Kashia + Ryan’s Intimate Elopement on Isle of Palms
Ryan and Kashia came to Charleston, South Carolina, to have a small, intimate ceremony on the Isle of Palms — and every detail of the week was planned to perfection.
A Beach House Full of the People Who Matter Most
The couple rented a beautiful home right on the island so their closest friends and family could join them for the whole week, not just the ceremony. A bright sky and strong winds rolled in that day, but instead of working against the celebration, the weather seemed to pull everyone together into one magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment.
A Surprise Years in the Making
Kashia flew in Ryan’s sister, who he hadn’t seen in years, as a surprise for him and his children. It’s the kind of gesture that says everything about who Kashia is, and it set the tone for the entire week: thoughtful, generous, and centered on family.
A Blind First Look
Instead of a traditional first look, Ryan and Kashia opted for a blind version — exchanging sweet words and a gift from Ryan while holding hands, each of them hidden from the other’s view. There’s something so tender about choosing not to see each other yet, but still needing that moment of connection before the ceremony. It’s quiet, it’s vulnerable, and it’s exactly the kind of detail that makes an elopement feel personal instead of formulaic.
If an intimate, family-filled elopement on the South Carolina coast sounds like your kind of wedding day, I’d love to help you plan one.
A whole week on the beach with your favorite people is a good way to get married. More on my wedding and elopement photography.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isle of Palms a good spot for an elopement?
Yes. Its wide beaches and easy access from Charleston make it a beautiful, low-stress spot for a small, intimate ceremony.
What is a ‘blind first look’?
It’s a private moment before the ceremony where the couple connects, through words, a letter, or a gift, without actually seeing each other yet.
Do you photograph elopements outside the Pacific Northwest?
Yes, I photograph elopements and destination weddings across the country, including Charleston and the South Carolina coast.
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