I always have a lot of fun photographing weddings at the Ocean Club at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. My latest beach wedding for Sara and John was no exception. Sara had me arrive a little earlier then usual to start taking pictures, about 2 1/2 hours before the ceremony. This turned out to be a good idea with 11 groomsmen and 9 bridesmaids in the party! I always warn my couples if you have a really big bridal party, plan on everything running an hour later than you think. Samantha, the wedding coordinator at the Ocean Club, had the guys get ready a couple of hours before the ceremony. This worked out great, I had time to take them downstairs for some fun pictures before the ceremony, and still had plenty of time to get back for pictures with the bride.
I especially love some of the shots of Sara reading the letter from John before the ceremony. I set her up sitting in the window light and it looks beautiful in the pictures. I only wish I had moved the coffee pot from the background but it’s not too bad. Sara had a beautiful flowing dress that looked great billowing in the wind from the doorway. She said that the dress was her mother’s and I believe said it had been worn by her sister as well. One of my favorite pictures is the bride looking out of the upstairs window. I added a bit of extra contrast so she is really isolated in the window light, I thought it looked very elegant.
I’m glad to see that some of my favorite spots by the dunes are starting to have sea oats growing on them again. The hurricane last year really messed up the beaches around the Myrtle Beach area, but the dunes are beginning to recover. I always love getting a photograph of the couple on the beach boardwalk with the dune’s grass in front of them, thankfully I’m now able to do that shot again.
During the reception, we had some really fun toasts from the family, I always try to take pictures of the audience during the toasts so I can get the fun reactions and laughter from the group. One last thing, dinner went on for a while and I got a little bored, so I had some fun with the ring macro shots. I have some craft book papers I will lay the rings on to get some interesting backgrounds. I also sprayed a bit of water over the rings, the light from the flashes hit the water droplets and looks cool through the macro lens. I hope you enjoy the pictures below, please like if you do!
![No Girlz Allowed - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/No-Girlz-Allowed-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groomsmen helping with bowtie - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-helping-with-bowtie-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groom putting on his cufflinks - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groom-putting-on-his-cufflinks-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groomsmen helping groom with tie - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-helping-groom-with-tie-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groomsmen posing before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-posing-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Groomsmen hanging out before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-hanging-out-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Guys being goofy around columns - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Guys-being-goofy-around-columns-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Portrait of groom leaning against a column - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Portrait-of-groom-leaning-against-a-column-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Portrait of groom before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Portrait-of-groom-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Groomsmen pointing at the camera - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-pointing-at-the-camera-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride's classic dress hanging in a window - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Brides-classic-dress-hanging-in-a-window-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Bride putting on her mascara - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-putting-on-her-mascara-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bridesmaids sitting on couch with bride - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bridesmaids-sitting-on-couch-with-bride-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Buttoning up the brides dress - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Buttoning-up-the-brides-dress-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride smiling back at mom putting on dress - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-smiling-back-at-mom-putting-on-dress-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Mom checking out bride before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Mom-checking-out-bride-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride reading a letter from her groom before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-reading-a-letter-from-her-groom-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1001x1500.jpg)
![Tearful bride reading letter from groom - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Tearful-bride-reading-letter-from-groom-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Bride standing in doorway with billowing dress - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-standing-in-doorway-with-billowing-dress-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Bride looking out the window - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-looking-out-the-window-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Bride laying on the upstairs couch - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-laying-on-the-upstairs-couch-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bridesmaids talking with bride before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bridesmaids-talking-with-bride-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride curling her hair in the mirror - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-curling-her-hair-in-the-mirror-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Bridesmaids standing together before the ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bridesmaids-standing-together-before-the-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Table details - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Table-details-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Beautiful ballroom tables - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Beautiful-ballroom-tables-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Cake table treats - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Cake-table-treats-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Closeup of wedding favors - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Closeup-of-wedding-favors-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride walking towards ceremony with her father - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-walking-towards-ceremony-with-her-father-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groom looking at bride for the first time - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groom-looking-at-bride-for-the-first-time-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bride smiling up at groom during ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-smiling-up-at-groom-during-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groom looking at bride during vows - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groom-looking-at-bride-during-vows-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groomsmen during ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-during-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Panorama of beach ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Panorama-of-beach-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x341.jpg)
