TIPS

  • The Art of Elegant Simplicity Planning a Meaningful, Memorable Wedding Without the Chaos

    A heart-to-heart conversation for the bride who values what truly matters I see you there, beautiful bride-to-be. You’re juggling career demands, family expectations, and endless wedding planning lists that seem to grow longer each day. You’re craving something different – a celebration that feels authentically you, not a Pinterest board come to life. Let me…

  • Customizing Your Wedding Photography Experience: Let’s Make It Yours

    No two love stories are the same and your wedding photography shouldn’t be either. At Leigh Hayward Photography, I believe your wedding gallery should feel like you. Not like a styled shoot. Not like someone else’s Pinterest board. But like a reflection of your story, your people, and the quiet moments that matter most. My…

  • Why Your Engagement Session is the Secret to Effortless Wedding Day Photos

    Many couples see their engagement session as a sweet bonus – a way to capture this exciting season or perhaps get a few photos for the save-the-dates or their wedding website. But what many don’t realize is that your engagement session is actually one of the most valuable investments you can make for your wedding…

  • How to Feel Natural in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

    Many couples quietly worry about one thing leading up to their wedding day: What if I don’t feel like myself in front of the camera? It’s a completely normal feeling. You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to be a model. In fact, the most beautiful wedding photographs often come from moments that are unposed,…

  • Romance in the Sky-Charleston Rooftop Proposals

    One of the most unforgettable moments I get to witness as a photographer is a proposal and Charleston truly knows how to set the stage for magic! With its historic charm, golden sunsets, and skyline views, it’s no wonder that rooftop proposals in the Holy City are becoming a favorite for couples ready to say…

  • From First Look to Last Dance: How I Capture Your Love Story Authentically

    Your wedding day is so much more than a series of events – it’s the beginning of a new chapter in the story of your life. A collection of fleeting glances, quiet anticipation, joyful laughter, and deeply meaningful moments that deserve to be remembered with care and intention. Honest, tasteful, and intensely personal storytelling is…

  • A Sophisticated Bride’s Guide to Charleston’s Historic Charm

    For the bride who values refined beauty, thoughtful details, and a deep sense of place, Charleston offers something extraordinary. Its historic charm isn’t just about grand architecture and cobblestone streets. It’s about atmosphere. At Leigh Hayward Photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories among Charleston’s most treasured landmarks. Here, I’ve gathered favorite locations…

  • 9 Tips to Slow Down and Enjoy Your Wedding Day

    Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, but if you’re not intentional, it can also fly by in a blur. As a Charleston wedding photographer with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how fast the hours go once the day begins. The good news is that there are ways…