Bride and groom along with wedding party stroll under oak trees at Magnolia Plantation

Outdoor Garden Wedding | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Charleston, SC

Garden Wedding Magnolia Prettiest spring garden wedding I’ve ever had the honor of photographing! This outdoor garden wedding held at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens only came to fruition because of Victoria & Matt’s instant connection when they met. Here’s how their love story unfolded.. Their Love Story In late August of 2018, Matt and Victoria…

Coupe looks on laughing as Maid of Honor gives toast at their wedding

Indoor Charleston Wedding Venues

Indoor Wedding Venues Charleston Looking for indoor Charleston wedding venues to escape the heat during the brutal summer and early fall months of South Carolina. Here are my favorite three air-conditioned venues so your wedding guests don’t melt off their seats. All three of these indoor Charleston wedding venues are large enough to hold both…

newlywed couple hug each other under bride's veil on top of the roof of the Cedar Room

The Cedar Room Wedding | Downtown Charleston, SC | Brianna + Jacob

Brianna & Jacob Cedar Room Wedding I am so excited to share photos I took at this stylish Cedar Room wedding! Brianna and Jacob are a military couple, currently living on Daniel Island, who couldn’t wait to spend their forever with each other. Unfortunately, their wedding was planned for March 2020 and had to be…

Newlywed couple snuggle on park bench surrounded by pink flowers

Sunday Brunch Wedding | Wickliffe House

Charleston Brunch Wedding Experience Looking for an affordable way to have your dream wedding in Charleston, SC? Why not have a Sunday brunch wedding like Amanda & Ben did at the Wickliffe House? I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this delightful daytime wedding! Neither Amanda nor Ben are originally from Charleston as were the majority of their…

blonde model in white robe and nightgown sits on green couch surrounded by greenery

Boudoir Portraits on Your Wedding Morning

Wedding Morning Boudoir Portraits I most definitely think you should incorporate a mini session of boudoir portraits on your wedding morning before stepping into your dress.  But first, let me clarify what boudoir photography is.  The word boudoir is French and refers to a woman’s bedroom or private dressing room. Boudoir photos are intimate photos…

Elope in Charleston the Most Romantic City

Elope in Charleston the Most Romantic City Sometimes the best-laid wedding plans get ruined by a shocking pandemic sweeping the world! I know a lot of couples out there are feeling overwhelmed and lost. They had planned a big celebration of love, but it just didn’t feel right to move forward with their wedding if…

Outdoor wedding photography Charleston SC

Charleston Bridal Portraits | Best of 2020 | Leigh Hayward Photography

Why Bridal Portraits? Bye Bye 2020! I’m sharing what brings me joy from this past year, so this journal post is all about my best 2020 Charleston bridal portraits. Photographing bridal portraits is what set this little wedding photographer’s heart on fire!! I just absolutely adore them. Even better if we photograph them on a…

Newlyweds kiss in front of their wedding party dressed in formal Indian Wedding attire

Charleston Indian Fusion Wedding | Harborside East | Krutika & Brad

“We spoke with a few photographers, but the vibe and connection with Leigh was instant. She was so positive and open to listening to our needs, understanding the cultural aspects that would be needed, willing to do the research and customized a package for us that would include our multiple event wedding weekend! We could…

Newlywed couple stand inside I'on Chapel decorated with smilax greenery

Charleston Micro Wedding Inspiration | I’on Chapel

Charleston Micro Wedding  I wrote this blog to give some inspiration to the COVID-affected couples now planning a Charleston micro wedding. Planning a wedding normally is stressful, but planning a wedding during a pandemic takes stress to a whole new level. I’ve been a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC for the past 16 years and…

portrait photography

5 Must Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride

My 5 Must-Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride. Ladies we’ve dreamt of this day since we were little! These are the important shots you are going to want your photographer to capture regardless if you are having a big old wedding, paired down micro wedding, or elopement in Charleston. Getting Ready Photos Every Bride…