Annika and Ronnie were one of the many couples in Myrtle Beach that had to move their wedding from its original date because of Covid-19. They even had to change from their original venue to Wachesaw Plantation. Wachesaw Plantation is located a little south of Myrtle Beach in the Murrells Inlet area. This venue change ended up being for the best. The Kimbels in Wachesaw Plantation is one of the best venues in Myrtle Beach for photography. Sunlight filtering through the moss on the bank of the Waccamaw River is one of my favorite backgrounds for pictures.
I started out by meeting the bride at her nearby cottage on the golf course. My wife was assisting me that day and waited at the Kimbels for the groomsmen to arrive. I started with some pictures of the bride’s details. Not only did the bride have a large diamond ring, but the groom also had his own special ring. I loved the macro shots I got of the rings. I’ve learned to be very creative with what I have available. These amazing looking pictures are just the rings reflecting on the glossy surface of the dresser in the bride’s room. I put the flowers in the background to give some bokeh and reflection. I also photoshopped out some of the worst scratches on the surface to make it a bit cleaner.
Importance of off-camera lighting (not natural light only) for pictures
While the bride was getting dressed, the videographers and I were standing outside the apartment. The bride’s son was so cute looking out the door and checking out what we were doing. It’s always great if a bride can leave some extra time after getting in her dress for pictures. My wife was keeping Ronnie and the groomsmen hidden away on the golf course side of the Kimbels. I had time to get some amazing portraits of the bride by herself and then some with the bridesmaids.
We had a lot of fun at the Wedding Showcase at the Myrtle Beach convention center in March 2021. Even at this recent show, I keep hearing from potential clients that my pictures are clear, not overexposed and washed out.
Ryan and Lizeth at the Wedding Showcase in Myrtle Beach
I was explaining to them that some photographers say they are “natural light only” or “light and airy.” This usually means they don’t incorporate off-camera lighting into their work. Using off-camera flash doesn’t mean the picture has to look like it’s using flash. I use my off-camera light to fill in the subject, brighten the eyes and face, and balance the lighting. In my pictures below, check out how well-lit and clear the bride looks against the bright background. Also, notice how well you can see the details of her dress.
Ceremony on the Waccamaw River and pictures on the Oak Allee
The ceremony itself turned out great. I had enough time to walk around and get some pictures of the couple’s expressions as they did their vows. I was limited in getting a full wide angle of the entire ceremony because of people standing in the back. After the ceremony, we took all the family pictures by the oak trees near the river. Next, the pictures with the bridesmaids and groomsmen all together. There isn’t a better background than that beautiful sunlight hitting all the moss in the trees near the river. It was also great working with Cayce at Steele Magnolia Events. She organized all the families into groups and told them where to stand. I basically got to stand back and take the pictures. That made things go a lot faster for me.
We had some extra time thanks to the quick family pictures, so I took the bride and groom to the Oak Allee. Sadly, the beautiful ivy-covered house that is the backdrop for these pictures had a truck parked in front. So we started on the far end of the Oak Allee and kept the house a bit more out of focus in the background. After the Oak Allee, we returned to the Kimbels for more sunset pictures by the mossy oaks. You can especially see the use of my off-camera flash lighting in these pictures. Balancing the subjects with the sunset in the background.
Nighttime long exposure pictures under the lights
The reception was a lot of fun. Everyone had a lot to drink that evening, so the dancing got pretty wild. Even the kids were on the dance floor showing off their moves. One little guy showed everyone how to floss properly.
I took the bride and groom out for some after-dark pictures under the lights hanging from the trees in front of the Kimbels restaurant in Wachesaw Plantation. I put a single flash behind the couple to separate them from the background. I think this turned out really nice. I also took out my tripod and did a few long exposure shots of the restaurant. I really love the way it makes the lights look by using a small aperture and long exposure. Also, the clean, low noise look from shooting at a low ISO. It’s just necessary to keep the camera still for about 15 seconds.
I hope you enjoy these wedding pictures from the Kimbels at Wachesaw Plantation. If you are planning an event there, please let me know. I would be happy to help!
