From meeting in Germany to celebrating beside a South Carolina creek

Julia and Elliot first met while working at BMW in Germany. She is German, he is American, and their wedding brought family and friends from different parts of the world to South Carolina.

We first met Julia at a wedding fair in Germany. There was an immediate connection: we liked her style and felt that our approach to photography and filmmaking would suit the celebration she was planning. That first meeting eventually brought my team and me to the Charleston area in October, ready to document their wedding at Cottage Creek in Mount Pleasant.

The coastline, long piers and harbours filled with fishing boats gave our visit a distinctive setting. For Barbara, who was visiting Charleston for the first time, the city became a particular favourite. For all of us, the reason to be there was Julia and Elliot.

Wedding Preparations, from the Salon to the Harbour

Barbara began the day photographing the bridal preparations. Many of the women had travelled from Germany, and their arrival by limousine at the beauty salon made getting ready an occasion in itself.

Meanwhile, Elliot and the men prepared at the Marriott before heading to the harbour. With Elliot leading the way, they boarded local fishing boats, bringing the waterfront into this part of the photographs.

These two beginnings gave the collection different settings and a chance to follow both sides of the wedding party before everyone came together at the creek.

A First Look and a Ceremony on the Terrace

Julia and Elliot saw each other for the first time that day at Cottage Creek. Their first look led into a portrait session with room for both romantic photographs and some more playful, unconventional images.

That combination suited the way they spent the day together. We could explore the setting while leaving space for their personalities and the enjoyment of being with each other.

The ceremony followed on the cottage terrace, with family and friends gathered around them. After the activity of the morning, attention settled on the couple and the commitment they were making.

As the light changed towards evening, we photographed more portraits and filmed the sunset from the top of the building. The setting became part of the memories: the creek, the terrace and the last light of their wedding day.

An Evening on the Dance Floor

The evening brought everyone together on the dance floor. Family and friends joined in with an enthusiasm that carried through the party and into the photographs.

Having followed the day from the preparations onwards, we could see the celebration become increasingly relaxed. The formal moments gave way to dancing, laughter and the pleasure of having everyone in one place.

Julia and Elliot, thank you for bringing us to South Carolina and trusting us to document your wedding. It was a pleasure to continue the connection that began at a wedding fair in Germany, all the way across the Atlantic.