Holly’s Bridal Portraits

Since everyone has enjoyed reading Holly & Chad’s wedding story view it here: https://richbell.com/for-better-or-worse-in-sickness-and-in-health-chad-hollys-incredible-wedding-day-2/ Here are some of the photos from the Bridal Shoot, two days before the wedding. This shoot was at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant.  Holly looked absolutely gorgeous, as she did on her wedding day!












For better or worse, in sickness and in Health… Chad & Holly’s Incredible Wedding day!

When I met with Chad and Holly about photographing their wedding, I would have never thought things would turn out the way they did! Their engagement session was lots of fun. Holly’s bridal portrait session was on Wednesday, just 2 days before the wedding. (View Holly’s Bridal Portraits: https://richbell.com/hollys-bridal-portraits/) We spoke about plans for the wedding, specifics about the timeline and other plans for the day. Then on Friday, I got a call from Holly’s mom, Neva. I knew immediately by the tone of her voice something very serious was wrong. She told me Chad was in a serious car accident early that morning, in which he flipped his car 4 times! He has a fractured his L1 vertabrae,  so he couldn’t stand or even sit up. Somehow they convinced the hospital to transport Chad to the Francis Marion Hotel, so he and Holly could get married.  The ceremony was Chad’s hotel suite surrounded by their parents, the wedding party, a videographer, Mell Bell and myself, with Melanie Epps Murray performing the ceremony. Chad and Holly then spend some time together, while the wedding party walked in to the processional. Guests sat waiting for the ceremony to start, some of them not knowing anything about the accident. The Officiant then told everyone the news and the video was played. There were many tears shed watching the video of Chad and Holly say their I Do’s just minutes before upstairs.  Permanent Vacation played Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” as the wedding party and all Virginia Tech Grads ran with Holly (just like when the football team takes the field)! Holly was surrounded by family and friends showing their love and support, while others went upstairs to see Chad. Holly was so strong through the night. She was overwhelmed about cutting the cake without Chad.  So her sister wiped her tears and the brides maids joined her to cut the cake and feed Holly her bite of cake. Everyone danced and had a fabulous time, watching Holly and her bridesmaids join the band onstage. What a night…  Chad and Holly truly showed what it means when you say the vows, for better or worse, in sickness and in health… Congratulations Holly Ryffel and Chad Dennis, your love is beautiful!
















Stephanie & David’s intimate Magnolia Plantation Wedding

Stephanie & David were looking for a destination to have their wedding. Stephanie had visited Magnolia Plantation one time while she was growing up. It must have made quite an impression on her, because they started to consider Magnolia for their wedding. Once they saw the very large Live Oak tree near the Carriage House, they knew they wanted to get married under that tree. So we went on a morning photo walk after their first glance and then the said their vows under the tree. My favorite moment was when we were photobombed by a Donkey!













Jessica & Doug’s elegant Wild Dunes Ceremony & Reception

Jessica put lots of thought into every detail of her wedding. All the details were absolutely gorgeous from with long family style tables with white, gold and black to the cafe lights throughout the tent. Every place setting had a handwritten card to each guest with a photo frame and individual photo of that guest. It was a truly special day for this couple!















Sweet Grass

The Sweet Grass Flowers in Downtown Charleston aren’t expensive ($1-3 each).  If you’re with a pretty lady downtown, always buy her one.







Charleston Wedding Photography- Courtney and Mark at Magnolia Plantation

Courtney and Mark had their rehearsal at the Charleston Visitor’s Center, which included a unique cake of their cat Henlee.

Their wedding was at the Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation, where some sweet Jewish traditions took place. What’s not to love about the Hava Nagalia and Blue Steel?

Wedding at Mary’s at Falls Cottage at Reedy River Park

I wanted to post some selected pages from Michelle and Brian’s album design.  Enjoy!











































Wedding at Fall’s Cottage at Reedy River in Greenville, SC

I think maybe our best wedding ever.
























Just One

Just had to post this one while I was working on it.  Captured the weekend before last at Reedy River Falls Park at Mary’s Cottage on the Falls.  Love this one.