Destination Wedding Photographer

This weekend it all starts. We have one of our busiest summers ever, and by we, I mean my associate photographer Larry Dennis and myself. (Be sure to check out Larry's bio if you have not already. He's been my right-hand man for three years, and he is fabulous!)  

Today we are headed to Charlotte, NC, for the wedding weekend of Cate and Mack. Last month I met them early one morning to photograph engagement portraits on the streets of Downtown Charleston. You do not want to skip these images - you have never seen Charleston like this!

Follow along on my Instagram stories this weekend as we celebrate at the Charlotte Country Club. On Memorial Day weekend, we will be photographing Ann Chandler and Peter's wedding in the backyard of a historic generational home in Downtown Charleston. 

The momentum keeps going as I head to the Finger Lakes in NY state for Alina and Ross' Inns of Aurora wedding. The couple flew down to Charleston this winter for an early morning engagement portraits with me. Another downtown Charleston stunner, here are their must-see - images. Our summer destinations weddings wind down as we head to Chapel Hill, NC, for Caroline and Stephen's Fearrington House Inn wedding in late June.

Discover Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of South Carolina’s hidden gems. Only 7 miles long, it flies somewhat under the radar compared to Sullivan’s Island or Kiawah, which attracts far more attention (and visitors!), making it more lowkey and less crowded  Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for families and vacationers year-round, and tons of beach house rentals line the coast. Isle of Palms has a nostalgic beach town vibe, is super bikeable, and boasts an absolutely stunning beach. The best things to do on the island involve a beach chair and a good book. 

Restaurants

Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe

The Sea Biscuit Cafe is everything you want from a beach town diner: friendly staff, cute cottage location, mouth-watering southern breakfast. It’s open for lunch too and both are delicious.   

Lunch: Long Island Cafe

For an upscale lunch, stop by the Long Island Cafe for some tasty french-southern fusion dishes. From the outside, it is small and unassuming, tucked away in a stripmall, but locals know what a treasure it is. The seafood-heavy menu gives many southern classics a modern twist. 

Dinner: The Obstinate Daughter

While there are plenty of casual dinner options on the island, it is absolutely worth the short drive to Sullivan’s Island for a truly spectacular dinner at The Obstinate Daughter at least once during any Isle of Palms stay. The seasonal menu features homemade pastas, pizzas and fresh raw seafood. 

To Do

County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area. 

Isle of Palms Marina

The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway.

Ben & Jerry’s

It may not be local, but the IOP Ben & Jerry’s feels about as small town, beachy ice cream shop as they come. Walk up from the beach in your swimsuit or bike over barefoot, order from a window and find a park bench to eat. Summer perfection!

The Windjammer

The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music. 

Remember to book your family portrait before your trip! Call 843 442-0802 or fill out my contact form to schedule. My summer 2022 dates are filling up fast!!

Discover Charleston

Whether you are visiting Charleston or vacationing on one of the barrier islands and want to explore, there is literally something for everyone downtown. Charleston, South Carolina has long been a favorite destination, and for good reason. It’s small enough to get around on foot or bike (or bike taxi!), but has a rich culinary and cultural side. The history, cobblestones and preserved architecture give way to lush parks and gorgeous waterfront vistas. Stay for a week or dip in for an afternoon!

Charleston Restaurants

Breakfast: 

The Marina Variety Store is an institution and local favorite. Perched above the Ashley River and overlooking the marina, it’s an authentic, throwback diner and old-fashioned seafood restaurant. The no frills ambiance is endearing, and the view is outstanding. If there’s a wait for a table, you can wander out to the docks to check out the boats.

Edmund’s Oast is a fun dinner spot perfect for larger groups, but their brunch is out of this world! The beer hall has all the classics, but made with top ingredients and prepared just a bit fancier than you’d expect. 

Lunch: 

Taco Boy is one of our favorite downtown spots for lunch with the whole family or friends. It has easy parking (a rare thing downtown) and an enormous outdoor patio that’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. The food is Mexican-inspired and absolutely delicious, as are the margaritas. 

