Winner | 2012 South Carolina Wedding Photographer of the Year

I'll never forget it. We were sitting on the bus in Miami, just getting back from a fantastic vacation in the Caribbean. Although we had a great time on the trip we had something lurking in the back of our minds. The South Carolina Association of Wedding Photographer's annual competition was happening that same week, and we wouldn't be able to check the results until we got back.

Now that we had cell phone reception again, my wife Debra turned on her phone to see what had happened in the world over the past week. A few minutes later she started to cry. I asked her what happened. She just said, "Never mind you will see soon enough." Concerned that someone had died I bugged her more and she gave in... we had been awarded "2012 South Carolina Wedding Photographer of the Year" at the competition. And then we just kind of sat there for a moment of disbelief. Then she said it again "you did it babe! your South Carolina Wedding Photographer of the Year!" ... Had I not been sitting in a congested bus I probably would have tried to do a cartwheel.

So yea. Wow. I guess this is that awkward part where someone has to say a bunch of thankful things to a lot of people. But honestly, if your reading this, then THANK YOU. Really, this wouldn't be possible without the incredible gift God has given me, my awesome wife for all her help during the weddings, and of course some fantastic couples to work with.

Here's a look at our winning portfolio (complete with new fancy logos!):



























































In addition we also won some other awards in some of the individual categories:


1st Place - Getting Ready Category

1st Place - Details Category

2nd Place - Wedding Reception Category

Honorable Mention - Wedding Reception Category

Honorable Mention - Couples Portrait Category

Honorable Mention - Wedding Ceremony Category
So excited!! I also wanted to personally thank the three judges, Jeff Blake, and the South Carolina Association of Wedding Photographers for putting on the contest each year.

If you've got a lot of time to kill you can view the entire judging and awards ceremony on youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/jeffblakephoto
Also, to see the official results or to read more about the contest feel free to visit: http://www.scawpj.com/

Hall at Senate's End Columbia, SC Wedding

Gretchen and Rob's wedding was officially the first wedding that incorporated clowns... that rapped. Like snoop dogg. Yes, and I'm not sure the rapping clowns were on the schedule but I'm happy to say that they were every part as awesome they sound. And after a pretty emotional day filled with an intimate ceremony, speeches that made almost everyone cry, and tearful daddy/daughter & mother/son dances, the clowns really hit the emotional spot.

Gretchen and Rob chose to have their ceremony at the gorgeous St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia. After a lesson on wine making from the Priest (loved this!) and the rings were exchanged, everyone headed over to The Hall at Senate's End, just outside of downtown Columbia, SC. With some beautiful rustic touches, everyone danced the night away to the beats of the Two 3 Ways band and yes, the rapping clowns. Gretchen & Rob - Thank you so much for having us there to document the day! We had an absolute blast working with you guys!







































































































































The Excellent Vendors:

Ceremony: St. Joseph Catholic Church
Reception: The Hall at Senate's End
Catering: Dupre Catering
Cake: Parkland Cakes
Dress: Jo-Lin's Bridal
Band: Two 3 Ways
Video: Carmen Patino
Flowers: Rex Woolbright