McBee Photography

Charleston Wedding Photographer | Film- One Shot | Laura’s Bridal

Bridgit — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:50:12 +0000

We photographers take bridal portraits months before your wedding. It ensures Mom gets a chance to pour over the pictures and choose her favorite. Photographing early also allows you to have a final dress fitting if you found that it didn’t feel quite right while walking around. But of course, I can’t put bridal portraits on my website until after your wedding! It’s sooooo hard for me to wait to post bridal pictures! Laura’s wedding finally passed and I have a gem to share with you. This is my favorite one from the day. It was shot on Fuji Pro 400 film with my grandpa’s old, twin lens reflex, medium format camera. The pictures are naturally square (120mm) and make for fun composition. I had no idea that I would get that luminous, circular sun flare OR that the wind would whisk her veil to the side at the perfect moment. It’s times like these that I step back and thank God for the small things. If you want to see more of Laura’s bridal session, The Wedding Row just published them today!

Laura’s bridal session was shot at the College of Charleston Cistern and she rocked that dress!

Charleston Wedding Photography | Hampton Park | Matthew & Dianne

Bridgit — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:38:23 +0000

Have you ever noticed simple moments in life where you’re completely in tune to the fact that whatever is happening around you is going to stick with you? It could be the way someone looks at you, an interaction between strangers unaware of your presence, or an unexpected touch. Maybe the moment is for the good or the bad, but you’re aware. Well, Matthew & Dianne’s wedding was one of those moments for me. As you scroll through their ceremony pictures, you’ll notice that it’s not a traditional wedding. Nobody gave Dianne to Matthew, they walked into the ceremony site together. Nobody “married” them; they gave themselves to each other and wrote intimate, original vows proclaiming their love and commitment. Then, the group of people gathered to witness their union stood and spoke words of blessings, wisdom, and love over them. There was a good bit of silent time, but it was meant as a time of prayer and reflection- and I quite liked it. Dianne had a gorgeous, hand painted, marriage certificate which was read aloud and signed by all present. This is the Quaker’s nuptial style, and it was the most pure, intriguing ceremonies I’ve ever documented. After it was all said and done, everyone shook hands and made merry with champagne- it was perfect. Dianne and Matthew, congratulations and cheers to a long life of happiness!

Get ready for a post on their Gin Joint reception and some advice from Dianne on planning a destination wedding. You won’t want to miss it!

Paul’s Collar/Bow tie: Catey Blue – http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopcateyblue
Quaker Wedding Certificate: Danae Blackburn-Hernandez – http://www.etsy.com/people/eDanae
Invitations: Invited Design (Diana Weir) http://www.etsy.com/shop/inviteddesign
Dress: Aidan Mattox (Bloomingdales)
Hair Piece: Bhldn
Makeup: Chery Gibson
Matt’s suit/clothes: Hugo Boss
Matt’s Shoes: Cole Haan
Matt’s tie pin: Jack Spade
My Shoes: Badgley Mishka
Flowers: Horst Wholesale Florist of Charleston, Inc

Charleston Bridal Photography | Wentworth Mansion | Sally

Bridgit — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:28:08 +0000

This bridal shoot was one of the most relaxed I’ve ever photographed. Part of that is due to Sally’s sweet disposition- I don’t think I’ve ever seen her frown! BUT, there were some things that we planned for that made this day a huge success. I’m getting these bridal tips together to share in the next week. Until then, enjoy this eye candy- shot at Charleston’s one and only Wentworth Mansion. These luxuriously detailed locations makes my job, as a photographer, feel like a kid in a candy store. :)

If you have any bridal photography questions, feel free to shoot over an email!

Charleston Engagement | Cypress Gardens | Tom & Allison Sneak Peek

Bridgit — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:12:01 +0000

This post is so nostalgic because Cypress Gardens is in my hometown and it’s where my high school held Prom. (I’ll spare you those pictures!) This swamp/garden/butterfly conservatory is a true gem of Moncks Corner. When Allison & Tom asked to have their engagement session in the Gardens, I knew we were going to make magic. This is the same garden where the movie, The Notebook, was filmed so how could it NOT be romantic, RIGHT! :) More pictures to come!

Charleston Wedding Photography | Riverfront Park & Navy Yard | Ed & Laura

Bridgit — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:02:41 +0000

Laura and Ed are off on their honeymoon and I’m left the lovely task of narrowing down their hundreds of playful, elegant, and romantic wedding pictures. It’s such a hard job, but someones got to do it. ;) Seriously, this couple had it all! They chose to have their bridal party photographed at Riverfront Park but you have to drive through the old navy base to get there. I’ll not lie to you- it’s downright scary at times BUT while driving through Creepyville I stumbled upon this gem of a building. Yes, I asked the bridal party to get out of their fancy limo to walk across God-knows-what just to take these photos. The first thing I heard one of them say was, “This place is so cool!” Yeah, I have the best clients!

