A Wedding at Old Santee Canal Park

Earlier this year, I photographed a group of young adults who were students at a nearby military base. It was a fun change of pace from the “typical” families I photograph. Although they were extremely polite, they were constantly laughing and joking and up for some pretty impressive challenges to capture their friendship. If you are, perhaps, wondering what sort of activities qualify as “challenges,” I’ll share a couple of the photos below:

Obviously, not something I photograph on a usual basis. Also, you should be impressed with their pyramid skills. That was not easy and they look a lot happier than they are probably feeling.

Anyway!  Not long later, two members of the group – Arriana and Gilbert, contacted me to ask if I would photograph their wedding celebration. They were planning an intimate gathering with families and close friends, and were actually returning to Old Santee Canal Park to celebrate.

They remind me a lot of my husband, Tim and I. We were married when I was 22 — right out of college. He was enlisted in the Marine Corps, and our friends from the military and family from all over the country traveled to spend time with us. Arriana and Gilbert’s wedding was fun and relaxed, and focused on connecting with all the people who mean so much to them.

Arriana is also a stunning bride. I had her stand by some of the windows at the park’s learning center so I could produce a few portraits that  I KNOW will become precious family keepsakes. Gilbert looked sharp, too, in his blue suit, forgoing a uniform.

We also made time to walk around the canal and swamp area and get some photos of them together. This is always a favorite for me; I just love creating some stunning portraits of couples together!

And last but not least – a few photos of their reception and friends and family.  As you can see, it was the perfect kind of celebration – relaxed and happy!