Basic Kitchen is located just off King Street near the College of Charleston, so it’s a great place to eat if you’re shopping or exploring the area. The menu is seasonal and caters to all (the vegan options are some of my favorite things on the menu!), and the vibe is relaxed. There is a cute back patio and options for kids. 

Dinner: 

Known for their fried chicken, oysters and lively ambiance, Leon’s draws a mix of foodie tourists and locals. It is located in an old garage, and the garage doors stay open most of the year. There are tasty salads, sandwiches, cocktails and even ice cream cones (with sprinkles!) for dessert! 

You can’t come to Charleston without hitting up at least one bbq joint! Every local has their favorite, but most can agree that Lewis is incredible. Order your cut and sides indoors (served on an old school cafeteria tray with brown paper, naturally) and then head outside to eat at under the trees at one of the casual picnic tables. Like most things in Charleston, it’s authentic with an extra dose of sophistication. 

Charleston Parks

Charleston Waterfront Park is where you will find the iconic- often photographed- pineapple fountain. Overlooking the Charleston Harbor, it’s a quiet place perfect for a picnic or lazy afternoon. 

Hampton Park offers 60 acres of gorgeously maintained nature, with a fitness trail, duck pond, gazebo and playground We love to go on weekends with bikes or scooters to explore, climb the ancient oak trees and feed the ducks. It is also next to The Citadel, which is fun to drive through!

Brittlebank is another one of our go-to parks with the kids or dogs. It’s situated along the Ashley River and has an awesome playground, space to play and fishing dock. It’s especially great during the high heat of summer, when the breeze off the river is welcomed with open arms.

Rainy Day

The Charleston Aquarium is a must-stop for families! It is an enormous, incredibly run facility right on the water. There are touch tanks and hands-on activities for the kids, and the view is awesome! 

History lovers and children love the USS Yorktown and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. A vessel in both World War II and The Vietnam War, the huge aircraft carrier is now open to the public as a museum. You could spend an entire day wandering around- there’s so much to see and learn. 

#1 Charleston Vacation Tip

Book your portrait session before your trip! Click HERE to see recent family portraits. Call 843 442-0802 or fill out my contact form NOW to book your family portrait. 

Prints and Digital Files FAQ

I often get calls or texts after releasing a gallery to my clients saying, now what?

Let's start from the beginning. A gallery is the final product of all my photoshoots. It is an online website that allows you to view your edited files and order prints.

I offer prints as small as a 4x6 ($8) and as large as a 20x30 ($263). I also offer canvas, metal, standout, gallery frame, metal frame, wood frame, bamboo frame, wood prints, and acrylic prints. If you enjoyed your photoshoot, this is a great way to support my small business. I receive a percentage of the total price.

Your gallery will look different on every type of device: cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. So it is hard to say exactly where to click to order prints. The best way to view your images is on a big screen. Look for the shopping cart icon or the PRINT STORE. Click this to see all of your options.

You can also make a favorites folder using the heart icon. Just type in your email address, and your folder will start. To access the folder in the future, click on the heart icon at the top of the screen. You have the option to name and create multiple favorites folders.

What about digital files?

If your package came with digital files, or you paid in advance for digital files. You will receive a pin code in your; "Your Gallery is Ready" email to download the files. Look for the down arrow under the big photo at the top of your gallery. Click that and enter your email and pin code. You will be given the option to download the files to your computer, Dropbox or Google Photos.

If your package did not come with digital files and you would like to purchase them, you can do so through your gallery from the shopping cart icon or PRINT STORE. If you are a part of a large group (such as a family portrait) where multiple households need to access the digital files, it is best to Venmo me directly. I can provide a pin code to share with the group rather than ordering from the gallery and only downloading to one computer.

My Venmo is @capturedbykate Also send me an email letting me know you Venmoed me $300 for the digital files. That way I can confirm I received your Venmo and get you the pin code ASAP.

