Bohemian Bridal Portraits with Charleston Artist Sam
Sam is an engaged, fiercely talented artist based in Charleston, SC – her work is stunning, well-curated, and uniquely feminine and empowering. So when we sat down to plan her bridal portraits, I knew this couldn’t be a typical shoot.
One dress, three looks
I styled Sam in a simple white dress, then built two different layered pieces on top of it to create textured sleeves, so you’ll see three distinct looks throughout this gallery – all built around that same foundational dress.
Bohemian florals with a darker edge
For the florals, I arranged a variety of pieces including a cactus, succulents, and a floral-arranged hat, keeping the palette in deep reds and purples to give the whole look more depth than a typical bridal bouquet.
At the Sheldon Church Ruins
We shot this session among the moss-draped oaks and crumbling columns of the Sheldon Church Ruins outside Charleston – a setting almost as dramatic and layered as Sam’s own art.
Painted cakes, made together
My favorite part of this shoot might be the cakes. I wanted to fold some of Sam’s own abstract designs into the imagery, so I made two cakes and asked if she’d be willing to paint them herself – she said yes immediately. Together we decorated her two painted cakes with flowers, cacti, and succulents before the shoot even began.
If you’re an artist, a bride, or just someone who wants their portraits to feel as unique as you are, let’s build a concept together.
Building a session around one dress and a few good pieces is my favorite puzzle. I rent veils and decor from my own collection now.
Frequently asked questions
What are bridal portraits and how are they different from wedding photos?
Bridal portraits are a separate, styled session – often shot before the wedding – focused entirely on the bride, her dress, and a concept, rather than documenting the wedding day itself.
Where is a good location for moody bridal portraits near Charleston?
The Sheldon Church Ruins outside Charleston are one of my favorite spots – the crumbling columns and moss-draped oaks give portraits an incredibly dramatic, timeless backdrop.
Can I incorporate custom details like florals or props into my bridal portraits?
Absolutely – some of my favorite sessions, like this one, are built entirely around a client’s personality, from custom floral arrangements to hand-painted details.
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