Newlywed couple snuggle on park bench surrounded by pink flowers

Sunday Brunch Wedding | Wickliffe House

Charleston Brunch Wedding Experience Looking for an affordable way to have your dream wedding in Charleston, SC? Why not have a Sunday brunch wedding like Amanda & Ben did at the Wickliffe House? I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this delightful daytime wedding! Neither Amanda nor Ben are originally from Charleston as were the majority of their…

blonde model in white robe and nightgown sits on green couch surrounded by greenery

Boudoir Portraits on Your Wedding Morning

Wedding Morning Boudoir Portraits I most definitely think you should incorporate a mini session of boudoir portraits on your wedding morning before stepping into your dress.  But first, let me clarify what boudoir photography is.  The word boudoir is French and refers to a woman’s bedroom or private dressing room. Boudoir photos are intimate photos…

Elope in Charleston the Most Romantic City

Elope in Charleston the Most Romantic City Sometimes the best-laid wedding plans get ruined by a shocking pandemic sweeping the world! I know a lot of couples out there are feeling overwhelmed and lost. They had planned a big celebration of love, but it just didn’t feel right to move forward with their wedding if…

Outdoor wedding photography Charleston SC

Charleston Bridal Portraits | Best of 2020 | Leigh Hayward Photography

Why Bridal Portraits? Bye Bye 2020! I’m sharing what brings me joy from this past year, so this journal post is all about my best 2020 Charleston bridal portraits. Photographing bridal portraits is what set this little wedding photographer’s heart on fire!! I just absolutely adore them. Even better if we photograph them on a…

Newlyweds kiss in front of their wedding party dressed in formal Indian Wedding attire

Charleston Indian Fusion Wedding | Harborside East | Krutika & Brad

“We spoke with a few photographers, but the vibe and connection with Leigh was instant. She was so positive and open to listening to our needs, understanding the cultural aspects that would be needed, willing to do the research and customized a package for us that would include our multiple event wedding weekend! We could…

Newlywed couple stand inside I'on Chapel decorated with smilax greenery

Charleston Micro Wedding Inspiration | I’on Chapel

Charleston Micro Wedding  I wrote this blog to give some inspiration to the COVID-affected couples now planning a Charleston micro wedding. Planning a wedding normally is stressful, but planning a wedding during a pandemic takes stress to a whole new level. I’ve been a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC for the past 16 years and…

portrait photography

5 Must Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride

My 5 Must-Have Getting Ready Photos for Every Bride. Ladies we’ve dreamt of this day since we were little! These are the important shots you are going to want your photographer to capture regardless if you are having a big old wedding, paired down micro wedding, or elopement in Charleston. Getting Ready Photos Every Bride…

Photographer Leigh Hayward wearing a black hat and tie dyed dress stands with hand on hip

Booking a Charleston Wedding Photographer

Photography Booking Process First of all congratulations on your engagement! Many clients are curious about the booking process of a wedding photographer. For many couples, this is their first experience with professional photography. Therefore, I am going to walk you through my exact booking process so you know what to expect while working with me….

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…