A Downtown Charleston Elopement Straight Out of a Dream


Living in Charleston my entire life has been nothing short of magical, and as a photographer for nearly half of it, I’ve always dreamed of capturing an elopement in the heart of this historic city. When Emma reached out to me about photographing her wedding, I was over the moon. Little did I know, this day would unfold in the most cinematic way possible—equal parts old Hollywood glamour, 1920s nostalgia, and a dash of ghostly charm.


The day began in front of the Rutledge Inn, where Emma and her partner exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by their closest friends and family. From there, we made our way to the post office, where they signed their marriage license. Stepping into the post office felt like stepping back in time—it exuded a “1920s New York” aesthetic that perfectly matched Emma and her partner’s timeless, eclectic style. It was a photographer’s dream.



Adding to the charm, they tied the knot just after Halloween, infusing a subtle ghostly vibe into some of their photos. We wandered through downtown Charleston, letting the city’s light and energy guide us to the perfect spots for portraits. Every corner we turned felt like a treasure waiting to be discovered, each one more beautiful than the last.

Newlyweds pose playfully on a wrought iron railing with palm trees and historic Charleston architecture in the background.
Bridal detail shot of hands holding burgundy flowers against white wedding dress.
Newlyweds dancing on checkered floor surrounded by indoor greenery and vintage decor.
Wedding couple ascending an ornate historic staircase with detailed woodwork and golden light in Charleston, SC.
Black and white photo of a couple descending a grand vintage staircase with ornate columns and railings.
Romantic wedding portrait in an elegant hallway with warm glowing sunlight streaming through arched windows in Charleston, SC.
Bride in white gown poses in front of vintage wooden filing cabinet wall in historic building in Charleston, SC.
Wedding couple posing beside ornate gilded architectural details in a historic Charleston building hallway.
Stunning wedding portrait against an elegant art nouveau metalwork arch with intricate golden details in a Charleston, SC post office.

Pit stop at the Number one seller of PBR in the world The Recovery Room


One of the most special stops was Rec Room, a local dive bar filled with nostalgia and history for the couple—it’s where their story first began. The scene felt like something straight out of a romantic indie film: cans of PBR in hand, laughter echoing over a few competitive games of foosball and pool, and candid moments captured in the bar’s retro Photo Booth. They even challenged each other to a playful arm-wrestling match, complete with mock trash talk, and took turns showing off their skills at the pinball machine. As we moved through the space, they shared the story of how they first met, describing every little detail—the music that was playing, the nerves, the instant spark, and the exact table where their eyes first locked. The regulars, clearly curious about all the excitement, couldn’t help but smile and whisper to each other as the love and energy in the room made the entire place feel electric. It was a perfect celebration of where it all began.

Newly weds walking across the street to a dive bar they first met at in downtown Charleston.
Couple smiling in a photobooth in a Recovery Room in Charleston, SC.
Wedding couple sharing a toast with canned drinks against a graffiti wall in Charleston, SC.
Eloping couple plays pool in local dive bar called Recovery Room in Charleston, SC
A couple plays foosball at a bar during their wedding celebration in Charleston.
Candid wedding moment in an eclectic bar with vibrant pop art and neon-colored wall decorations.
Fun wedding photo at a retro photo booth with classic black and white checkered flooring.
Wedding couple sharing drinks at a casual bar table surrounded by colorful wall art and posters in Charleston, SC.

A Gathering of Family, Pizza and Wine, Lots and Lots of Wine.


To wrap up the day, we headed to their reception at a cozy wine bar where Emma currently works—a nod to their shared love of wine and the memories they’ve made over glasses of their favorite bottles. The couple’s friends and family arrived in full costume (because, of course, Halloween vibes!), sharing laughter, local pizza, and cake in celebration of the newlyweds. The space was alive with joy and connection, a perfect reflection of who Emma and her partner are as a couple. Their mutual love of wine added an extra layer of intimacy to the celebration, each toast to their future was filled with meaning, with every glass raised feeling like a tribute to the memories they’ve created and the dreams they have yet to fulfill.


The intimate gathering was filled with heartfelt toasts, spontaneous bursts of laughter with long time friends. Those are the kind of moments that remind you what weddings are truly about—love, community, and being unapologetically yourselves.


A wedding couple poses in front of a brick building entrance at their wedding reception in Charleston, SC.
Casual celebration scene at a bar counter with drinks and industrial decor.
Dancing and celebration inside a cozy bar with wooden counter and dim lighting.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on vintage green metal stairs.
Couple sharing wedding cake at a small table surrounded by wine bottles.
Wedding couple drinking beverages together in a cozy bar setting.
A white wedding cake with 'Til Death' text displayed on a marble table.
Couple playing beer pong at an outdoor table in wedding attire.
A couple in wedding attire poses in front of a liquor store display.
Close-up of hands with wedding rings and wine glasses on a blue surface.
A couple in wedding attire holding orange cocktails on outdoor stairs with green railings.
People celebrating at a bar with festive bunny ears and drinks in hand.
A white door with 'Bar Rollers' written on it in script lettering.
A vintage-style bar interior with exposed brick walls and a wood counter.
Wedding celebration at a bar with vintage wine bottles displayed on shelves.

A love uniquely theirs


This downtown Charleston elopement wasn’t just a dream come true for me as a photographer—it was an unforgettable celebration of love, individuality, and the undeniable magic of this beautiful city. Emma and Jared’s day was so much more than special; it was entirely their own, a perfect reflection of their journey together, the life they’ve built, and the love they share. From the intimate moments to the laughter-filled memories, every detail felt intentional and deeply personal, weaving together a story that was uniquely theirs.


Emma and Jared, thank you for inviting me to witness and capture such a meaningful chapter of your lives. Being part of your day, watching the way you love and celebrate each other, was truly an honor. Your kindness, your joy, and the effortless way you make each other laugh are a reminder of what love is all about.


Here’s to your next great adventure—may it be filled with endless laughter, more unforgettable moments, and, of course, many glasses of wine shared together as you continue to write your beautiful story. Cheers to you both!

Wedding couple stands before colorful graffiti art in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding portrait against a bright orange wall with natural lighting.
Wedding dress and combat boots detail shot on urban sidewalk.
A romantic black and white moment between newlyweds standing against a wall in Charleston, SC.
A couple dances joyfully across a crosswalk in a historic downtown Charleston street with palm trees in the background.