Romantic Charleston Engagement Photos in the Old Village District

A Clemson Love Story

Kathryn and Noah first met during their junior year at Clemson through a funny twist of connections—her freshman roommate was dating his. They all met up for happy hour bingo downtown, and Kathryn and Noah immediately hit it off. Life had other plans for a bit, and they each dated other people, but early senior year, both single again, they naturally started spending more time together. A shared class that spring and a trip to Miami for spring break brought them even closer—and they both look back on that trip as the moment their feelings deepened.

When the pandemic hit and their semester was canceled, they spent nearly all their time together—playing endless rounds of disc golf (one of the few things still open), laughing, and falling in love. After graduation, Kathryn moved to Charleston while Noah stayed in Greenville for his dream job, and for nearly two years, they spent most weekends traveling to see each other—until May 2022, when Noah moved to Charleston and they officially began their next chapter. Their first official date? Tacos during finals week—which turned into hours of conversation and closing down one of Clemson’s tiniest pubs, Nick’s Tavern.

The Sweetest Proposal in Lake Como

Four years later, while on a dreamy trip to Italy, Noah proposed during a private boat tour on Lake Como—on the same morning Kathryn unknowingly listened to The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift for the first time while getting ready. What started as a freezing, windy day turned into sunshine and calm skies. As they passed a stunning villa, the captain asked to take a photo of them—then Noah got down on one knee. Afterward, they celebrated with champagne in Bellagio, and Noah shared that Kathryn’s mom had burst into tears when he told her the plan. Without knowing it, he had mirrored her parents’ own engagement—on a boat in the middle of a lake.

A Springtime Charleston Engagement in the Historic Old Village District

Kathryn and Noah wanted their Charleston engagement photos to feel personal and reflective of their story, so choosing the Old Village District in Mount Pleasant was a no-brainer. They had lived in the area for a bit and spent lots of time wandering its quiet streets, so incorporating the charm of the Charleston Old Village District into their session made it extra meaningful.

Spring in Charleston gave us the perfect golden light and blooming florals to complement their love story. The historic streets and peaceful atmosphere of Old Village offered the perfect backdrop for capturing Charleston engagement photography that felt both timeless and intimate.

To make their session even more iconic, we ended the day with a private Charleston sailboat ride. It was a bit of a breezy day (classic Charleston!), but once we found our rhythm on the boat, the wind worked in our favor—bringing so much movement and romance to the photos. Kathryn and Noah leaned into the experience, focusing on each other, laughing, and embracing the magic of the moment.

From engagement pictures in Charleston to dreaming of their future Lowndes Grove wedding, this couple’s session perfectly captured what makes Charleston such a romantic and versatile destination for photos—historic charm, waterfront views, and a love that shines through it all. I cannot wait to celebrate their Lowndes Grove wedding next year!!

Dreaming of an iconic Charleston engagement session? Let’s do it! Find more details here!

Charleston Sailboat company: Blue Life Charters

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