Wedding Albums, Family Portrait Albums and Books

I offer Wedding Albums, Family Portrait Albums, Family Portrait Books and Engagement Portrait Books (these make  great guest sign-in books!) 

To learn more visit: https://www.capturedbykate.com/albums

Every time I get to see one of my client's albums or books for the first time, it feels like Christmas. It's so lovely to see my photographs printed and so thoughtfully laid out.

My mom insisted on me designing and having a wedding album printed when I got married back in 2007. I was reluctant and overwhelmed by the process at the time. But boy, I am glad she made me do it! My kids love looking through that album, my friends who were at the wedding and their kids love to look through the album too.  It's also nice to look back at family members we have lost. 

If you are considering an album or book, don't wait, contact me so I can start designing the layout for you. The layout takes about three weeks to complete. When it's ready, I will send you an email to review the design and make comments on changes. Once you approve the design, it is sent off to the printing and binding company and arrives at your door. Albums take about six weeks. Books take about three weeks. 

This past summer I switched to a new album company, RedTree albums (link). Below are photos of from my first completed album using the new company. The Dix family ordered an album from their son's newborn portraits.

Here's a peek and some of the new cover options!!

2019 Holiday Order Deadlines 

Albums - October 25th

Books - November 25th

Prints - December 9th

(to receive by December 25th)

Engagement Portraits at Charleston Air Force Base

I photographed Maura and Rob's engagement portrait at Charleston Air Force Base a while ago. But I recently came across this portrait session, and I thought it would be a good fit for summer.

Maura, who works with my husband at Ingevity and her fiancé Rob who works at the Air Force Base and is in charge of the cargo on these giant planes were a dream to work with!  My assistant Mea (a College of Charleston student) and I met the couple at the Charleston Air Force Base on a Sunday afternoon. Rob had to go through a lot of red-tape to get us all on the base.

It was my first time seeing one of these giant aircraft close up and the size is mind-blowing. Living in Charleston, SC, we see these planes in the air all the time, and they fly very low and slow. I have no idea how they stay up in the air? 

We set out to take creative engagement portraits that were unique to the location, and I think we nailed it! We also had some pretty stunning subjects to work with! 

Elopement Photography in Charleston, SC

I recently added an elopement package to my price list! For $900 I offer 1.5 hours of photography, an online gallery for viewing and ordering prints and the high-resolution files. That is a great deal! 

I love photographing intimate weddings because they are so comfortable and relaxed. Leah and George were married in February at Planters Inn in downtown Charleston, SC with, only their parents and Georges brother in attendance. It was a sweet elopement, and I was honored to be a part of such a happy family memory. 

Leah and George are planning a bigger wedding party with friends back home in Massachusetts in a few months. 

Family Beach Portraits

I have been photographing family portraits at the Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Folly Beach for the past 15 years. One of my first jobs in Charleston was at a portrait studio, Portrait Innovations in Mt. Pleasant. There I learn posing techniques for large group portraits and individuals of all ages. I also picked up tricks on helping young kids smile and engage with the camera. 

Now that I have two young girls 6 years and 7 years I have discovered even more tricks on helping kids relax and smile in front of the camera. I also have a greater appreciation for the planning process of a family portrait. From the clothes selection to timing everything perfectly so all the kids are happy. 

If you haven’t already, be sure and visit the home page of my website and sign up to receive my Family Portrait Clothing Guide. There you’ll learn tips on selection clothing for your portrait that will help your family look more cohesive in a picture and let their personality’s shine.

Be sure and schedule your family portrait as soon as possible. Summer sunset portraits fill up fast, especially on holiday weeks. You can fill out my contact page or give me a call 843 442-0802.

Wedding Day Timeline Advice

I can not stress enough that every wedding is unique and it should reflect your personality’s and your family traditions. I am not a cheerleader for a first look; I am a traditionalist. I love that classic chic-flick moment when the groom lights up as he sees the bride walking down the aisle for the first time. My heart skips a beat just thinking about it. However, there are plenty of advantages to a having a first look lighting and photography wise so would never discourage a first look if it fits your personalities. 

Assuming you are not doing a first look a good rule of thumb is to plan the ceremony two hours before sunset. That way you have plenty of time for family portraits and couples portraits following the ceremony. Your guest will get to enjoy the sunset during cocktail hour and just as the sun sets you will be starting your reception. When the lighting gets low guest will hit the dance floor!! 

Here is a sample wedding day timeline for a TRADITIONAL May wedding with a 7:30 sunset. 

2:30 Photographer arrives

3:30 Hair and makeup are complete bride steps into her wedding dress

4:00 Bride, bridesmaids, and brides family take portraits outdoors

4:00 The groom, groomsmen, and grooms family meet the second photographer at the ceremony site for portraits

4:45 The bride is tucked away in the church and groomsmen start escorting the guest to their seats 

5:30 Ceremony begins

6:00 Ceremony ends

6:15 Family portraits begin

6:30 Cocktail hour begins

6:30 Couples portraits begin

7:00 The family and the couple join cocktail hour

7:30 SUNSET

7:30 The reception begins with a first dance

8:00 Dinner is served 

9:00 Toast, cake cutting, father daughter and mother son dances

11:30 Exit

Here is a sample wedding day timeline for a May wedding with a FIRST LOOK and a 7:30 sunset. 

2:00 Photographer arrives

3:00 Hair and makeup are complete bride steps into her wedding dress

3:30 First Look with Bride and Groom

3:45 Bridal party portraits / Bride and groom portraits

4:15 Family Photos

4:45 The bride is tucked away in the church and groomsmen start escorting the guest to their seats 

5:30 Ceremony begins

6:00 Ceremony ends

6:30 Cocktail hour begins

7:15 Couples portraits at sunset

7:30 SUNSET

7:30 The reception begins with a first dance

8:00 Dinner is served 

9:00 Toast, cake cutting, father daughter and mother son dances

11:30 Exit