel editorial yet still incredibly personal to the bride and groom.
And then there was the architecture. We explored an old stone building nearby, and the whole scene gave Wuthering Heights energy.
Think: moody, historic, and just a little dramatic. Um, YES PLEASE.
Between the arched windows, the worn stone walls, (and the two of them framed against it all), it felt like stepping into a storybook. These kinds of spots are why I love photographing destination weddings. Finding the hidden corners that bring even more personality into your gallery.
But beyond the stunning light and epic backdrops, what stood out most was how Christine and Harrison were together. From laughing while walking hand-in-hand past a bold orange wall to the quiet, intimate moments where they were enjoying the start of their big day.
Their connection was the through-line of the whole sunrise session.
No matter the setting, it was all about capturing that just-married, head-over-heels magic.
This South Carolina wedding was one for the books, not only for the creative inspiration, but also for the reminder that slowing down before the big day can make space for some of the most meaningful portraits. A sunrise experience is forever one of my favorite things to photograph. A little adventure, and a whole lot of love. I mean, can it ever get better?
