TIPS

  • 5 Must-Have Wedding Photos That Tell Your Unique Love Story

    When you look back at your wedding photos years from now, the images that matter most will not just be the traditional ones. They will be the photographs that bring you right back to how the day felt. The quiet moments. The emotion. The connection between the two of you. When I photograph a wedding,…

  • How to Look Effortless and Natural in Your Wedding Photos

    One of the most common things couples tell me is that they want their wedding photos to feel natural. They want to look like themselves. Not stiff. Not posed. Just relaxed, in love, and present in the moment.The truth is, looking effortless in your wedding photos has very little to do with being “good” in…

  • The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Charleston

    Choosing your wedding date is one of the first big decisions you will make when planning your wedding. As someone who photographs weddings throughout the Lowcountry, I have seen how the light and weather shift throughout the year, shaping the look and feel of your celebration. The good news is that Charleston is beautiful in…

  • Top 10 Most Romantic Wedding Venues in Charleston for Timeless Photography

    Planning a wedding in Charleston feels exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want a venue that feels right for your story. You want a place where you can breathe, slow down, and enjoy the day without stress. And you want photos that feel natural, honest, and full of quiet moments you never want…

  • A Local’s Guide to Picture-Perfect Charleston Engagement Photo Locations

    Deciding your engagement photo location in Charleston feels exciting, but it can also feel like one more thing on your long wedding to-do list. You want a spot that feels real, relaxed, and true to your relationship. You want a place where you two can breathe, enjoy the moment, and feel connected. And you want…

  • 25 Reasons to Choose Leigh Hayward Photography as Your Destination Photographer

    Planning a destination wedding comes with a hundred moving parts, from travel plans to floral arrangements. Choosing the right photographer shouldn’t add to that stress. It should feel like the easiest decision of all. Your photos are what will bring your celebration to life for decades to come, and having a professional who understands both…

  • How to Design a Wedding Album That Tells Your Love Story Beautifully

    Your wedding day is one of the most emotional and meaningful days of your life. Every laugh, every tear, every glance carries a story that deserves to be remembered, not just through photos but through something lasting and tangible. That is where your wedding album comes in. To me, an album is more than a collection…

  • 4 Locations to Hold Your Elopement Ceremony in Charleston

    The decision to elope brings its own kind of freedom, and Charleston offers you settings that honor the intimacy of your choice while providing breathtaking beauty. As an elopement photographer in Charleston, I’ve watched countless couples exchange vows in this historic city, and the location you choose becomes part of your love story itself. These…

  • Where Romance Meets History: Weekend Getaway Spots in and Around Charleston

    When love is in the air, Charleston is the perfect place to breathe it in. With its cobblestone streets, oak-shaded gardens, and slow Southern rhythm, this city doesn’t just host weddings; it inspires love stories. For travel-loving brides, a weekend getaway in or around Charleston offers the perfect balance of romance, history, and discovery. Whether…

  • Charleston Date Night Ideas for Engaged Couples Who Love Culture and Cuisine

    When you’re newly engaged, every date feels like a little celebration. And if you’re planning your wedding in Charleston, you couldn’t ask for a more romantic backdrop. This city isn’t just about cobblestone streets and sunsets on the water. It’s a place where culture and cuisine come together in the most unforgettable ways. If you…