There are certain sessions that instantly remind me why I love being a photographer — and Emily and Luke’s engagement session in Charleston, South Carolina was absolutely one of them. From the very first moment we met that morning, the air felt calm and full of possibility — like Charleston itself had decided to put on a show just for us.
Emily and Luke wanted a session that felt authentic, relaxed, and deeply Charleston, so we chose to photograph South of Broad, one of my favorite areas in the entire city. The plan was simple: no strict map, no schedule — just wander through the historic streets and let the soft light and Southern charm guide us. And honestly, that’s exactly what made it so perfect.
Wandering South of Broad
The South of Broad neighborhood in Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, pastel homes, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Every corner feels like a painting, and every doorway tells a story. We started our session near Tradd Street, where the morning light filtered through the branches just right. From there, we wandered toward Church Street and East Bay, stopping whenever something caught our eye — a burst of bougainvillea, a weathered blue door, or a bit of sunlight peeking through the trees.
One of my favorite things about photographing in Charleston is that no two sessions ever look the same. The light changes, the flowers bloom differently, and couples bring their own energy and story to every spot. With Emily and Luke, everything felt joyful and effortless — full of laughter, inside jokes, and those quiet in-between moments that make engagement photos truly special.
The Details That Made It Beautiful
Emily wore a white drop-waist dress from Abercrombie, a timeless and feminine style that’s become one of the most popular engagement trends right now. It fit the setting perfectly — simple, elegant, and romantic, with a bit of movement that photographed beautifully. Luke complemented her look with a classic, neutral outfit that kept the focus on their connection and the beautiful Charleston backdrops.
We took plenty of behind-the-scenes videos and clips throughout the session — because I love showing the fun, candid side of these moments, not just the posed ones. You could tell how much Emily and Luke genuinely enjoyed being together, which always shines through in the photos.
Iconic Charleston Stops — The Battery and The Pink House
No Charleston engagement session is complete without a stroll along The Battery. The ocean breeze, palm-lined promenade, and view of the pastel mansions make it one of the most iconic places to photograph in the city. We paused there to capture a few wide shots, letting the water and skyline frame their quiet moments together.
From there, we made our way toward one of Emily’s top requests — “The Pink House” on Bay Street. If you’ve been to Charleston, you probably know this spot: it’s one of the city’s oldest buildings and easily one of its most photographed. The soft blush tones of the house paired perfectly with Emily’s dress, and it was clear that this was a must-have for her gallery. I love when couples bring personal wishes like that — it makes the session feel even more meaningful and tailored to their story.
By the end of our time together, we’d explored so many corners of South of Broad that I lost track of our exact route — but that’s the beauty of Charleston. It’s a city that rewards wandering.
Why I Loved This Session So Much
I absolutely loved this session. It was relaxed, natural, and filled with all the little things that make Charleston engagement photos so timeless — soft light, charming streets, and genuine love. Emily and Luke trusted the process completely, and that allowed us to capture so many authentic, emotional images.
For me as a Low Country engagement photographer, these are the sessions that stand out: when a couple simply enjoys being together and lets the city become part of their story. No matter how many times I photograph South of Broad, it always feels new — a reminder that love and light make every corner look different.
Tips for Planning Your Charleston Engagement Photos South of Broad
If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of your own Charleston session, here are a few tried-and-true tips from my experience photographing here often:
1. Where to Park
Parking can be tricky South of Broad, but not impossible! Early morning or evening sessions are ideal because traffic is lighter and parking opens up near The Battery, East Bay Street, or Waterfront Park. If you prefer convenience, there’s a nearby parking garage at Concord and Cumberland, which is just a short walk from some of the best photo spots.
2. Best Time for Photos
Lighting makes all the difference in Charleston. The early morning hours are quiet and peaceful — perfect for getting those soft, pastel tones the city is known for. Golden hour before sunset is also magical, especially along The Battery when the light reflects off the water.
3. What to Wear
Charleston’s architecture and scenery are warm and textured, so softer tones always photograph beautifully here. Think white, blush, tan, light blue, or muted florals. Dresses with flow, texture, or subtle details (like Emily’s drop-waist) look amazing in motion. Avoid harsh colors or large patterns that can compete with the charming backdrops.
4. Key South of Broad Photo Spots
- The Battery: Palm trees, waterfront views, and stately Southern homes.
- The Pink House on Bay Street: A must for a pop of color and Charleston history.
- Tradd Street & Church Street: Quiet, picturesque, and filled with charming details.
- Stoll’s Alley: Narrow, cobblestone, and utterly romantic.
- Waterfront Park & the Pineapple Fountain: A classic Charleston favorite, especially for golden light.
5. Make It Your Own
While there are countless iconic spots, don’t be afraid to wander! Some of the best Charleston engagement photos come from the spontaneous, unscripted moments — turning a corner and finding a hidden courtyard, a wrought-iron gate, or a street completely to yourselves.
Let’s Capture Your Love Story in Charleston
Charleston truly is one of the most romantic places for engagement photos — from the pastel houses to the cobblestones under your feet. Emily and Luke’s South of Broad session was the perfect reminder that love stories here never feel the same twice.
If you’re recently engaged and planning your Charleston engagement session, I’d love to help you design something beautiful and personal. Whether we wander South of Broad, chase light along The Battery, or find hidden gems together, we’ll create timeless images that tell your story.
Learn more or inquire today at alexasmithphotography.com
