As a travel junkie and destination wedding photographer, it is always my goal to capture a couple in any state that I visit. One day, I hope photograph couples in all 50 states! As part of this project, I offer a free couples’ session to any deserving pair that contacts me through Instagram. 

I met Mariah, the lovely ‘once-bride’ in this session, through The Rising Tide Society and she built my website from scratch! I never met her in person until I was traveling to South Carolina for a bachelorette. She and her husband Josh drove from Aiken to make this shoot a reality! I have always wanted to shoot at White Point Garden and having Mariah and Josh pose as their 2 year anniversary gift to one another was just the most amazing experience.

When snapping their portraits, I noticed their tattoos (because I LOVE ink). The story behind their tats cracked me up. Mariah wanted to get tattoos after they were married as a testament to their love. To convince Josh, she had to read any book of his choosing which he assumed she would never do. One week and book report later, they were one their way to get their fresh new ink featured in these photos!

The two grew up in the same town and even went to the same church but did not start dating until high school. I really just loved being around them and felt like we clicked instantly. When the session ended and we walked our separate ways, I kept feeling like I wanted to stay and hang out with them! Hopefully I will see them on the East Coast soon. 

Today’s couples tend to celebrate every year of love and commitment not just the day day they marry. I hope this shoot inspires more anniversary sessions in the Carolinas and worldwide!