black newlywed couple embrace at the rear of their vintage gray get away car

Best Charleston Wedding Photos 2020 | Leigh Hayward Photography

I’ll admit this post is a little late, but it is hard to motivate in January right? So here goes, peace out 2020!  However, I have to admit it 2020 wasn’t all bad. Surprisingly, 2020 was a good year for me and my business. Even though they might have looked different than originally planned, the…

My Top 4 Favorite Charleston Wedding Venues

Charleston Wedding Venues I’ve been a wedding photographer in Charleston, South Carolina for over 19 years now, which means I’ve visited a multitude of Charleston wedding venues.  Charleston is a hotspot for destination weddings and there are so many wedding venues to choose from.  If you are engaged or waiting for the ring and sneakily…

Newly eloped couple pose outside of church

Intimate Charleston Wedding | Mary-Brett + Spencer

“Leigh was the best decision ever! I’ve been in LOTS of weddings, and she’s hands down the best photographer I’ve ever encountered. We had to postpone our big wedding celebration that we originally booked her for, and she was so accommodating! We had her come take photos after the small ceremony we ended up having,…

Groom and groomsmen in navy blue tuxedos walk away from plantation house

Outdoor Charleston Wedding | Old Wide Awake Plantation | Megan + Rich

“Leigh was an absolutely amazing photographer, she is so easy to work with and her energy is fun to be around. I feel like she could turn anyone into a model with her creative posing and uncanny ability to capture your best angle and lighting. She photographed my bridal portraits and wedding and pays such…

groom leads bride down sidewalk in front of Zero George Hotel

The Gadsden House Wedding | Kristen + Clayton

Classic Southern Wedding at The Gadsden House I’m super excited to share the photos I took of Kristen & Clayton’s classic Gadsden House wedding in Charleston, SC. Read on to learn more about why this venue fits them and their love story perfectly! The couple knew they wanted to get married in Charleston, South Carolina…

bride standing near window inside Legare Waring House

Bridal Suite Tips for a Stress Free Wedding Day

Tips for the Bridal Suite from a Seasoned Photographer Why the Bridal Suite Matters It’s no secret that the bride is the focal point of a wedding day, and it all begins in the bridal suite. Whether your wedding is taking place at a huge venue with hundreds of guests or is a more intimate…

Outdoor wedding ceremony set up with clear chairs and arch made of branches and roses

Luxury Charleston Garden Wedding

Charleston Garden Vision Wedding This editorial luxury Charleston garden wedding was planned by Baylye Burnette of Burnette Events. She chose the historic Governor Thomas Bennett House because it exemplifies a true Southern old-world sophistication. Wedding Party The day began with the model brides getting their hair and makeup professionally done. Once the bride’s dresses from Gown…

newlyweds kiss and dip while covered in bride's veil

How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline

Ensure your dream day runs smoothly with a wedding day timeline A well-organized wedding timeline is a must for your wedding day! Either your photographer or wedding planner can help you create a wedding day timeline to execute your dream day. More than likely not everything will go as planned and that’s completely normal when…

couple's first look on their wedding day by side of pool

Eloping in Charleston: A Beautiful and Intentional Choice

  Why Choose to Elope? Eloping is a beautiful choice—an intentional decision to focus on what truly matters: your love and commitment to each other. As a Charleston elopement photographer, I am deeply inspired by couples who take a less traditional approach, choosing to celebrate their wedding day in a way that feels most authentic…