Katie & John converged in Charleston on an April Sunday, along with 50 friends and family members, for the perfect destination wedding. We started with outdoor portraits at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant, soaking up harbor views and watching ships pass. Then we headed down Pitt Street to the Old Village Post House. John & Katie wed in the courtyard and immediately followed the ceremony with their first dance — no small feat for a groom who had torn his Achilles tendon.

After a few more group photos in front of the restaurant, we ambled down the street for some portraits of the couple. The historic home tour that had been going on all afternoon had just wrapped up, but I couldn’t resist asking some colorful Southern ladies if we might borrow their perfect porch for a shot or two. They were so gracious! They found the homeowner for us, and she encouraged us to wander in her garden, too. We had a fun mini-session on her picturesque grounds — a special bonus since I had not photographed this couple prior to their big day. (In fact, we hadn’t met until the wedding since they live in Atlanta.)

Perfect Peonies are by Out of Hand, just a few doors down Pitt Street

Back at the restaurant, the cocktail hour soon wrapped up, and the guests were led to the private dining room upstairs. Bedecked with windows and vibrant artwork, the festive dining room was filled with friends and family toasting the happy couple. The best man’s toast was both hilarious and touching, as he compared the couple to the first meal he was served at John’s house — soup and stew. Congratulations, Katie and John. Your Post House wedding was wonderful!