Meet Shelby and Johnny, they're expecting!

Booking a last minute babymoon and don't know where to go? My vote is always going to be CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA! Johnny and Shelby heard me calling them I guess- haha! I think if you've seen my previous work you know there is something I just LOVE about doing maternity sessions at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. And spring is really the only time I recommend because you just can't beat the spring blooms here in Charleston. Funny enough though, if you're not from here you probably don't know when the southern spring actually starts and of course that is weather dependent. But after eight years here in Charleston I can tell you that spring actually starts to make it's way into our lives here in late February and spring blooms can start as early as that last week in February into mid-March. It's rare they hand on until mid-April, but since we've had so many sporadic cold snaps, the flowers in the shade held on just long enough for Shelby and Johnny's session on April 15th. 

Johnny is really into video and taking his own pictures and I could tell he had an absolute blast here at Magnolia. He even showed me a cool trick or two with his phone, I was blown away at the amazing shots he was getting on his iPhone as I stole Shelby away to grab some special portraits of her. We chatted about how photographers like myself who have been working since film tend to be very methodical and intentional with our work and he was spot on. I've always heard that from other people too, but it really is so true. When you're used to working with a roll of film with only 12-24 exposures you really try your best to make every shot count and really play out everything from the pose to the lighting in your head to get it perfect in camera. 

Magnolia Gardens was the perfect spot for them though, being a place they already wanted to visit while they were on their babymoon it was such a pretty morning with a cool breeze and a perfect opportunity to show them all the little garden nooks this place has to offer. 

This was actually the first time a mom-to-be has not taken me up on using anything from my client closet. Trust me, I was tempted to bring something, but I actually thought Shelby did an amazing job selecting dresses for herself that were both comfortable and totally her personality. They were all super comfortable for her as well which is key when spending usually just over an hour wandering the gardens. 

So this is funny, Shelby was telling me about how they might swing up to Cypress Gardens and how she brought a large brim sunhat with her to do some pictures of her own. Of course I jealous and make Johnny go get the hat from the car. I mean not sorry though, these are adorable and so fitting for the last couple of shots we had planned over by the red bridge and conservatory area. 

If you're thinking about babymooning to Charleston, you know who to call!