Magnolia Gardens // A styled shoot at the plantation house |

I had already participated in two styled shoots hosted by Lauren’s ‘Styled shoots by Taylor’d Southern Events’ this year and that’s why I knew this one was going to be incredible. A couple weeks before the shoot Lauren asked for help with setting up beforehand and since I appreciate a glimpse behind the scenes, I gladly offered my help.

I had already shot a couple weddings, elopements and engagements at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens so I am pretty familiar with the location, but I had never shot at the plantation house before. If you’ve never been there, here are some highlights.

The venue was a rice plantation

and is one of the oldest plantations in the South. The historic house and gardens are located on the Ashley River, surrounded by huge oak trees. A diversity of wildlife, blooming flowers all year-round, many ponds and colorful bridges make it really charming and definitely worth a visit. No question it’s a popular wedding venue in Charleston and the perfect setting for a styled shoot.Since I helped setting up before all photographers arrived I got a glimpse at how much work, planning and logistics go into a shoot that size. I can only imagine how many hours of work and labor really were put into it beforehand.

You certainly realize how you depend on so many different vendors, you have to be a master of time management and you need nerves of steel to not quit a day before the event. You could clearly tell that Lauren has done this before. She was constantly on the phone, answering questions, solving problems and finding new bridal gowns at the last minute!!The final shoot started later in the afternoon and I loved that we were still shooting at sunset. Let me tell you, the venue turns into a magical dream right when the sun disappears behind the trees and the beams start shining through the Spanish moss. We had the most stunning couples, beautiful rentals in different shades of blue and a pretty awesome time