A Classic and Timeless Charleston Wedding: Elizabeth and James

Oh, how blessed I feel to be able to live and work in Charleston! With its historic charm and coastal beauty, it sets the stage for some of the most memorable weddings. Elizabeth and James’ wedding was the perfect blend of both.

This wedding, held at First Baptist Church with a reception at Alhambra Hall, was the perfect blend of timeless elegance, a relaxed vibe, and beautiful touches that really showcased love and family. When we were walking into the church, you could smell the jasmine blooming just down the street. Talk about dreamy! One of many details from this amazing celebration that was so special. Explore their gallery down below!

About Elizabeth & James

Elizabeth and James first met during a summer research internship in Germany, and while their love didn’t blossom immediately, their friendship did. Over time, that deep connection grew, and they found themselves building a life together. James shared, “Elizabeth is not only brilliant, but she is the kindest and most genuine person I know. When I first met her, I knew right away that she had a huge heart and always shares her warmth and love with others.”

Elizabeth, spoke so highly of James’ unwavering kindness and generosity, drawing on their shared faith and calling him “the iron that sharpens iron.” His steady patience and adventurous spirit are qualities that she admires and loves deeply. It’s clear that they bring out the best in each other, both intellectually and emotionally, which made their wedding day all the more special.

James planned a proposal that honored their story. He took Elizabeth to a German restaurant—a nod to where their relationship began—and followed it with a sunset drive through Shenandoah National Park. As they stood overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the sun setting behind them, James proposed. It was a perfect, intimate moment that reflected their shared love for nature and adventure.

The Perfect Charleston Wedding Day

Elizabeth and James couldn’t have asked for a more perfect summer day in Charleston. The warmth of the South Carolina sun filled the air as jasmine bloomed nearby, infusing the streets around the church with a sweet fragrance. It was so meaningful and personal, even down to each and every guest sharing a deep love for their families. You could feel how emotional and beautiful it was for everyone involved!

The couple chose First Baptist Church for its rich history and Gospel-centered focus, which was important to both of them. The historic architecture of the church, with its classic columns and beautiful interior, provided an elegant and timeless setting for their ceremony. Their love for simplicity and nature played a key role in their decision to hold the reception at Alhambra Hall, which offers stunning views of the Charleston harbor. “We wanted people to be able to relax, enjoy the sunset, and simply celebrate with us,” said Elizabeth.

Colors Inspired by Nature

The color palette for Elizabeth and James’ wedding was inspired by the natural beauty of spring and summer. With fresh greens, blues, and whites, the colors reflected the lush surroundings of the church and the coastal warmth of Charleston. The flowers, arranged by Grace Shirer, were a beautiful mix of whites and greens, perfectly complementing the elegant yet relaxed vibe of the day.

At the reception, as the sun began to set over the Charleston harbor, the colors of the evening sky mirrored the warm hues of the wedding decor—blues, greens, and touches of orange and purple. It was as if nature itself was joining in on the celebration, painting a picture of joy and life that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the day.

The Wedding Party and Meaningful Attire

Elizabeth was radiant in a gown from Jo-Lin’s Bridal, designed by Casablanca. The dress was a beautiful blend of timeless elegance and modern simplicity, with intricate lace details that added a touch of romance. Her hair and makeup, done by Canary Rock Salon, was understated yet sophisticated, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.

James and his groomsmen looked dashing in suits from The Black Tux, perfectly complementing the relaxed yet classy vibe of the wedding. The bridesmaids, dressed in soft shades of blue and green, added a fresh, vibrant touch to the day’s aesthetic. Each detail, from the attire to the florals, came together to create a seamless and beautiful celebration.

Heirloom & Meaningful Moments

Elizabeth and James’ Charleston wedding was not just about their love for each other but also about their deep connections to family. Elizabeth wore heirloom earrings that were passed down from her grandmother. Throughout the day, there were moments that reflected the strong family bonds both Elizabeth and James hold dear. These personal touches made the day even more meaningful for the couple and their loved ones. Elizabeth wore heirloom earrings that were passed down from her grandmother. They even had a table with pictures of their grandparent’s wedding photos, which was so special since most had passed on.

One of the most memorable moments came during the reception at Alhambra Hall. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Charleston harbor, Elizabeth and James shared a quiet moment together during their couples portraits, taking in the beauty of the day and the overwhelming love and support from their family and friends. It was simple, perfect, beautiful.

Unique Details

There were so many unique touches that made Elizabeth and James’ wedding stand out. One that particularly caught my eye was the stunning cake by Bonnie Brundt, an incredible creation that was as beautiful as it was delicious. Bonnie’s attention to detail and artistic flair perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Another standout feature was the incredible energy on the dance floor, thanks to DJ Earl Newell from The Dance Doctors. Earl understood the assignment and mixed classic tunes with modern hits that had everyone, from the youngest guests to the oldest, out of their seats and dancing.

My Role as Their Photographer

As Elizabeth and James’ photographer, my goal was to capture not only the big moments but the quiet, intimate ones that often slip by unnoticed. The way James looked at Elizabeth as she walked down the aisle, the laughter shared during toasts, the sweet glances exchanged during the sunset at Alhambra Hall—these were the moments that told the true story of their wedding day.

It was also important to me to showcase Charleston’s natural beauty, because this is a special place that is meaningful to the couple. From the historic charm of First Baptist Church to the sweeping views of the harbor at Alhambra Hall, every backdrop was a photographer’s dream. I wanted to preserve the timeless, relaxed beauty of the day so that Elizabeth and James can look back on their photos and be transported right back to the moment.

Knowing they were happy with the photos means everything to me. Capturing the essence of their love story was an absolute joy, and I’m honored to have been a part of their special day.

A Day to Remember

Elizabeth and James’ Charleston wedding was the perfect blend of classy, relaxed, and beautiful. From their heartfelt ceremony at First Baptist Church to the relaxed celebration at Alhambra Hall, every moment was filled with love, laughter, and joy. The natural beauty of Charleston provided the perfect backdrop for their timeless love story, and it was an honor to capture it all.

For any couple looking to blend historic elegance with coastal vibes, Elizabeth and James’ wedding is proof of the perfect blend between the two. Whether it’s the Southern charm of First Baptist Church or the stunning waterfront views at Alhambra Hall, Charleston offers a breathtaking setting for a wedding day full of love and lasting memories.