In this case, Joaquin was fashionably late and luck acted like a lady at Sunnyside Plantation
I work in a lot of different conditions and scenarios. I am a documentary-styled photographer, after all. I constantly try to push my limits and break my barriers by shooting in new and challenging settings. However, Hurricane Joaquin definitely tested my normally cool and calm demeanor. I was worried the entire week prior: Would my couple be able to host their celebration outdoors? Would the 20 inches of planned rain stall off long enough for them to say, “I do”? Would we get flooded out and have to scramble up the moss covered live oak trees? or Would they simply have to move the 200 guests to another last minute location?
Luckily, that was not the case. Rain sprinkled as the bride got ready and miraculously everyone remained calm and collected at Sunnyside Plantation. We danced around the wedding family – sneaking candids and spicing up our photography with the bride’s custom engraved Converses and “Gangsta” socks.
The ceremony began with the groom and the couple’s two dogs walking to the alter. When the bride emerged from Sunnyside’s front door, everyone broke into smiles and cheers. When their officiant asked, “Who gives this woman to this man?” never has their been a more appropriate response! From the side of the guests’ seats a “woof woof” arose that declared with certainty that “Who” was Him! We all broke into laughter, the timing was perfect! Catch the wedding video to see for yourself!
Oysters and craft beer entertained the guests for the cocktail hour. In the meantime, we photographed the newlyweds against Murrells Inlets’ marsh under heavily overcast skies. As always, we hugged and congratulated the couple, encouraging them to share a few moments by themselves. As we returned to the tent, the family shenanigans had begun with a group pyramid pose – apparently their family tradition at every gathering.
Joe Durivage of Myrtle Beach DJ’s disco’ed the dance floor with over 120 songs, encouraging everyone to bust a move and get their groove on. Everyone was dancing, even the whip and nae nae rain dance appeared and my assistant and I naturally boogied down with the crowd (I’m not known as the dancing photographer for nothing). Southern hospitality, BBQ, and speciality drinks combined with the ‘happy go lucky’ attitude of all the guests made this one of the most fun weddings ever.
If I described how the night felt as I was packing up, it would be like this: a cake topper with the bride and groom high five-ing one another. That is Allison and Roddy: best friends, husband and wife, and devoted dog lovers. Congratulations and best wishes to the awesome couple!
Vendor list
Sunnyside Plantation – http://www.facebook.com/SunnysidePlantationSC
Inlet Affairs – http://inletaffairs.com/
Myrtle Beach DJ’s – http://www.myrtlebeachdjs.com/