It was another busy weekend on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.  There was a church Yard Sale, The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse was opened up to the public and 7 rescued turtles were released back into the ocean on Saturday!

Veronica came along!  She enjoyed her first photography lesson.

Good-bye!

At 10 am yesterday morning over 700 came to participate in this year’s IOP Rec Center Easter Egg Hunt.  There was lots for the kids to do before and after the hunt and everyone had a great time.  Jef Wilson (yes with one ‘F”) sang and played his guitar, the children danced, played in the jump castle, slides and obstacle course, had the chance to have their face painted and ice cream was being served!

HAPPY EASTER!

During my time with Jen and Josh on Sunday I took a few shots here and there!  Jen and Josh’s Getting to Know You Session will be up in a day or two!  It was such a nice day Sunday…the first in a long time! 

I loved this little boy and his mom!  I took this while I was waiting for them to arrive.

This guy was doing tricks on his bike by the fountain. The flower boxes around downtown are all so beautiful. 

Jen, Josh and I headed to Red’s for some good food and drinks before we went to the beach to finish our photos at sunset!  I didn’t take any photos of them at Red’s!

At the end of my day I stopped off to shoot this pretty photo before heading home.  It was a spectacular sunset

Yesterday, Veronica and I spent a good part of the day at Cypress Gardens. It is my second “Life in the Lowcountry” entry and I hope as this section grows, you will take advantage of some of the suggested places to visit and experience them for yourselves.

Located near Charleston, in Moncks Corner, Cypress Gardens offers visitors the rare experience of being one with nature as they explore the swamp on flat bottom boats or wander on meandering trails. Visit the Butterfly House, Aquarium, Reptile Center, Crocodile Isle & Aviary. See cypress knees and mirrored reflections of trees. Experience one of the world’s most fascinating natural environments, and a place the whole family will enjoy! Veronica is a nature enthusiast and loves animals so for this 13 year old, the day was fun (even WITH mom and her camera!)

There are demonstrations that go on with the animlas at different times of the day and you can take a guided tour of the swamps or just take your own boat out and enjoy the scenery!

I have also photographed a few weddings here and done a trash the dress session. It is amazing the things you can do here and what you will see. There are about 4.5 miles of walking paths, a wedding garden, nature trails and 80 acres of open swamp.

March and April are the best times to come to see “Spring In Bloom”

I would love to know if you have been there or after checking this out and visiting their website if you are going to go!

tags: Cypress Gardens, Cypress Gardens wedding photography, Charleston photographers

Welcome to yet another new area of my blog called “Life in the Lowcountry.” A couple of times a month, depending on the time I have, I will be highlighting an area attraction. We live in such an amazing part of the country here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. There is rich history, gorgeous plantations, music, theatre and lots to do with children!

To start, I want to tell you about probably one of my most favorite spots, Middleton Place. I started visiting Middleton when I was in college and my family had a beach house in Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms. I could not wait to grab my camera and go with my mother for a leisurly day, strolling through the gardens, visiting the animals and having lunch.

A couple of years ago my friend Mindy Johnson started a clothing company called Bamboosa and we used the bamboo forest out at Middleton to shoot some of her clothing line.

MIDDLETON PLACE is a National Historic Landmark and a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation that has survived revolution, Civil War, and earthquake. It was the home of four important generations of Middletons, beginning with Henry Middleton, President of the First Continental Congress; Arthur, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Henry, Governor of South Carolina and an American Minister to Russia; and Williams, a signer of the Ordinance of Secession.

There is so much to see and to do for the whole family out at Middleton – this is coming soon:

SHEEP AND WOOL DAYS FESTIVAL

April 26 & 27

Experience the joys of sheep and the crafts made from their wool. See sheep dog herding and sheep being sheared. Artisans will be dyeing, spinning, weaving and knitting with wool. Enjoy a vendor’s market, wine and sheep cheese tasting, traditional lamb dishes, children’s activities and more. Advance tickets are $10 (Festival only) or $15 at the gate. Tickets including Middleton Place Gardens are $25. For additional information or tickets, call (843) 266-7479.

Some of you may not be aware of the ancient and very famous live oak that Middleton is proud to house. It is breathtaking to look at and thousands of couples have been married under her branches. Recently the tree lost some of her limbs. I have been providing note cards to their museum shop for years and they love one of my Live Oak photos. If you are interested in a print please let me know! I would be happy to get you one.

As I said, weddings out at Middleton are very popular! Here is one of my brides, Gabby!

I hope you and your family can plan a day to visit Middleton Place. There is something there for everyone! Take your camera, your sunscreen and depending on the day, your bug spray! If you have been there I would love for you to add your comments and if you have never been and decide to go, please come back and tell me all about it!