I love the lines in this image below!

Finally we made it to the park and someone left a nice PLUS sign, written in chalk, for us to pose with. (Laura, you got your chalk photo after all!)

Riverfront Park is not only picturesque, it has some amazing interactive art. Some you can sit on, play on, and even swing from like giddy school kids.

The sweet grass was in bloom. LOVE this image.

Charleston Wedding Photography | Hampton Park | Matthew & Dianne’s Sneak Peek

Bridgit — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 01:39:43 +0000

In that book which is
My memory…
On the first page
That is the chapter when
I first met you
Appear the words…
Here begins a new life.

-Dante from La Vita Nuova

Matthew and Dianne came all the way from Atlanta to marry in Charleston in the deliciously picturesque Hampton Park. Their wedding was a wonder to behold. Detailed yet effortless. Intimate and expressive. Delicate yet enduring. The quote at the beginning of this post was a quote read aloud during their ceremony . . . I love it for everything it symbolizes. It was a perfect way to herald the start of the first chapter of their new life together. Dianne & Matthew- a million times over, “thank you,” for allowing me to photograph your love. I will never forget it.

Charelston Wedding | Cottage on the Creek | The Groomsmen

Bridgit — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:01:33 +0000

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while! To be cheeky or not to be cheeky, that is the question. Literally! I decided to be bold and label this a BREAST CANCER AWARENESS post. It is, in fact, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These guys are big advocates of “Saving the TaTas” and have donned pink, as far as I’m concerned, for this exact reason. :) Thanks to all the groomsmen, for your willingness to let it all hang out for a good cause. ENJOY!

The handsome devil on the left is the groom- the flower is for Shannon, his soon-to-be bride! The duck-faced gentleman on the right cracks me up! Cheers to confident men everywhere who choose to wear the color pink. :)

These particular pictures were taken at the hotel, before heading to Cottage on the Creek. You should have seen the reaction the groomsmen got from guests who happened upon them. Ladies were taking pictures and asking if they were underwear models. These guys aren’t from Charleston, but I’m sure they’ll be coming back since they were met with such a warm welcome. ;)

Charleston Wedding | Cottage on the Creek | Robert & Shannon

Bridgit — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 03:18:34 +0000

WOW! Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Robert & Shannon’s wedding at Cottage on the Creek. All I can say about this couple is they LOVE OUT LOUD. Actually, their whole family does . . . and their friends, too. With that much honest, raw, unbridled emotion, you can expect some amazing wedding pictures. :) However, this is just a sneak peek so be on the lookout for another blog post coming soon.

Shannon, you are GORGEOUS!!

We went to a Charleston beach to photograph bridal party pictures and a FIRST LOOK. Robert’s reaction was perfect- he was in awe and kept telling Shannon how beautiful she was. :)

Shannon and Robert, thank you! I loved everything about your wedding and how you celebrate the people in your lives. Cheers to many happy memories together!

Charleston Wedding | Hampton Park & Pavilion at Patriot’s Point | Sally & William

Bridgit — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 02:44:04 +0000

While Sally and William are away on their honeymoon, I thought I’d post my favorite pictures from their ROMANTIC series in Downtown Charleston, Hampton Park- ooooh la la! AND a couple from the very end of the night at the Pavilion at Patriot’s Point! Can’t you just feel the love?! :) Seriously, Sally and Will, the camera loves you. Have fun and enjoy this sneak peek of your wedding day.

PS: The last picture reads, “9.22.12.” However, it was the end of a riotous evening and the man on the far right had a hard time making the number TWO. Hahaha!

Atlanta Engagement Photography | Melanie & Walter

Bridgit — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 02:45:21 +0000

This past weekend I traveled to Atlanta and photographed this fun-loving couple. The 7:30AM Atlanta light is creamy and dreamy- I melt just looking at these pictures! Mel and Walter are some of the spunkiest people I’ve ever met. Mel is sassy and Walter is a ham . . . the two pictures of Walter kissing her ring say it all.

1. Mel is a diva and Walter loves that about her 2. Walter keeps Mel on her toes with his comedic prowess.

Between the laughing we captured some insanely romantic moments and I’m thrilled to be shooting their wedding in the Florida Keys next year. Mel & Walter, thanks for getting up before the sun and for making my stay in Atlanta one that I’ll never forget.