How fitting that the first-ever Charleston Wedding Week would take place when I’m shooting three weddings in nine days. April is such a magical month for Charleston weddings! I’m happy to be a part of the festivities and encourage you to check out the full slate of events. Charleston Wedding Week includes several events featuring the food, flowers, cakes and gowns from some of Charleston’s top florists, caterers, stationers and designers. Best of all, unlike bridal shows that line up gobs of vendors in a windowless convention center, Charleston Wedding Week shares all this beauty in actual wedding venues, including Boone Hall Plantation and the Governor Thomas Bennett House.

Last night, I joined several photographers to give a wedding photography lecture to a packed house at the Charleston Center for Photography. The exhibit is ready for Friday’s opening reception, so make your reservation and come celebrate wedded bliss with a champagne toast and truffles. Fun, free and fabulous. A perfect way to kick off the weekend!

Monica’s gown is by Judd Waddell, available at The Gown Boutique of Charleston. Flowers by Tiger Lily Florist. I photographed her at her reception venue, The Sanctuary at Kiawah.

Jennifer H. Smith is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Contact Jen about your event or to schedule an easygoing portrait session in the great outdoors.