Black and white portrait of a man and woman in swimwear hugging on the beach

Wild Things: A & C in Charleston

As a photographer, I’m constantly on the lookout for adventurous couples who are willing to be a little wild and break away from the “standard”. Meet A & C – two souls ready to break free from conventions and embrace their real relationship. Our session started in the heart of downtown Charleston on the (very windy) rooftop of a parking garage, and then we ventured to the (also very windy) beach. Join us for their adventure!

woman in a black dress, exuding elegance, standing on a parking garage against a black and white backdrop.
Man in a black shirt and jeans standing on top of a parking garage

Embracing the Unconventional

In the realm of engagement photos, there seems to be an unwritten rulebook dictating what couples should wear and how they should present themselves. I don’t agree with this. I firmly believe that true love deserves to be captured in its rawest form, which is why I’ve started down this path with Wild Things. A & C decided to deviate from the traditional path and explore their edgier sides. The essence of this project lies in unraveling the authentic dynamics that exist between couples, transcending the façade of polished perfection.

man and woman holding hands looking away from each other on top of a parking garage in Charleston

Let’s Head to the Roof

Downtown Charleston is always a gorgeous backdrop, but since we were looking for an edgier feel we headed up to the top of a parking garage, an unconventional choice that elevated our perspective both literally and metaphorically. The rooftop was WINDY, but we leaned in (quite literally a few times) and it ended up as the perfect spot.

top level of a parking garage in downtown Charleston South Carolina
black and white motion blur image of a man and woman holding hands and running on top of a parking garage
couple laughing at each other while the woman fixes her hair on a parking garage
couple standing romantically together on a parking garage overlooking charleston
black and white image of a couple standing forehead to forehead with their eyes closed
black and white image of a couple laughing at each other while leaning against each other
couple sitting on a parking garage ledge while the man whispers into the woman's ear
couple standing holding hands as they look away from each other with a concrete wall behind them
black and white close up of a couple's legs as they walk. Woman is wearing black strappy stilettos'
close up of a couple holding hands in front of a concrete wall
Couple standing in an embrace overlooking downtown charleston captured in black and white
black and white portrait of a couple embracing overlooking downtown Charleston
Couple leaning on the parking garage wall and looking out across downtown Charleston

Off to the Beach

Part one, done. We left the city behind and headed for the beach. Just like the rooftop, the beach was (very) windy, and it was even colder. The initial plan had been for A & C to actually swim, but Charleston surprised us with cold weather in May, so the plan shifted a bit. We hid over by the dunes for a few portraits, but they’re adventurous and headed off to the water pretty quick.

stormy and windy day at Isle of Palms beach
couple in swimwear stand together in front of a sand wall at isle of palms beach
black and white portrait of a couple in swimwear smiling at each other in front of a sand wall
couple embracing and laughing at each other in front of a sand wall on isle of palms
black and white portrait of a couple hugging while the wind blows her hair around

Breaking Free from the Mold

It’s easy to feel pressured to conform to the expectations set by others, especially when it comes to special occasions like engagement photos. When planning the session with A & C I wanted to inspire them to embrace their individuality and their unique love story. I wanted them to wear whatever expressed their personalities, urging them to be unapologetically themselves, both as individuals and as a couple. They showed up!

couple running across a windy beach while sand blows
couple running across a windy beach while sand blows holding hands
couple running across a windy beach while sand blows
couple running and laughing at each other across a windy beach while sand blows
woman leans back into her boyfriend and laughs as they stand in the ocean

Authentic Connection

Throughout our time together, A & C exemplified the beauty of authentic connection. They laughed together, and embraced their playfulness together on the beach. As a photographer I live for these genuine moments, the ones that reflect the essence of their relationship. In the moment it’s tough to break out of the mold society puts on us to fit in, but when you really let go this is what it looks like. Unfiltered joy in each other’s presence – a testament to the power of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability.

black and white portrait of a man and woman staring into the camera while he holds her piggyback
couple laughing and walking down the beach together
couple bumping hips and laughing while they walk down the beach
couple playing and chasing each other on the beach
close up of a woman on a man's back with their heads close together showing his beard and her nails
couple sitting in the sand against the dune at isle of palms beach
couple laying in the sand together and pressing their foreheads together
black and white portrait of a woman in a silver swimsuit
portrait of a man with a beard in gray swim shorts
couple sitting together in the sand in front of a collapsed sand fence
portrait of a man smiling at the camera with a red beard and gray swim shorts
black and white portrait of a woman in a silver bikini on the beach
man holding his girlfriend and spinning her around while they laugh captured in black and white

A & C were adventurous and embraced their true selves as individuals and as a couple. By shedding the facades of societal expectations and being playful and vulnerable they made it possible for me to capture a visual narrative of their unique love story.

If you’re seeking inspiration for your engagement photos, remember that your journey is yours to define. Don’t be afraid to break free from the mold and explore the depths of your authenticity. Let your relationship shine through, unfiltered and unapologetic, that is where the magic lies.

Stay wild. xx

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Elopements, Outfit Inspiration

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