Two years ago yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States of America ruled that the ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ was unconstitutional. This ruling gave all couples, no matter their gender, the right to marry throughout the country. Gay marriage was finally legal. Today I wanted to celebrate that momentous occasion by sharing Daniel and Cameron’s Columbia SC same-sex engagement session with you. Because of the ruling, these two incredible grooms have the opportunity to marry and start their lives together with a marriage ceremony and celebration as thousands of couples before them have.

And if you know Daniel or Cameron, then you know that their wedding going to be an incredible day full of love! These two grooms love openly, unafraid to be completely themselves with each other. I love when couples are like this, obviously, because it makes my job a whole lot easier! Y’all know I love all the kisses, laughs, and in-love moments, ha!

Daniel and Cameron are planning for their big day next summer. I’m just ecstatic to share with you all of their beautiful portraits from their Columbia SC same-sex engagement session. We explored Main Street and the Nickelodeon theater to start. Then wandered over to the University of South Carolina’s Horseshoe because Cameron is a proud USC graduate. We finished up their engagement portraits on the banks of the Congaree River with the Gervais Street Bridge in the background at sunset. Simply put, this couple is amazing, their love is beautiful, and I’m basically obsessed with these images!

I hope you enjoy browsing through Daniel and Cameron’s engagement session and that you leave some love and PRIDE in the comments for the happy couple! Happy Pride month, friends!!

Vendors:

Clothing: Express, H&M,  ASOS, Banana Republic, Denim & Flower Co.

Shoes: Steve Madden

Custom Ring: Tessa Metcalfe

Columbia SC Same-Sex Engagement Session

I loved the idea of starting out on Main Street in Columbia, and I really think these images have an edgy-urban vibe that fit these grooms’ first outfit perfectly!

How they met, in Daniel’s words:

“Cameron saw me at South Carolina Pride in 2014, and then he stalked and found me on Grindr of all places. Haha!!! He said “I found you!”, and I replied, “Well now what are you going to do?” And he said, “Take you to dinner.” He took me to Cantina 76 where we sat and drank, ate, and talked for over 3 hours…it sealed the deal. I hugged him goodbye, and our next date was 3 days later!”

How Daniel proposed, in his own words:

“I proposed to Cameron at the Magic Kingdom via a caricature! The plans were for me to propose to him on our cruise we took via karaoke. They only had karaoke on the first night of the cruise. But we were at dinner during that time so I missed my opportunity. When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom after our cruise, I had his ring in my backpack and no clue how I was getting it on his finger!

After lunch, we noticed a caricature artist and Cameron was excited since we had been wanting to do one! There were no appointments for a while so we walked away. I came back and booked the appointment and told them what I was planning. She was to draw me on one knee proposing. When the time arrived, I was beyond nervous and fidgety. A crowd was gathering and Cameron asked the artist if crowds were common. She played along and said: ‘Oh yes, it happens all the time!’

When she was finished and turned the picture around, I was on one knee and asking the big question. While Cameron was confused as to his positioning in the picture… a few (what seemed like minutes) seconds later, he realized what was going on and with tears in his eyes he said, ‘YES!!!'”

After a quick outfit change, we headed over to the USC Horseshoe for more portraits. The light was absolutely perfect for my style, and I honestly just could NOT pick out a favorite from this Columbia SC same-sex engagement session, y’all!

I’m really starting to love more candid interactions and shots for engagement sessions.  Cameron, I see you working that style and smile!!
Watch out, people, we’ve got a model over here!

OH HEYYYY, Daniel! Sheesh!! How did I get so lucky as to have you two handsome grooms as one of my couples?!

And we finished up the session right near the Gervais Street Bridge in Columbia, to ensure a few of their images held some iconic Columbia imagery. 

These last few frames might be my favorites from the whole session, to be honest with ya…

I hope you LOVED these images! And if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I want to extend my sincerest welcome to you. With Jessica Hunt Photography, you will find a photographer who joyfully celebrates all types of love, unions, and marriage ceremonies, no matter the gender, race, culture or religion involved. Thank you SO much for taking the time to admire Daniel and Cameron’s stunning Columbia SC same-sex engagement session. If you’re a same-sex couple looking for a LGBTQ+ friendly wedding photographer in South Carolina, I’m your girl! Don’t hesitate to reach out, come as you are, and let’s make something beautiful!