Cassie and Jonathan’s rainy wedding day at Pawleys Plantation

This beautiful wedding was another one from last summer that I didn’t have time to post on my blog. It was at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island. We had a cloudy day with a bit of rain throughout the afternoon. Even with the weather, they had a lovely outdoor ceremony overlooking the golf course, and a bit of sunset came out right at the end of their couple’s portraits.

My wife was assisting me as a second photographer at this wedding, so when we arrived, she went to take pictures with Jonathan and his twelve groomsmen while I took the photos with Cassie and her ten bridesmaids. I always recommend two photographers when you have a huge wedding party. I love using the double doors near the bride’s room at Pawleys Plantation for portraits showing off her dress with the bright light of the doorway. We next went out on the side porch steps for some pictures with Cassie and her bridesmaids.

First look on the golf course

Cassie and Jonathan wanted to do a first look to get some pictures done before the ceremony. From what I remember of the day, the rain started coming down shortly after the first look. In fact, you can see the rain falling in the pictures with the groomsmen. It threw off our plans a bit, so we moved under the front porch of the clubhouse for shelter from the rain. I’ve done so many weddings at Pawleys Plantation that I know exactly where to go to still get a pretty background for pictures, even in the rain.

Thankfully, the rain stopped, and we returned to the steps behind the clubhouse and on the golf course for more pictures of the wedding party. I especially loved the shots with the group on the steps behind the bride and groom, cheering for them as they kissed. It’s hard to keep together twenty-two bridesmaids and groomsmen for pictures, but they all did a nice job cooperating for me.

Ceremony and pictures on the golf course

The rain stopped in time for the ceremony, and the overcast weather was nice for keeping the harsh shadows off their faces. The couple had the specific request to do a dip and kiss with all the guests cheering in the background after the ceremony. It’s good to let me know a request like this because I can be ready with my wide-angle lens to capture everyone in the background instead of focusing closely on just the couple.

Immediately after the ceremony, we went out on the golf course for pictures. Because of the weather, we took the opposite route I would usually do, instead starting on the golf course green overlooking the marsh. It started sprinkling on us again during the pictures. You can see some raindrops falling around them. Toward the end, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. It was earlier than I would typically like to be out there for sunset pictures. However, the bright sunlight filtering through the ancient oak trees on the marsh still made a beautiful background for the images. In an area with many mossy trees, even pictures an hour or two before sunset can be lovely.

Fun reception dancing with a band

If I remember correctly, they had the Emerald Empire Band for the reception. They are a group that sends out different members, so it’s not always the same people. They did a great job, and everyone had a blast on the dance floor. I love it when almost everyone at the reception, even older adults, is having fun on the dance floor. At the end of the event, they exited with sparklers and left on a golf cart. If you are planning a wedding at Pawleys Plantation, let me know. I’ve done so many wedding there for over 15 years, I know the area well and would be happy to help.