![Bride and groom exchanging rings - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-and-groom-exchanging-rings-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![First kiss during beach wedding ceremony - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/First-kiss-during-beach-wedding-ceremony-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Happy just married couple walking down isle - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-just-married-couple-walking-down-isle-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Huge bridal party in front of the dunes - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Huge-bridal-party-in-front-of-the-dunes-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride and groom kissing with bridal party - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-and-groom-kissing-with-bridal-party-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Happy bridal party walking down the beach - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-bridal-party-walking-down-the-beach-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride standing in front of her bridesmaids - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-standing-in-front-of-her-bridesmaids-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Girls walking down the beach holding up the flowers - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Girls-walking-down-the-beach-holding-up-the-flowers-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Groomsmen lifting bride too high in the air - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-lifting-bride-too-high-in-the-air-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bridal party jumping in front of the ocean - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bridal-party-jumping-in-front-of-the-ocean-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Groomsmen standing together in front of the ocean - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groomsmen-standing-together-in-front-of-the-ocean-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Guys looking cool together - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Guys-looking-cool-together-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Check out that bouquet! - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Check-out-that-bouquet-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Kiss in front of the ocean - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-in-front-of-the-ocean-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Groom dipping bride back for a kiss - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groom-dipping-bride-back-for-a-kiss-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bride with her arms around groom kissing - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-with-her-arms-around-groom-kissing-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bride smiling up at groom - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-smiling-up-at-groom-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Flowers in focus - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Flowers-in-focus-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1133x1500.jpg)
![Groom lifting bride off of the ground - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Groom-lifting-bride-off-of-the-ground-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Happy couple walking down the beach - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-couple-walking-down-the-beach-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Kiss in front of the beach wedding arbor - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-in-front-of-the-beach-wedding-arbor-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Couple laying together in front of the dunes - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Couple-laying-together-in-front-of-the-dunes-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bride smiling up at groom laying in dunes - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-smiling-up-at-groom-laying-in-dunes-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Bride with her arms around groom sitting on beach - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-with-her-arms-around-groom-sitting-on-beach-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Sunset behind the clubhouse - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Sunset-behind-the-clubhouse-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Kiss behind the clubhouse - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-behind-the-clubhouse-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Kiss behind the sea oats - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-behind-the-sea-oats-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Happy couple on beach walkway - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-couple-on-beach-walkway-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Couple posing on walkway to the beach - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Couple-posing-on-walkway-to-the-beach-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1001.jpg)
![Leaning against the columns - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Leaning-against-the-columns-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1002x1500.jpg)
![Kiss behind the fountain - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-behind-the-fountain-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1001x1500.jpg)
![Couple posing in front of the doorway - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Couple-posing-in-front-of-the-doorway-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1001x1500.jpg)
![Kiss in the front doorway columns - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kiss-in-the-front-doorway-columns-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1001x1500.jpg)
![First dance kiss - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/First-dance-kiss-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![First dance - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/First-dance-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Happy bride during first dance - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-bride-during-first-dance-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride and groom looking at each other first dance - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-and-groom-looking-at-each-other-first-dance-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Happy couple during first dance - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happy-couple-during-first-dance-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride dancing with father - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-dancing-with-father-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Guest clapping during toasts - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Guest-clapping-during-toasts-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Wedding toasts - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Wedding-toasts-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Group laughing during toasts - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Group-laughing-during-toasts-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Covering face during toasts - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Covering-face-during-toasts-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Engagement ring macro on black paper - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Engagement-ring-macro-on-black-paper-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Having fun with the rings - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Having-fun-with-the-rings-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1011.jpg)
![Having fun during dancing - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Having-fun-during-dancing-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)
![Bride and groom dancing fun - Grande Dunes Ocean Club](https://www.ryansmithphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bride-and-groom-dancing-fun-Grande-Dunes-Ocean-Club-1500x1002.jpg)