Ring macro – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBouquet with bride’s dress in background – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride’s dress hanging in the window light – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationRings in box – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride’s makeup – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride’s cottage for preparations – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationRing and necklace on the flowers – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride getting hair curled – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationTable details in the Kimbel’s Restaurant – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationTable details in the Kimbel’s Restaurant – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationTable details in the Kimbel’s Restaurant – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationKimbel’s restaurant is beautiful outside under the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationKimbel’s restaurant is beautiful outside under the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridesmaids in robes – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridesmaids in robes – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridesmaids lifting up the bride – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride’s son checking us out while waiting on the bride – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationMother helping bride with her dress – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom helping groomsmen with tie – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationMom putting on the veil – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationMom putting on the veil – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationMom touching bride’s face – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride looking out the window – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroomsmen having a toast – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride standing in window holding flowers – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroomsmen before the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride holding card from the groom – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride standing in front of the oaks – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful portraits of the bride before the ceremony on the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful portraits of the bride before the ceremony on the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful portraits of the bride before the ceremony on the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful portraits of the bride before the ceremony on the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful portraits of the bride before the ceremony on the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPictures with the bride and bridesmaids before the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPictures with the bride and bridesmaids before the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPictures with the bride and bridesmaids before the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPictures with the bride and bridesmaids before the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationIndividual portraits with the bride and bridesmaids – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationIndividual portraits with the bride and bridesmaids – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationIndividual portraits with the bride and bridesmaids – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationMom kissing bride on the cheek – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride’s veil blowing in the wind – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride before the ceremony by the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride standing under the large oak tree by the river – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride standing under the large oak tree by the river – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBlack and white portrait of bride under the large oak – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCreative way to seat the guests – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom fixing his shirt sleeves – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom walking to the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride walking down the aisle – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom looking at the bride – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful ceremony by the river – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom giving their vows – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom giving their vows – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPutting on the ring – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFirst kiss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationHappy couple after the ceremony – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom with their son – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFamily portraits by the river – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom shaking father’s hand – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride, mother and grandmother – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridal party portrait by the oaks – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridal party cheering for a kiss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBridesmaids and groomsmen standing in front of the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroomsmen lifting up the bride – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBlowing groom a kiss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationWedding party having fun walking together – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationWedding party having fun walking together – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFlying V pose with groomsmen – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationToast with the groomsmen – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits of the bride and groom on the Oak Allee – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom standing in front of the sunlight filtering through the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom standing in front of the sunlight filtering through the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationKiss in the evening light – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBeautiful old oaks on the river – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationLooking out at the sunset together – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFlowers in focus – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCloseup in front of the water – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits by the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortraits by the Waccamaw River – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationDip back for a kiss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationDip back for a kiss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationSunset filtering through the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationSunset filtering through the moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationTouching noses in the sunset – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCreating beautiful light using my Godox AD300 and a beauty dish – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCreating beautiful light using my Godox AD300 and a beauty dish – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCreating beautiful light using my Godox AD300 and a beauty dish – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationKiss under the hanging moss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCandles lit in the ballroom – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCandles lit in the ballroom – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCandles lit in the ballroom – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationBride and groom introductions – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFirst dance – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationFirst dance – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationDancing with grandmother – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGuys looking cool at the bar – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationLittle guy showing off his moves – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCake cutting – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPortrait under the lights hanging from the trees at the Kimbels – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationLong exposure of the Kimbels with lights hanging from the trees – Wachesaw PlantationGetting wild on the dance floor – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGetting wild on the dance floor – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGetting wild on the dance floor – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGetting wild on the dance floor – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGetting wild on the dance floor – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationShowing everyone how to floss – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationGroom dancing with bride – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationParty time – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationLifting bride into the air – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationLifting bride into the air – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPrivate last dance with everyone gone from the reception – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationPrivate last dance with everyone gone from the reception – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationSparkler exit – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationKiss in front of the sparklers – Kimbels at Wachesaw PlantationCarrying bride out of reception – Kimbels at Wachesaw Plantation
It’s great to finish out the 2020 season with some amazing weddings. Even though the weddings have been a little smaller this year because of Covid, I’ve had some of my favorites. The Kimbels…
This was my second wedding this year at the beautiful Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC. Some of my favorite wedding pictures in my galleries have been from Wachesaw Plantation. Symmes, the bride, began…
This was another stunning wedding couple that I had the privilege to photograph at the Kimbel’s Restaurant at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC. I’ve had a couple of weddings there this year that…
I always love going to Wachesaw Plantation for a wedding. The oak trees on the Waccamaw River make an excellent backdrop for pictures, especially at sunset. It’s been a long time since I’ve photographed…
