South Carolina Hurricanes

I have discovered that the best way to predict a hurricane in South Carolina is to wait until the clouds start to gather and the wind starts to blow. If these two things happen, there is a really good chance that a hurricane may be coming ashore.

I have discovered that the best way to enjoy an oncoming hurricane is to surf. Thanks to the many tropical storms in the recent past that have skirted our shores there has been some phenomenal surf. I have surfed at least twice a day for the last week and I would like to thank them for the great waves.

I think the one to watch out for is Ike. If I were into making hurricane T-Shirts; I would create one that read “YIKES…WATCH OUT FOR IKE!”

Hilton Head Island Wedding

On Sunday, Mothers Day, I photographed a really, really cool wedding. The family was from outside Louisville, Kentucky and they had to be one of the nicest families I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

They rented a big house in Palmetto Dunes and the entire family was staying at the house. The wedding ceremony was just down the street at the Beach House overlooking the ocean.

It was a very simple wedding with just close friends and family in attendance but they sure had a good time. It was such a nice feeling to be able to be the photographer for such an amazing group of people. I don't think anyone stopped smiling all day long.

I left feeling better. When you are around people that kind and cool for so long and you are the one in charge documenting one of the biggest days in their lives it is difficult not to have some of their natural warmth rub off on you.

I felt honored to be their photographer. The sun broke out just before the ceremony and stayed out for just an absolutely spectacular sunset. The colors were amazing. Just perfect light for photography. The party went on into the evening and a warm ocean breeze kept the bugs at bay and air just cool enough for some good ol' fashioned dancin'

We were taking photographs at the home before the ceremony with just the family and Anna, the bride, pulled me aside and asked to take a picture of me with her. I had never had anyone ask and it was kind of cool. I have probably taken over 200,000 photographs in the last few years and I don't think I have any of me. Well, hardly any. But, it was cool. It was neat to have her ask and the photo turned pretty good. So, I thought I would share it. Here I am with Anna, a super cool bride, just a couple days ago.

The groom used to sing in a rock band in Louisville and his best man was the rythm guitarist. They were both awesome folks and I will never forget chatting about Aerosmith live in the 1970's with the brides Dad over a couple beers with the waves breaking and great people pronouncing their love for one another. A big, beautiful thing and in a world full of news that sometimes can be annoying and a shame, it feels good to see love.

south carolina wedding photographer Daniel Straine