August 31st, 2024
The Leonard wedding at Dunes West Golf Club in Charleston, South Carolina, was the perfect blend of elegance, joy, and heartfelt moments. As an East Coast photographer who LOVES a low country elegant Charleston wedding, days like this remind me just why I love what I do so much—photographing the kindest of couples surrounded by the people they love the most and the beauty of the low country. The day began with Ansleigh and Tanner getting ready at the golf club, a very convenient part of hosting a Dunes West wedding! The couple exchanged meaningful gifts while they got dressed and made final touches: Ansleigh surprised Tanner with a beautiful watch, and another fun surprise, while Tanner gifted Ansleigh a timeless necklace for her to wear while they said their vows. These sweet exchanges set the tone for a day full of love, connection and personal touches.
Before the ceremony, Ansleigh shared an unscripted, unplanned and emotional moment with her parents and sister. This was one of my very favorite parts of the day, and why I am such an advocate for having extra moments in your timeline for these kind of exchanges to unfold naturally. While these moments can feel so fleeting on the day, someday they’ll make up your core memories of your wedding. The couple also chose to do a first look and read their vows to each other, just the two of them – a private, emotion-filled moment that allowed them to soak in some time together before the rest of the days events unfolded.
Ansleigh & Tanner’s ceremony was truly magical. As the sun set and light shined through the oak tree where they said their vows below, Ansleigh and Tanner promised forever to each other surrounded by the warm glow of a Charleston golden hour. Something that made the ceremony extra special was that the couple’s officiant was Ansleigh’s childhood pastor and close family friend. He has known the family forever, watched her grow up, and married both of Ansleigh’s sisters, too. Watching both him and Ansleigh’s parents feel emotional throughout the ceremony was a special thing to witness.
After the ceremony, we celebrated the last little bit of sunshine over Wagner Creek with family photos and saved the last bit of sunset just for Ansleigh and Tanner. Ansleigh and Tanner’s energy and love for each other made these photos effortless and full of joy.
The couple and their loved ones gathered inside Dunes West Golf Club, where their guests cheered them into cocktail hour and their first dance as a married couple. The reception and dinner was held on the second deck of Dunes West, where guests enjoyed a 360-degree view of the venue’s beautiful grounds and the creek. The candlelit tables and Charleston’s August evening breeze created the perfect atmosphere for the rest of the night. Tanner gave a touching speech, another highlight of the day for me, reflecting on how their relationship has grown and what it meant to celebrate this day surrounded by loved ones.
Once dinner concluded, the celebration shifted downstairs for cake cutting and dancing. The couple shared dances with their parents, and listened to their loved ones and family members give both emotional and hilarious toasts. One memorable moment came halfway through the night when Ansleigh realized they hadn’t done the garter toss. Tanner quickly helped her out with that right on the stairs, with laughter and cheers from their guests.
The night ended with a private last dance, just the two of them on the dancefloor. Tanner spun Ansleigh around and held onto her as if no one else existed in the world. Their loved ones cheered them on for a bubble exit, sending the couple off into the night.
Ansleigh and Tanner’s Dunes West wedding was a Charleston wedding photographer’s dream. From the golden sunset ceremony, to a welcome speech that left everyone (including me) a little misty-eyed, and a wild party to follow, every part of their day reflected their story and the way these two love each other. It was such an honor to document this special day for them, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and live music outdoors!
Venue: Dunes West Golf Club || Hair & Makeup: Kinz & Co. || Florals: Tiger Lily || Bakery: Gala Cafe & Bakery || DJ: Shane Griffin Entertainment
by Molly Harris
molly.r.photo@gmail.com
www.photosbymollyrose.com
@photobymollyrose
Molly is a Virginia wedding and family photographer who believes in a collaborative, sentimental, heart-led approach to photography.
Planning your own Charleston wedding? Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic Dunes West celebration or a day filled with lowcountry charm and elegance, I’d love to help capture your love story. Let’s connect! Contact me below:
