Truth time: Sometimes we get these engagement sessions and straight-up envy the charmed Instagram-worthy lives the couples seem to live. And Kaitlin and Allan’s shots could do just that. But....
Psst! Want a sneak peek into how a photographer helps a couple warm up before the lens long before the Big Day? Here’s how it’s done, Charleston-style, by Priscilla Thomas of Priscilla Thomas Photography. We love how she welcomes Chris and Liz to share about themselves in her mini questionnaire, all to help her snap her way to what the bride wished for: “I just hope to have some photos that capture us being us—just being together, laughing, etc.” says Liz, “We simply like being around each other, so I think simple imagery is more authentic for us.”
Enjoy the read and look at both their engagement session and their wedding day at Lowndes Grove Plantation. And take it from this crew: Be as honest as possible with your photographer before he or she even introduces you to their camera—it’s your best shot at getting the photos you really want.
Priscilla: How did you first meet?
Liz: Chris and I met at the University of South Carolina when we were neighbors in the same apartment building. We instantly connected and spent nearly every day of senior year together. We did long-distance after college, and drove between Greenville (where I lived) and Charleston (where he lived) on the weekends for three years. I happily moved to Charleston in 2013. Our wedding date will mark our ninth anniversary together and it’s been a wonderful ride.
Priscilla: Tell me a little about each of you.
Liz: We grew up very differently: I was born and raised in St. Louis. I grew up Catholic, Midwestern, and with a big Italian family. Chris was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He grew up Southern Baptist, Southern, and with a big family as well. (We are doing a non-denominational wedding, though.) We always laugh that we are incredibly different with only a few things in common: we share a love for our families, our dog, Sunny, and traveling.
Liz’s occupation: journalist/writer
Liz’s hobbies: yoga/exercise, writing, traveling and cooking. (Dreams of traveling the world with Chris, writing a book and launching a side hustle.)
Liz’s personality traits: passionate, big extrovert, loves to try new things and travel, really enjoys being with people, enthusiastic and loving.
Fun Liz Fact: She is obsessed with food, is always hungry and puts hot sauce on everything.
Chris’s occupation: sales executive at a fintech firm
Chris’s hobbies: playing basketball and guitar, all things music, watching sports
Chris’s personality traits: very funny, fairly introverted, kind, loyal, definitely a jokester but is the sweetest person in the world. Liz’s mom describes him as steady. (“He is always there for me,” says Liz, “and is generally laid back.”)
Fun Chris Fact: You seriously cannot get Chris off the dance floor at a wedding, even if he’s the only one out there.
Priscilla: What theme do you have in mind for your portrait session? Adventurous? Romantic? Quirky fun?
Liz: Mostly laid back, natural and romantic. We envision some photos of us laughing, holding hands, walking, talking, my head on his shoulder or chest, some smiling, some serious, definitely some of us hugging/embracing. I don’t know if this is any help!
I trust you! Your images are beautiful. We are both nervous about being on camera and looking natural, but we hope to be calm during the shoot.
Wedding Design: Boutique Planning | Florals: Branch Design Studio | Photography: Priscilla Thomas Photography | Videography: Hart to Heart Media | Venue + Catering : Lowndes Grove Plantation | Rentals: Snyder Events + Richard Photo Lab + AV Connections | Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Calligraphy: J. Lily Design | Music: Charleston Virtuosi + Right to Party | Bride’s Attire: Maddison Row South | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Birdy Grey | Beauty: Madison LeCroy | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.
