a Sea Pines tented wedding

January on Hilton Head is quiet, cool and soft, and that is a gift for photographs. The sun stays low all day, so the light under the oaks never gets harsh and nobody is squinting.

Emily and Cade said their vows on a wood deck under a huge live oak in Sea Pines, with palms around them and the limbs reaching right over their heads. Their bridesmaids wore blue, which is one of the best colors you can bring to this place. It sits on all that green like it was planned that way, because it was.

Then The Tent

The reception was in a sailcloth tent at Sea Pines Country Club, with a greenery chandelier over a checkered dance floor, long tables, gold chairs and white flowers. Inside, the clubhouse had bright orange and yellow centerpieces, so the whole day had warm color from start to finish.

What I Would Take From It

Winter weddings here are underrated. You get the softest light of the year, fewer crowds in Harbour Town and a sunset early enough that portraits and dinner both fit. If you are thinking about a cooler month, look at the sunset times and plan the portraits first.