Emma & James’ wedding day in Charleston was filled with meaning, artistry, and the kind of moments that unfold naturally when every detail is chosen with heart.

The day began with stunning detail shots as Emma and her girls got ready in the bridal suite just beside Huguenot Church, where the ceremony would soon take place. The moment Emma handed me her details, I was genuinely speechless. Every piece of her flat lay held sentiment thoughtfully chosen, deeply personal, and full of quiet emotion.

As I finished styling the details, my second photographer and film photographer focused on candid moments unfolding around us soft laughter, gentle touches, and those in-between glances that tell the story just as beautifully as the big moments. The kind of candids you can feel.

Then came Mandalynn and her team and everything truly came to life. She has a vision in the best way. Watching each element come together was magic, especially the florals. Whitney crafted the most amazing floral arrangements. There’s something about florals that completely transforms the atmosphere of a wedding day. They don’t just decorate a space they set the tone.

The ceremony was held indoors at the historic Huguenot Church in Charleston, South Carolina. If you’ve never been, let me paint the picture. The church is a soft pink iconic and unmistakably Charleston. The current building dates back to 1844 and is designed in the Gothic Revival style. It’s also the only active French Calvinist (Huguenot) church in the United States, with services still held in French once a year.
One of the most breathtaking details? The heart pine floors. Their subtle imperfections and worn texture add to the church’s old-world charm—timeless, romantic, and absolutely stunning in photographs. The space felt intimate, reverent, and deeply meaningful as Emma & James exchanged vows.

The celebration continued at the gorgeous Gibbes Museum of Art. Cocktail hour was held upstairs among the artwork, where guests sipped drinks and explored pieces highlighting Charleston and Southern history, culture, and artists. It was such a unique and elevated experience—art, conversation, and celebration woven together seamlessly.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the final reception details were coming together under a sailcloth tent in the museum gardens. Florals were being placed, linens carefully steamed, and every element refined and ready. This is where the magic happens for photographers—those quiet moments before guests enter, when every detail is perfectly untouched.

Emma & James’ day was captured not only with love and attention to detail, but with intention—so they can remember their wedding exactly as it felt. Being trusted with a day like this is something I’ll never take lightly, and I’m so grateful to have documented such a meaningful celebration.
This day wouldn’t have been possible without this incredible team of vendors:

Emma & James
Timeless Charleston Wedding

Huguenot Church Ceremony & Gibbes Museum of Art Reception

Charleston Wedding Vendor team

Photographer: SarahKay Photography
Planner + Design: mcoweddings
Ceremony Venue: huguenotweddings 
Reception Venue: gibbesmuseumevents
Make up: galyagornishka
Hair: charlestonbridalcollab
Catering + Bar: crucatering
Cake: tenacioustart
Floral: festooncharleston
Dress: Elizabethcolebridal
Suits: menswearhouse
Stationery: Minted
Rings: skatellscharleston
DJ: otherbrotherent
Watercolor favors: emmalangart
Lighting: bunndjlighting
Primary rentals: eventworksrentals
Speciality rentals: whitebirchrentals
More rentals: curatedeventscharleston 
Tent + Dancefloor: snyderevents
Speciality Linens: stradleydavidson
Getaway pedicab: charlestonrickshaw