Charleston Cathedral of St. John and Francis Marion Hotel

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has always been a dream to photograph as a Charleston wedding photographer. Standing at the front of the altar with camera in hand, it was all I could do to fight back (happy) tears. All I could think about as Harriet walked down the aisle was how powerful it was that her grandmother also walked down the exact same aisle, 73 years ago, on the exact same day!

A Charleston Legacy of Love …

When Harriet reached out to me to talk all things photography, she already knew her wedding date and ceremony location. She and Bob chose her grandparents’ wedding date as their own. For generations, her family has been members of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist downtown. On February 5th of 1949, Harriet’s grandmother walked down the aisle of the cathedral to marry her forever love. That legacy of love added such an incredible layer of meaning to the day and also, these photos!

From the moment I walked into Harriet’s getting ready suite at the Francis Marion Hotel, I just knew it was going to be an incredible day! The girls were so relaxed as Lashes and Lace finished hair and makeup while I photographed the little details.

Something old and something new from Charleston’s historic Condon’s

My favorite detail was her grandmother’s ring in the original ring box from Condon’s Department Store. That’s right, Harriet’s family opened Condon’s on King Street over 100 years ago. Today her mom continues the tradition with Condon’s Bridal Boutique over in West Ashley! I love that her something old was her grandmother’s ring and her something new was her bridal gown … and both came from Condon’s! I had the creative idea of photographing her wedding gown on a dress form as a sweet nod to the bridal shop. Watching her mom steam her gown was just the sweetest thing!

Our portrait time was amazing! The big windows flood the lobby of the Francis Marion Hotel with the most beautiful light! Harriet was stunning in her timeless ball gown. The girls had the prettiest blush and ivory bridesmaid dresses. (That had pockets!) The shade of their dresses with the blue accents of the lobby were perfect together! And oh my heavens, can we talk about her blue bridal shoes! The Meilani Bow Kitten Heels from Badgley Mischka were an absolute dream … and actually looked comfortable, too!

Walking down the aisle of Charleston’s Cathedral of St. John is every girl’s dream

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, located in the heart of downtown Charleston, is absolutely breathtaking. The historic architecture, gorgeous stained glass, gold and blue painted ceiling highlights are worth visiting even on a weekend getaway to Charleston. And that aisle is a bride’s DREAM to walk down!

Their Francis Marion Hotel reception made for an iconic Charleston wedding

Following the ceremony, guests headed back to the Francis Marion Hotel for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. And talk about kindred spirits: I so loved collaborating with Ashley from Carter’s Event Co.! They planned the day perfectly and were such a huge help to me throughout the day! The Colonial Ballroom was absolutely stunning with high and low florals designed by Coastal Creations! Harriet and Bob’s wedding cake was an absolute statement with FIVE tiers and overflowing with flowers! And oh my heavens, everyone was talking about their champagne table with a custom pineapple ice sculpture carved with their names! Everyone had an absolutely incredible evening dancing away to The Mighty Kicks … who I overheard rated the crowd vibe a TEN! I couldn’t agree more!

My heart truly has had a hard time putting words to just how special Harriet and Bob’s wedding day was to photograph. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt at the end of the night. Photographing their wedding was the perfect way to kick off my 2022 wedding season and was such a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. I am blessed to be given this gift of photography, knowing how much it will hopefully bless Harriet, Bob, and their family for years and years to come!

Enjoy alllll the pretty from their day!
xo,

Jen