Whenever a wedding photographer relocates to a new state, there is a lot of work on the back end that takes place to develop brand recognition. One of my favorite ways is partnering up with other photographers and second shooting. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to local vendors and explore properties so you have first-hand experience in the space. Jenna and Dylan’s Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding day was the first time I was able to photograph on property. Although they weren’t my couple, I still treat every photographer’s client like my own and ensure their expectations are exceeded. Here’s a look at how second shooter images can add so much dimension to a gallery.
Getting ready at Montage Palmetto Bluff
I stayed with Dylan at his family home on property. It was so special to photograph him getting ready with his parents in their home and waiting for Jenna to arrive for their first look. If your getting ready locations are separate from the ceremony and reception venue, it’s a great idea to include a second shooter so we can be present for each person’s wedding morning moments. Driving (or running) between hotels or Airbnb homes eats a lot of important time before first looks or portraits. Having two photographers present when getting ready at different destinations is one of the few moments I recommend having a second photographer.
Sweet details from Jenna and Dylan’s Montage Palmetto Bluff first look moment. Parents were watching from the porch as the pair saw each other for the first time. They brought a film photographer friend along to take some one-of-a-kind large-format photos. When the main photographer is focusing on traditional portraits, the second shooter focuses on details: hands, bouquets, candids of family members, and things that the couple can see from their perspective.
Montage Palmetto Bluff wedding venue has so many beautiful landscapes for portraits. With two chapels, two ballrooms, scenic lawns, and landings along the May River, there are so many gorgeous spaces to design your day. Jenna and Dylan chose Somerset chapel for their ceremony. Filled with baby’s breath and bright white roses, this elegant space looked dreamy with their colorful wedding party attire.
Somerset chapel wedding photos
Somerset chapel is filled with beautiful natural light. This cloudy wedding day had rain plans on deck- including a clear top tent for the reception. This space is still beautiful on a dark day thanks to the big windows on three walls.
Photographing details at Montage Palmetto Bluff
Guests were transported to cocktail hour in classic trolleys and vintage buses. This means the creative team had very little time to photograph the reception space before guests arrived. I headed over to Moreland Landing to photograph all the details the design team put together for their seated dinner. A whiskey trailer and custom dance floor wrap personalized the space. This montage palmetto bluff wedding was colorful and trendy with wishbone chairs, velvet linens, and wild blooms.
Reception details can elevate any venue. Moreland Landing may seem rustic in its bare state, but adding textures, lighting, custom rentals, and great entertainment can make any property feel unique. I loved this vinyl overlay on the dancefloor. This element makes a huge impact and it’s so great for guest photo content!
Moreland Landing wedding reception
Jenna and Dylan’s Moreland Landing wedding reception was full of fun moments. Each wedding party member was introduced at their seats before the couple made their grand entrance. Their parents shared beautiful speeches and Dylan shared a dance with Jenna as they drank her dad’s favorite beer to honor him. Cold sparklers went off during all the reception highlights and played a huge part in keeping the energy going all night long.
Thank you to Water and Whimsy for trusting me to photograph this day alongside their team.