If you are ordering a large format family photo to hang on your wall. I would love for you to reach out to me before you place your order. I am happy to make any touch-ups you request and upload the revised version to your gallery for ordering. I want your prints to look amazing!!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I am easily reached on weekday mornings. Thank you for your order!!

Discover Folly Beach

Because Folly Beach is practically in my backyard (and since we’re “beach people”), my family spends a lot of time on this 6 mile island. A funky little beach town with a low key vibe, Folly is a unique place to visit. With delicious dining options, great surf waves and beautiful beaches, it draws a mix of surfers, hippies, families and college students. While a mere 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, it feels a world away tucked into the overgrown palms and lush greenery. 

Folly Beach Restaurants

Breakfast: The Lost Dog Cafe

The Lost Dog Cafe is a Folly Beach institution. The menu has a little something for everyone for breakfast, brunch or lunch…even your dog! There’s often a wait for a table, but it is worth the extra time and you can explore the Folly Beach Library next door or Folly River Park around the corner. 

Lunch: Chico Feo

Stop by Chico Feo after a morning at the beach for an unforgettable experience. The outdoor only, dirt-floor-and-picnic-tables restaurant and bar serves a small but tasty (seasonal) menu of tacos, noodle bowls, pulled pork and kimchi sandwiches and more under the palms, usually to the live tunes of a funky local band. Kids can grab a corn dog or burger at Bert’s Market next door if they aren’t into the eclectic menu. 

Dinner: Jack of Cups

 Jack of Cups is the unassuming gem of Folly Beach, drawing foodies away from Charleston for “globally-inspired comfort food.” There’s a full bar and large back deck so there’s plenty of space to spread out with a bigger group or the whole family. 

Weekends: Crosby’s Food Truck

On weekends, the local seafood store Crosby’s Seafood opens their food truck in the parking lot. Feast on local fish tacos, fried shrimp and seafood chowder, eaten on their fishing dock out back. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

My family at Folly Beach! My girls are 10, 8 and 2 years.

Folly Beach with Kids

State Park

Folly Beach State Park is a great beach park for the whole family! With easy parking, restrooms, showers and even a snack bar, it is incredibly convenient with small children. There are ramps (hello, beach wagons and strollers!), lifeguards and dressing rooms. The park covers the western tip of the island and is a beautiful beach for swimming, playing, fishing and sunset walks!

Pirates Cove Playground

Pirates Cove Playground is located on E. 5th between Erie and Hudson. It’s a pirate themed playground for all ages with a climbing structure and tall lighthouse slide for big kids, smaller ship structure for little kids and swings for everyone! There’s also a public dog park, tennis courts and pickle ball courts for whole-family fun! 

Wave Watch Playground

Wave Watch Playground is another fun, gated playground located on the opposite side of town. Situated at the end of West Cooper Avenue, it’s a colorful playground with clean bathrooms and even a little lending library.

Folly Beach Sights

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is located at the far east end of the island and is the best place to view the Morris Island Lighthouse. Fish off the beach or walk or bike down the graffiti covered pathway to the end of the island. There’s a trail around the island to the river that’s fun to hike with the whole family. 

Morris Island

If you’re on the hunt for shells or shark teeth, hire a boat or kayaks to Morris Island! Pack your walking shoes and a picnic lunch for a day of exploring… and maybe even megladons! 

Rainy Day 

Charleston Aquarium 

Head downtown to the Charleston Aquarium for an incredible experience! From the touch tank to hands-on exhibits, it’s full of interactive fun for all ages. 

King Street

When the weather won’t cooperate (or you need a break from the beach!), explore all the shopping on King Street! There’s an endless array of iconic local shops, with award-winning restaurants throughout when you need a shopping break. 

Patriots Point

A visit to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is both educational and exciting for kids and adults alike. Tour the enormous USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and more. 

My husband and 2 year old! ♡