At Charleston Photo Art, we’ve had the pleasure of photographing countless weddings, and each venue brings its unique charm and challenges. One of the most enchanting venues we’ve encountered is Old Wide Awake Plantation, located just a short drive from downtown Charleston. As seasoned Charleston wedding photographers, we understand the importance of choosing the perfect venue for your big day, and Old Wide Awake Plantation is a place that never disappoints. Its rich history, sprawling landscapes, and Southern charm make it an ideal backdrop for your wedding photos. Here’s why we believe Old Wide Awake Plantation could be the perfect venue for your wedding and how we, at Charleston Photo Art, can capture your special day here.
Ideal Getting Ready Spaces for a Perfect Start
One of the most exciting moments of the wedding day is the preparation—those special hours where anticipation builds, emotions run high, and every detail comes together. Old Wide Awake Plantation offers a picturesque setting for this part of your day. The circa 1800 plantation home, with its old Southern charm, provides a serene and beautiful environment for getting ready.
Inside the house, you’ll find elegant and spacious rooms perfect for capturing those intimate pre-wedding moments. The bridal suite, with its large windows, allows for natural light to pour in, highlighting the excitement and beauty of the bride as she prepares for the ceremony. The historical elements of the house, combined with modern comforts, offer a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary style. The groom and his groomsmen also have access to comfortable and stylish spaces, providing ample opportunities for candid shots and group photos.
Beautiful Ceremony Settings to Exchange Your Vows
When it comes to the ceremony, Old Wide Awake Plantation offers a variety of stunning locations, each with its own distinct appeal. One of the most popular spots is the grand staircase of the house. With its sweeping views and architectural beauty, the staircase serves as a majestic backdrop for exchanging vows. The elevation provided by the stairs also ensures that every guest has a perfect view, and the photos taken from different angles capture the full splendor of the moment.
Another favorite location is near the pond. This serene setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle ripples of water, creates a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. The reflection of the couple in the water adds an extra layer of magic to the photos.
For those seeking a more dramatic and grand setting, the avenue of trees is unparalleled. The extensive tree-lined entrance creates a natural aisle, leading to an intimate ceremony space framed by towering trees. The dappled light filtering through the leaves adds a dreamlike quality to the photos, making this location a top choice for couples who want a fairytale setting for their ceremony.
Top Portrait Locations for Timeless Photos
Old Wide Awake Plantation is a photographer’s dream when it comes to portrait locations. The variety of settings available means that every couple can find the perfect spot to reflect their personal style and the mood they want to capture.
The house staircase is not just ideal for the ceremony—it’s also a fantastic location for portraits. The grandeur of the staircase, combined with the soft natural light that floods the area, makes it a perfect spot for romantic and timeless photos.
The wide wrap-around covered porch is another gem. The porch’s classic columns, along with the sweeping views of the plantation, provide a beautiful contrast between the couple and the historic architecture. It’s an ideal spot for capturing those quiet, intimate moments between the newlyweds.
Inside the house, the informal bar area is an unexpected yet delightful location for portraits. The ivy-covered archways under the porch add a touch of rustic elegance, creating a cozy and charming backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the formal attire of the bride and groom.
The extensive tree-lined entrance, where many ceremonies take place, is also a fantastic location for portraits. The depth and symmetry of the trees create a dramatic and captivating scene, perfect for wide shots that highlight the grandeur of the venue.
For a more open and expansive feel, the fields near the house offer endless possibilities. Whether you prefer the wild, untamed look of tall grass swaying in the breeze or the neatly manicured lawns, this area allows for creativity and variety in your portrait sessions.
Elegant Reception Photography with Stunning Details
The reception is where the celebration truly begins, and Old Wide Awake Plantation provides a perfect setting for capturing the joy and excitement of this part of the day. The 30’x70′ brushed travertine patio is an outdoor space designed with receptions in mind. It’s ideal for setting up a tent, ensuring that your guests are comfortable no matter the weather.
One of the standout features of this venue is the house’s illumination. As night falls, the lights of the house cast a warm and inviting glow over the patio, creating a magical atmosphere for your reception. This lighting is particularly beneficial for photography, as it allows us to capture stunning images without the need for harsh artificial lighting. The combination of the patio’s elegance and the house’s illumination ensures that your reception photos will be filled with warmth, light, and the joyous energy of the celebration.
Capturing Magical Sunset Moments
Sunset is often considered the golden hour for photography, and at Old Wide Awake Plantation, this time of day offers unparalleled beauty. The wide-open location of the venue means that the setting sun bathes the entire area in a soft, golden light, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere.
Whether you choose to have your sunset photos taken near the house, in the fields, or under the tree-lined entrance, the results will be breathtaking. The warm hues of the sunset, combined with the natural beauty of the plantation, create an ideal setting for capturing those tender, intimate moments between the newlyweds. These sunset photos often become some of the most cherished images from the wedding day, as they encapsulate the love and connection shared by the couple.
Unforgettable Grand Exit Ideas for a Lasting Impression
The grand exit is a moment filled with joy and celebration, and Old Wide Awake Plantation offers a perfect setting for this final moment of the day. One popular option is to have the couple exit from the house, making their way towards the tree-lined entrance. The avenue of trees creates a natural tunnel, and as the couple walks through, surrounded by their guests, the scene is perfect for capturing the energy and excitement of the moment.
Whether you choose to use sparklers, confetti, or simply the cheers of your loved ones, this location ensures that your grand exit will be both memorable and photogenic. The long, straight path of the tree-lined entrance also provides ample opportunities for capturing wide shots, allowing us to showcase the full scale and beauty of the scene.
Old Wide Awake Plantation is a venue that offers everything a couple could want for their wedding day: history, beauty, and a variety of stunning locations. As Charleston wedding photographers, we at Charleston Photo Art are passionate about capturing the unique essence of each wedding we photograph, and this venue provides endless opportunities to do just that.
From the serene getting ready locations to the romantic ceremony options, the diverse portrait settings, the enchanting reception area, and the breathtaking sunset views, Old Wide Awake Plantation is a photographer’s dream. We highly recommend this venue to any couple looking for a place that combines Southern charm with modern elegance. With our experience and expertise, we are confident that we can help you create lasting memories of your special day at Old Wide Awake Plantation.
Venue | Old Wide Awake Plantation
