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Charleston Backyard Wedding | A Surprise Celebration

As a photographer, every wedding I capture is unique — but Bailey and Ben’s Charleston backyard wedding was one of the most unforgettable celebrations I’ve had the joy of documenting.

The Surprise

What guests thought was an engagement party quickly turned into something much bigger. While everyone mingled in the backyard, Bailey quietly slipped away to change into her wedding dress. At the same time, Ben stood in front of their friends and family and announced: “Surprise! We’re getting married right now. Everyone form an aisle!”

A joyful crowd of loved ones instantly came together in the backyard, lining up to create the most spontaneous and heartfelt aisle. They began the ceremony right then and there — intimate, unpolished in the very best way, and overflowing with joy. As a result, it was the perfect start to their surprise Charleston backyard wedding.

The Setting for a Charleston Backyard Wedding

Bailey and her floral team transformed the family backyard into a dreamy garden party. Andraya Northrup designed lush florals that added romance and color at every turn. Guests laughed, cheered, and wiped away happy tears as Bailey walked down the aisle to an orchestral version of Somebody to Love by Queen — a song close to her heart.

Charleston Backyard Wedding Celebration

Their old roommate Nick officiated, King BBQ catered, and guests filled the night with laughter, dancing, and endless blooms. In addition, the surprise element made the celebration feel even more alive. With the secret revealed, the energy never dipped. Finally, the dance floor opened, and it stayed packed until the very end.

If you love Charleston weddings, you might also enjoy more wedding galleries from my portfolio — each one with its own unique story and charm.

The Details

  • Venue: Private family home, Charleston, SC
  • Florals: Andraya Northrup
  • Catering: King BBQ
  • Photography: Perry Hancock Photography

✨ Closing
This Charleston backyard wedding was intimate, joyful, and filled with personal touches that made every moment unforgettable. I’m so honored I got to be the one to preserve these memories for Bailey and Ben.

Weddings
August 19, 2025

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Charleston Backyard Wedding  A Surprise Celebration

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I’m not the photographer who will turn your day into a production or pull you out of a moment for a staged shot. My work lives in the space where documentary meets editorial — honest and unscripted, but shaped with an artist’s eye for light, composition, and mood. I’m not strict, and I’m not there to control your every move. I guide when it matters — finding the best light, easing you into a natural pose — but I’m just as comfortable stepping back, letting life unfold, and catching the beauty in what’s already there.

For me, photography isn’t about checking boxes on a shot list. It’s about creating a living, breathing record of a moment in time — something that will feel as true and beautiful decades from now as it does today. I want you to look back and remember the sound of the laughter, the weight of the hug, the way the air felt at golden hour. That’s the magic I’m after.

If you value photographs that feel like you — not a trend, not a performance — then we’ll work beautifully together. You’ll get a gallery that is real, artful, and timeless, made by someone who sees you as more than a client — I see you as a story worth telling well.


Honest, timeless,
and beautifully
unscripted

From the very first conversation, we knew Perry was the photographer we wanted to trust with our wedding at the Space & Rocket Center. She has a calm confidence that immediately put us at ease, and her eye for detail is unmatched. Perry didn’t just show up to take photos — she came prepared, communicated clearly every step of the way, and made us feel like we could be fully present in the day while she captured it all.

Our wedding was filled with so many moving parts — from portraits under the towering Saturn V rocket to our reception surrounded by museum exhibits — and Perry somehow managed to capture the grandeur and the quiet, intimate moments we’ll cherish forever. She made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera, and we could tell she genuinely cared about telling our story, not just filling a gallery.

When we look at our photos now, we see more than beautiful images — we see our love, our friends and family, and the magic of that day exactly as it felt. Perry poured her heart and soul into our wedding, and it shows in every single frame. We can’t imagine having trusted anyone else.


Lexi & Adam

Perry is amazing! I’m so grateful I found her to capture such a special season in my life. From the moment we met, she was kind, professional, and instantly put me at ease. She has this calm, confident presence behind the camera that made me feel beautiful and comfortable — even when I was feeling anything but graceful in the third trimester!

Her editing style is timeless and true-to-life, and the way she captured both the quiet, intimate moments and the joy of this season absolutely took my breath away. When I received my gallery, I couldn’t stop scrolling — every image felt like a piece of my story preserved forever. Perry’s talent, warmth, and genuine care make her one of a kind, and I know these photographs will mean even more to me as the years go by.

rachaeL  MaLone

There are truly no words to describe how amazing Perry was in capturing the most important day of our lives at Lake Martin. From the moment she arrived, she made us feel so valued and celebrated. I felt confident, beautiful, and completely myself in front of her camera — she has a way of hyping you up while also making you feel calm and comfortable.

Her talent is unmatched — every image feels like the best version of our day, preserved forever. Perry isn’t just a photographer; she’s someone who invests in you, cares about your experience, and becomes a true friend in the process. I couldn’t recommend her more — 10,000/10.

SarA & Jacob

If you're looking for a family photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also kind, patient, and professional—look no further than PerryAnn! We did a family portrait session with her, and it was truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.

She was so patient and gentle with our newborn, which made a huge difference in keeping things calm and natural. What really stood out was her ability to guide us through poses in a way that felt easy and comfortable. No awkwardness, just genuine moments captured beautifully.

The final photos absolutely exceeded our expectations. They were delivered quickly and are now proudly displayed all around our home. We've already received so many compliments, and each time we look at them, we're reminded of how grateful we are to have worked with PerryAnn.

Highly, highly recommend her to anyone wanting timeless, heartwarming family portraits. You won’t be disappointed!

alex annE & MichaeL

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