It’s been a busy summer chock full of family sessions, which are always fun. But it’s time to share a favorite spring affair. I absolutely loved documenting Déla and Joe’s intimate island wedding! She’s a graphic designer for the Charleston City Paper, and she met her Irish husband at a conference in Belgium. This pair is so gracious and low-key, and I love how they chose quality over quantity.

About 25 of their favorite people traveled from Ireland, Kansas and places in between to witness this enchanting international wedding in the warm, salty air. Friends strung garland and soaked up sun while mingling with family members. The caterers from Divine Catering took over the kitchen and set tables for a delicious porch supper. Other than her hair appointment and the ceremony time, the day flowed effortlessly with little concern over timelines and compulsory elements. So completely refreshing!

After being separated by an ocean for a while, the couple had no qualms about seeing each other before the intimate island wedding ceremony. Déla, a graphic designer, created the invitation, map and reply card based on floral envelopes by Rifle Paper Company that she flipped for as the inspiration on a trip to Mac & Murphy.Joseph’s beautiful sisters looked right at home in this oceanside setting.Déla’s beautiful bouquet was created by her friend, Kimana Littleflower.
Joseph and Déla’s mothers in their charming floral dresses, perfect for seaside!She found her dreamy Justin Alexander gown at Bridal House of Charleston. Joseph’s suit is from 319 Men on King Street. Hair and makeup by Salon Latitude on Isle of Palms. Her gown was made for twirling, right? She wore two rings: her engagement ring and an Irish Claddagh on her right hand, symbolizing love and loyalty.A guest helps prep the floor for dancing by trying to work magic to break down the tables in the blink of an eye. Yes, there was stargazing. Every wedding make room for this in the timeline!So there you have it. Less can indeed be more! Didn’t you love this intimate island wedding? More time interacting with the special people you invited; more time to soak up wedded bliss without being ushered from one timeline element to the next; more time for your photographer to document your surroundings, create portraits in lovely light and capture candids. If you know of someone planning a small wedding, please share my name and this blog post with them. Thank you, Déla and Joe, for trusting me to photograph your easy, breezy day!

For another take on a small wedding with big style, see Mandy & Brandon’s rooftop wedding in an historic building on King Street, and reach out when you’re in need of  wedding and family photography. Cheers!