Clare and Phil had a stunning winter wedding at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and Snee Farm Country Club in Charleston last weekend! The weather was beautiful, they were full of joy and love, and the day was relaxed and fun. I got to bring along my husband as my second photographer for this one, which always makes a wedding day fun and easy. He’s a master at hanging with the groomsmen and keeping things running smoothly throughout the day.
I had a blast with Clare and Phil at their engagement session at Cator Woolford Gardens last fall, and knew they’d be fun to work with for their wedding day. Since we drove into Charleston early, I photographed their welcome party at New Realm Brewery the night before. It was awesome to get to meet the family and close friends beforehand and get a sense for what the wedding day would be like from a more intimate, behind the scenes way. When you have your wedding photographer at rehearsals or welcome parties, it also helps your guests feel more comfortable on the wedding day, since they already know the photographer! Clare and Phil celebrated their wedding at at their home parish of St. Clare of Assisi, which had just completed its construction on their new church sanctuary. Talk about stunning! The blue with the gold stars on the altar wall was a favorite feature of mine. They held their reception at Snee Farm Country Club, which was set in a neighborhood with beautiful live oaks and spanish moss.
I met the girls at the hotel room for a quick getting ready session and my husband hung with the guys at their Airbnb. Clare opted for a classic bridal look, with beautiful pearl details and an updo, a fitted gown, and a mink shaw from her grandmother. Phil looked sharp in his navy suit, with light blue accents and floral tie. The blue accents were sprinkled throughout their day – the flowers, church accent colors, Clare’s sapphire engagement ring, the blue rosary wrapped around her bouquet, and the periwinkle blue bridesmaids dresses!
The timeline ended up getting a little wonky, but fortunately, Clare and Phil had totally trusted me during the timeline building process so we still ended up getting all the shots we needed! It was a relaxed day, full of excitement from them and their family. Both sides of the wedding party were awesome and easy to work with, which always makes the day more fun. Their wedding Mass was beautiful, with palpable joy radiating from the two of them. After some family portraits, we headed to Smythe Park on Daniel Island for wedding party and couple’s portraits. The light was so beautiful in the early afternoon! Clare and Phil were happy to just be with each other and kiss a bit, so we had lots of fun during the couple’s photos. The neighborhood near Snee Country Club also had some beautiful light and the two lovebirds were happy to just frolic around the oaks and in the field.
Their wedding reception was elegant yet simple, featuring small blue-tinted floral arrangement by English Gardens and gold accents. The cupcake tower by Beanie Bakes SC was beautiful and delicious, as was the catering by Relish Catering. Clare and Phil spent much of their reception greeting and talking with their guests, but also got a good bit of dancing time in. They chose to not have a wedding exit and instead did more of an Irish goodbye and disappeared into the night. I am so grateful for the awesome couples that trust me with their wedding photos and precious memories. Congrats Clare and Phil, enjoy your honeymoon!!
Vendors
Church: St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church || Photography: Nicole Sandercock Photography || Bride’s dress: Gown boutique of Charleston || Caterer: Relish Catering || Baker: Beanie Bakes SC || Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank
