Candace and Michael were married earlier this year at The Basilica of St. Peter’s in Columbia South Carolina with a reception at The Hall at Senates End to follow. I am excited to share with you a few of their gorgeous summer The Basilica of St. Peter’s wedding photos today! This sweet couple planned a darling summer wedding day that fit them and their relationship perfectly. I hope you enjoy walking through Candace and Michael’s The Basilica of St. Peter’s wedding photos today.

Wedding Day Details

As always, we started with the couple’s details and attire. Since Candace and Michael were getting ready at different locations and did not see each other before the ceremony, we planned to have their details and attire delivered to me at the church so I could photograph them alongside the other visual elements of their wedding day. Making sure my couples’ full galleries look cohesive and true to the elements of the day is one of my goals as a South Carolina wedding photographer, and I was so thankful that Candace and Michael graciously agreed to deliver their details to me to the church so I could photograph them in a way that would complement and match their final gallery.

Getting Ready Separately

Candace got ready at Parlor 818 on Divine Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Her wedding party members and mom helped her into her gorgeous gown and to calm those pre-wedding jitters.

The Bride & Her Maids

After Candace was into her gown, myself, the bride, and her wedding party traveled to The Basilica of St. Peter’s in downtown Columbia to photograph them together as a party before the ceremony. They’re gorgeous purple gowns and stunning florals really made these photos pop!

Groom’s Preparation & Portraits

While I was photographing Candace and her girls, my second shooter, Alexis, joined Michael and his groomsmen at The Aloft Hotel in Columbia for a few getting ready photos of him and them together. After he was dressed and ready to go, they met us at the Basilica of Saint peters for their pre-ceremony photos.

Blessed by the Wedding Party

One of my favorite things about Candace and Michael’s wedding day is that they requested for a moment of prayer to share with their respective wedding party members before the ceremony. It was beautiful to see each of these two people heading into their marriage union with the blessing of those closest to them.

The Basilica of St. Peter’s Columbia SC Wedding Photos

Then it was time for the beautiful ceremony with in The Basilica of St. Peter’s in Columbia, South Carolina. Candace and Michael did not see each other before the ceremony, so their reactions to each other down the aisle where so moving!

First Married Photos

After the couple is married we quickly slipped outside to grab a few just-married portraits. This is one of my new favorite things to do with my couples on wedding days!

Immediately after their ceremony and recessional, I walk with them to a nearby portrait location and photograph them together as a married couple for the first time. On wedding days, it’s easy to go straight from getting married into formal portraits then onto the rush of the rest of the day. Pulling my couples away for a few private portraits directly after their ceremony gives them a moment to enjoy the first moments of their marriage together and for me as their Columbia SC wedding photographer to capture some really sweet, intimate moments.

The Most Intimate Moment

These next two frames are my favorites from Candace and Michael’s entire wedding day. I didn’t ask Michael to kiss his new wife’s hand for a sweet pose or anything. This sweet moment was entirely candid. Michael genuinely felt SO overwhelmed and thankful for Candace and their marriage, he just gave her hand a meaningful kiss. These are the kinda moments my little wedding photographer heart lives for!

Wedding Party Portraits

After the couple was photographed with their family inside the church, we quickly photographed there for a wedding party together outside of The Basilica of St. Peter’s.

Columbia SC Wedding Photos

And then finally onto my favorite part, the pictures of a couple together! Candace and Michael explored around the grounds of The Basilica of St. Peter’s for their first photos together as a married couple. I absolutely love the way that the colors in Candace’s bouquet and Michael’s tie really pop in these photos.

Hall at Senate’s End Reception

The next step was to party! The Hall at Senate’s End and Haley Crews Events put together a beautiful reception for Michael, Candace, and their families to enjoy. DJ Kevin Snow kept the party going all night and ensured that everyone stayed on the dance floor to celebrate the couple right up to their exit!

A Birdseed Exit

The couple exited their reception under a spray of birdseed! Yes, you heard that right! Instead of using a more currently trendy wedding day tradition like bubbles or sparklers, Michael and Candace decided to have their guests throw birdseed to celebrate their exit from their reception!

Basilica of St. Peter’s Columbia SC Wedding

I hope you enjoyed these The Basilica of St. Peter’s wedding photos from Candace and Michael‘s summer wedding day held earlier this year in Columbia South Carolina at The Basilica of St. Peter’s and The Hall at Senates End. If you love these photos as much as I do, be sure to leave a comment in the comments below to let the couple know.

Candace and Michael, my friends! It was such a joy to be your wedding photographer. I can still remember sitting down in Starbucks over a year and a half ago for the first time and hearing you talk about your wedding day and your relationship. I recognized the love that you two have for each other then, and I saw that same love played out over and over again on your wedding day. I hope that you continue to grow together as a couple and as individuals. It has been such a joy getting to know you both but more, and I can’t wait to see where you both go from here! Thank you again for trusting me with all of your memories. All my love,

Vendors:

Venue: The Hall at Senate’s End

Candace’s Apparel: Jo Lin’s Bridal;  Allure, Madison James ; Betsy Johnson

Engagement Ring: Enchanted Diamonds

Wedding Ring: Jared’s

Michael’s Apparel: Men’s Wearhouse; The Tie Bar

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groomsmen suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Madeline McDonald

Wedding Cake Vendor: Lannie Finley, Owner, Sweet Nellie Annes

Wedding Favors: Handmade candles: Made by the groom

Ceremony Location: The Basilica of St. Peter’s Catholic Church

DJ for Reception:  DJ Kevin Snow

Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Haley Crews Events

Makeup Artist:  Parlour818 

Hair Stylist: Raven Mullins

Catering Company: Dupre Catering

Invitations: Invitations by Dawn

Second Shooter: Alexis Schwallier